17th COP on Desertification to be held amid heatwave: Will leaders step up?

Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, is set to host the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) from August 17 to 28, 2026. The conference's central theme is "Restoring land, restoring hope."

This significant global gathering on land degradation and desertification will convene policymakers, scientists, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for land restoration. The chosen theme emphasizes the critical need for action and the potential for positive change in affected regions.

However, the conference is scheduled to take place against the backdrop of a severe heatwave, raising critical questions about the urgency and commitment of decision-makers. The juxtaposition of a global summit focused on environmental resilience with extreme weather events highlights the pressing challenges of climate change and desertification.