At its fifteenth session in 2022, the Conference of the Parties (COP) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) launched a midterm evaluation of the UNCCD 2018-2030 Strategic Framework. The evaluation process is overseen by a dedicated Intergovernmental Working Group (IWG-MTE) with support from the UNCCD secretariat. This independent assessment, conducted by external evaluators and managed by the UNCCD secretariat, is the first substantive step in the evaluation process. This report is meant to serve as evidence-based background information for IWG-MTE in its preparation of a more focused and strategic report for the UNCCD COP16 in 2024, which will guide the eventual COP decision on how to enhance the implementation of the UNCCD Strategic Framework during its second half, from 2025 to 2030.