The slogan was announced ahead of the event, which will take place in the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, from August 17 to 28, 2026. This event will be an important step in the fight against land degradation and desertification, and key issues of sustainable natural resource management will be discussed.
Speaking at a press conference, Yasmin Fuad, Executive Secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, emphasized: “Land is the foundation of our infrastructure, providing food security, access to water, livelihoods, and stability. When land is depleted, we face growing threats in the form of job loss, population migration, and increased competition for resources. Mongolia sends an important message to the world: ‘Restoring land, restoring hope’ is not just an environmental issue but a priority for development and resilience. In the face of increasing land degradation and drought, the conference aims to develop practical solutions that will help communities thrive,” she noted.
According to reports, land degradation affects about 40% of all land on the planet, which has serious consequences for food production, access to water, and economic stability. The COP17 conference will create an opportunity for states and partners to intensify efforts to implement sustainable practices and attract investments for enhancing drought resilience and effective land resource management.
Mongolia, with an area of 1.56 million km², is one of the countries most vulnerable to desertification: about 77% of its land is degraded. Hosting COP17 in Ulaanbaatar will draw international attention to issues of land restoration, food security, and livelihoods in arid regions.
This event also takes place within the framework of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, declared by the UN General Assembly and initiated by Mongolia, which creates additional opportunities for promoting sustainable rangeland management and supporting pastoral communities.
Rangelands cover more than half of the Earth's surface and provide livelihoods for about 500 million people, meeting one-sixth of global food needs; however, they remain among the most vulnerable and undervalued ecosystems.
During the two weeks of the conference, participants will discuss important issues at the ministerial level and conduct thematic discussions aimed at integrating science and policy, innovation and technology, and financing. COP17 will be an important step towards collective action in the areas of rangeland resilience, water resources, and food systems.
In preparation for COP17, Mongolia has initiated a number of national programs linking land restoration with improving living conditions in rural areas. Among them is the National Campaign “One Billion Trees,” launched in 2021, with the goal of planting one billion trees by 2030. Additionally, active youth and public participation has been ensured through various dialogues and forums, such as “Youth for Land.” Furthermore, the private sector has been engaged in supporting the UNCCD initiative “Business for Land,” which promotes sustainable land resource management.
