UNCCD COP bureau meets online

Bonn, Germany – The UNCCD COP Bureau held a virtual meeting on Friday 26 June, confirming the commitment of the Parties to advocate for environmental action and drive transformative change for people and the planet. The Bureau has reviewed the updates to the  UNCCD 2020-2021 work programme in view of the global COVID–19 crisis, discussed the implementation of UNCCD flagship initiatives and reviewed updates on the upcoming meetings, including CRIC 19 and COP 15. 

Addressing the Bureau members, the Executive Secretary Mr. Ibrahim Thiaw emphasized that this meeting is taking place at the critical time when COVID19 has deepened pre-existing inequalities and exposed vulnerabilities in social and economic systems.  The crisis is placing development gains at risk, creating new obstacles on the way to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and Land Degradation Neutrality in particular. Mr. Thiaw highlighted the role of the convention in providing support to Parties as they develop their response and recovery plans. He also stressed the pressing need for humanity to enter into a new social contract for nature anchored on land-based solutions, to support sustainable and inclusive post-crisis recovery and build the foundation for a safer future. 

Read more:

• Role of land in COVID–19 response
• Achieving Land Degradation Neutrality
• Land and Sustainable Development Goals