CRIC23 Media advisory – 1 December 2025

UNCCD CRIC23 Opens in Panama: Countries Review Global Progress on Land Restoration and Drought Resilience 

Media representatives are invited to the opening day of the 23rd session of the UNCCD Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC23), held from 1–5 December 2025 at the Panama Convention Center. 

CRIC23 brings together representatives from 196 countries and the European Union to assess global progress on land restoration, drought resilience, land tenure, reporting systems, capacity-building and gender equality, and to inform the post-2030 strategic framework ahead of the 17th UNCCD Conference of the Parties (COP17), taking place in Mongolia from 17 to 26 August 2026. 

Panama will also highlight its Panama Nature Pledge, already introduced in national processes, which outlines the country’s commitment to achieving Land Degradation Neutrality by 2030, restoring priority hotspots and strengthening drought resilience across the Dry Corridor. 

KEY EVENTS  

• Opening Plenary 

When: 10:00–13:00 
Where: Plenary Hall 

The opening plenary will outline the goals of CRIC23, including the review of reporting improvements, progress on thematic frameworks (land tenure, gender, sand and dust storms), and a presentation by Panama on its Panama Nature Pledge, which has already been introduced in national processes. 
Photographers: assemble at 09:15 at the Media Center.  

• Opening Press Conference 

When: 12:00–13:00 
Where: Press Conference Room 

Speakers: 

• Juan Carlos Navarro, Minister of Environment of Panama 
• Yasmine Fouad, UNCCD Executive Secretary 
• Osama Ibrahim Faqeeha, Deputy Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture for Environmental Affairs. KSA
• Batmunkh Dondovdorj, Special Advisor to the Minister and Chairman of upcoming COP17 Presidency National Office 

The press conference will present the key expectations for CRIC23, highlight Panama’s leadership — including a reference to its Nature Pledge — and provide reflections from the UNCCD COP16 and COP17 Presidencies. 

Media Accreditation 

Accredited journalists may access all open press events. Accreditation can be completed at the venue’s Media Registration Desk during opening hours.  

Side events organized by partners take place throughout the day. 
Full schedule: https://www.unccd.int/cric23/side-events