Other meetings & events

To highlight the importance of pastoralism and the challenges and vulnerabilities of pastoral communities in the HKH region, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Nepal are launching a photo contest to mark the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026. This contest invites professional and amateur photographers, especially those from rangelands and pastoral communities, to capture the essence of pastoralism in the Hindu Kush Himalaya.Deadline: 28 February 2026. More info.

This webinar delivered by the UNCCD LAC communities of learning and practice (CLPs) will explore national experiences in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), with a focus on integrated drought management and resilience. The webinar aims to facilitate the exchange of strategies, innovations, inter-institutional coordination mechanisms and lessons learned.Key areas of discussion will include:Effectiveness of programs and measures: Identification of successful actions and the challenges encounteredInnovation beyond technical solutions: Exploration of novel approaches to water management and behavioral changeCoordination and governance: Examination of mechanisms for connecting different levels of government and stakeholders to respond to drought, with an emphasis on the active participation of local populations and communitiesLearning and resilience: Insights from past experiences, especially those rooted in traditional, ancestral and gender-sensitive knowledge, to enhance future preparednessSimultaneous English-Spanish interpretation will be provided.Date and time: 17:00-18:00 Bonn / 11:00-12:00 CaracasZoom registration: https://gwp-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/SDMfrr_DQWiu6vwuubheJwEl objetivo del seminario web de la Comunidad del Aprendizaje y Gestión de la Sequía para América Latina y el Caribe por la CNULD, es conocer experiencias nacionales en América Latina y el Caribe, con un enfoque en la gestión integrada de la sequía y la resiliencia. El seminario busca facilitar el intercambio de estrategias, innovaciones, mecanismos de coordinación interinstitucional y lecciones aprendidas.Los temas clave que se abordarán incluyen:Eficacia de programas y medidas: Identificación de acciones exitosas y los desafíos asociadosInnovación más allá de las soluciones técnicas: Exploración de enfoques novedosos para la gestión del agua y el cambio de comportamientoCoordinación y gobernanza: Análisis de mecanismos que articulen los diferentes niveles de gobierno y actores clave para responder a las sequías, con énfasis en la participación activa de las poblaciones y comunidades localesAprendizaje y resiliencia: Lecciones importantes derivadas de experiencias pasadas, especialmente aquellas basadas en conocimientos tradicionales, ancestrales y con enfoque de género, para mejorar la preparación futuraSe contará con interpretación simultánea en inglés y español.

The second UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) will be co-hosted by Ethiopia and Italy. As we approach four years since the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit (UNFSS), UNFSS+4 will provide a platform for reflecting on progress, strengthening collaboration, and unlocking finance and investments to accelerate food systems transformation. More info.

The conference will focus on strengthening international efforts to safeguard wetlands under the theme "Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future". COP15 will address topics such as aligning Ramsar's work with climate and biodiversity agendas and considering the draft of the next strategic plan. More info.

Sand and dust storms (SDS) continue to pose significant environmental, health and socioeconomic challenges in many regions across the world. To mark the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms, the UNCCD Global Communities for Learning and Practice (UNCCD-CLP) is convening a virtual expert meeting aimed at deepening understanding and catalyzing action on SDS-related issues.This expert gathering from 10:00-11:00 CEST will provide a platform for international specialists to share insights, exchange experiences and explore recent advancements in SDS monitoring, forecasting, impact assessment and mitigation. The event will feature presentations from four distinguished international experts, followed by an interactive Q&A session to engage participants and encourage collaborative dialogue.  Dust source mapping and monitoring Ali Darvishi Boloorani from the University of Tehran will present methods and tools used to identify, map and monitor the sources and transport pathways of dust emissions. Dust forecasting Enric Terradelas from AEMET and Alexander Baklanov from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) will share innovations in predictive modelingand early warning systems designed to support timely responses to SDS events. Impact assessment Peter Tozer of Massey University will discuss the wide-ranging effects of SDS, including environmental degradation, public health risks, and economic losses. Expected outcomes Increased understanding of the multifaceted challenges posed by SDS and the interlinkages with drought management and sustainable land management.Strengthened collaboration and knowledge-sharing among experts, practitioners and policymakers.Actionable recommendations to inform future policies, programs and international cooperation on measuring and combating SDS.Zoom registration: Register here