Mongolia hosts UN desertification summit as drought crisis deepens

Mongolia has opened the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Conference of Parties (COP17), marking one of the largest international gatherings on land degradation and environmental sustainability. The summit, held in Ulaanbaatar under the theme “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope,” aims to address worsening drought conditions and land degradation affecting millions globally. The event began on 17 August and will run through 28 August, bringing together representatives from 196 nations and the European Union. The conference focuses on restoring degraded ecosystems, enhancing resilience against drought, and securing financial support for countries most impacted by desertification. Delegates emphasized the urgency of translating existing commitments into tangible actions, particularly in light of rising global challenges such as declining agricultural productivity, strained water resources, and threats to livelihoods. Speakers at the opening session stressed that current pledges fall short of addressing the scale of the problem, underscoring the need for measurable outcomes and increased investment. The opening ceremony included a tribute to Mongolian culture, featuring an 11-minute performance highlighting national heritage. A ceremonial dance was performed alongside the traditional long song Erkhem tör and khöömey, a unique style of throat singing practiced in Mongolia. The Grand Theatre of National Art contributed to the program, presenting a khadag, a traditional blue ceremonial scarf symbolizing hospitality and respect. These elements underscored the host nation's commitment to blending environmental discourse with its rich cultural identity. On 20 August, a group of approximately 50 Indigenous representatives and civil society activists staged a protest in Ulaanbaatar, demanding stronger inclusion of Indigenous peoples in discussions surrounding land degradation, drought, and desertification. Protesters called for the recognition of Indigenous rights and the integration of traditional knowledge into policy-making processes. They criticized the current structure of the conference, arguing that while a dedicated Indigenous Peoples and Traditional Communities Caucus had been established, it lacked real decision-making power. Participants urged governments to allow Indigenous peoples, pastoralists, local communities, women, and youth to play a central role in shaping policies related to land management and climate adaptation. They contended that excluding these groups from formal negotiations undermined their ability to contribute meaningfully to solutions. Activists also emphasized the importance of safeguarding the rights of communities whose survival depends on access to land and grazing areas, which are increasingly threatened by desertification and unsustainable practices. The summit has drawn attention to the broader issue of land degradation, which affects nearly 40% of the world’s population and contributes significantly to poverty and food insecurity. In Mongolia, the situation is exacerbated by prolonged droughts, overgrazing, and desertification, all of which threaten both rural and urban populations. Local officials have acknowledged the severity of the crisis, noting that the country’s vast grasslands, critical to livestock herding, are deteriorating at an alarming rate. As the conference progresses, delegates will engage in detailed discussions on funding mechanisms, technology transfer, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable regions. The outcome of these deliberations will likely shape future international efforts to combat desertification and promote sustainable land use. With time running short before the summit concludes, participants are expected to finalize agreements on key priorities and set the stage for implementation in the coming years.