Science, Technology and Innovation Day at UNCCD COP16 focused on advancing scientific and technological solutions to support land health and resilient communities. With land degradation escalating, it aimed to bridge science and policy by engaging diverse stakeholders — research institutions, data providers, tech developers and civil society — to drive ambitious, science-based action for sustainable land management.

This thematic day will feature high-level dialogues and interactive sessions, including the launch of the International Science, Technology and Innovation Forum. Through these events, the Day sought to promote innovations that address land degradation and enhance drought resilience.

Event focus

1. Scaling up science for land and drought: Highlighted critical gaps in land and drought science and explores investment needs for advancing sustainable land management, featuring the dialogue Healing Our Land through Science and Earth Intelligence
2. Empowering young scientists: Engaged emerging researchers in discussions on land restoration, climate resilience and policy innovation through the Re-Generation Young Scientists Dialogue
3. Showcasing Earth intelligence solutions: The Science and Innovation Hub featured user-driven Earth intelligence tools for addressing land degradation, with a focus on innovative finance to advance these applications

Objectives

• Raise ambition for science and innovation: Promote the role of science, technology, and innovation in enhancing land and drought resilience
• Support emerging scientists: Encourage a new generation of researchers in land resilience, fostering intergenerational collaboration
• Integrate Earth intelligence: Emphasize Earth intelligence as a tool for sustainable land management and drought resilience

By fostering collaboration and innovation, Science, Technology and Innovation Day at UNCCD COP16 aimed to accelerate progress in land restoration and resilience building.