Discussions will center on gender-specific challenges, inclusion strategies and cutting-edge tools such as Earth Observation technologies to meet the need for tailor-made approaches in drought response. The webinar, designed for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners in environmental science, disaster risk management and sustainable development, will also serve as an invitation to join two global communities of practice that have been recently launched in the space of drought management:

• UNCCD Community of Learning and Practice - a peer-to-peer knowledge exchange network for professionals engaged in enhancing drought policy, planning, and management processes
• EOTEC DevNet Thematic Working Group on Drought - a community striving to enhance the accessibility and application of earth observation for drought management.

Speakers:

• Milcah Ndegwa, UNCCD Associate Programme Officer  
• Daniel Tsegai, UNCCD Drought Programme Officer 
• Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) 
• Karen Elizabeth Bernard, UNCCD Gender Policy Officer 
• Lorena Aguilar Revelo, Executive Director of the Kaschak Institute for Social Justice for Women and Girls
• Richard R. Heim Jr., Meteorologist, NOAA/National Centers for Environmental Information  
• Sabina Bokal, Senior Programme Manager GWP Central and Eastern Europe