COP17 Holds First Open Dialogue Between Parties and Civil Society
UNCCD COP17 held its first open dialogue between governments and civil society on August 20 in Ulaanbaatar. COP17 President Battsetseg Batmunkh called for cooperation among states, international organizations, businesses, researchers, civil society, local and indigenous communities and youth. The session examined how local and indigenous knowledge can be combined with science, innovation and sustainable finance for land restoration. With 2026 designated the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, participants also shared practices and financing options for sustainable food systems and reduced land degradation. Organizers said dialogue proposals should inform conference outcomes and future collaboration.
M-International Editorial DeskUpdated August 24, 2026
UNCCD COP17 convened its first open dialogue between parties and civil society on August 20 in Ulaanbaatar.
COP17 President Battsetseg Batmunkh called for cooperation among governments, international organizations, the private sector, academia, civil society, local and indigenous communities and youth. Participants discussed connecting local and indigenous knowledge with science, innovation and sustainable finance for land restoration. The session also addressed sustainable food systems, rangelands and pastoralists in the context of the 2026 international year. Organizers intend proposals from the dialogue to influence conference outcomes and future cooperation. The source does not specify which proposals were formally accepted into negotiated decisions.