(14th meeting) 17th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification - UNCCD COP17

Okay, ladies and gentlemen, good evening, good night. So I call to order the 14th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification at its 17th session. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, I now invite the Conference to begin its consideration agenda item two entitled 2018 2030 strategic framework of the United Nations Convention to combat desertification with sub item C entitled review of the report of the committee of on science and technology and its recommendations to the conference of the parties The conference has before it five draft decisions for consideration at the 17th session of the Committee on Science and Technology. One is contained in document ICCD/COP17/CST/L1. The other draft decisions will be issued as L documents with the following nine titles. activities of the science policy interface, future functioning of the science policy interface, work program for the science policy interface for the 2027 to 2030 quadrennium, program of work for the 18th session of the Committee on Science and Technology. I invite the chair of the Committee on Science and Technology, Mr. Nicholas Webb, of the United States of America to present the report of the committee introducing these draft decisions.

Madam President, distinguished delegates, I have the honour to present to the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties a summary of the outcomes of the deliberations of the Committee on Science and Technology at its 17th session. I am pleased to inform you that the Committee successfully concluded its work. The Committee held six meetings and considered all items on the Committee's agenda. The fourth meeting of the Committee was held jointly with the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention. At its first meeting, the Committee decided to establish a contact group on matters related to the Committee. At its fourth meeting, the Committee and the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention decided to jointly establish a contact group on matters that relate to both Committees. The Committee adopted five draft decisions at its sixth meeting to be issued as L documents and recommended the draft decisions to the Conference for adoption. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the facilitator of the CST contact group, Mr. Joseph Noel of Grenada, as well as all delegations for their flexibility and spirit of compromise, which allowed the committee to complete the work allocated to it. Thank you, Madam President.

Okay, I thank the chair of the Committee on Science and Technology. May I take it that the Conference wishes to adopt these draft decisions? I hear no objection. It is so decided. We have thus concluded action on the recommendations of the seventeenth session of the Committee on Science and Technology. I would like to thank the Bureau of the CST and all delegations for their hard work and commitment in bringing the CST session to a successful conclusion. Are there delegates, delegations wishing to make statements on the work of the CST at its 17th session? I see no request for the floor. The conference has thus concluded its consideration of item 2C. I now invite the conference to consider agenda item 2A. entitled report of the committee for the review of the implementation of the convention and its recommendations to the conference of the parties. The conference has before it the rough decision contained in document ICCD/CRC/24/L1. It further has before it gives draft decisions which will be issued as L documents with the following titles. promotion of capacity building to further the implementation of the convention, improving the procedures for the communication of information as well as the quality and formats of reports to be submitted to the conference of the parties, collaboration with the global environment facility, progress made in the mobilization of resources and financial flows for the implementation of the convention and its strategic framework, and program of work for the 25th session of the committee for the review of the implementation of the convention those draft decisions will be issued as L documents I invite the chair of the committee for the review of the implementation of the convention Mr. philipine daili of France to present those decisions of the Creek.

Madam President, distinguished delegates, I have the honor to present a brief summary of the outcome of the deliberations of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention at its 24th session. The Committee held eight meetings and considered all items on the Committee's agenda. The fifth meeting of the Committee was held jointly with the Committee on Science and Technology. At its first meeting, the committee decided to establish a contact group on matters related to the committee. I take this opportunity to also thank our CRIC facilitator, Charles Lang. At its fifth meeting, the committee on the review of the implementation of the Convention and the Committee on Science and Technology decided to jointly establish a joint contact group on matters that relate to both committees. The Committee adopted six draft decisions at its seventh and eighth meetings and recommended the draft decisions to the Conference for adoption. Thank you very much, Madam President.

I thank the Chair of the Committee for the review of the implementation of the Convention. May I take it that the Conference wishes to adopt these draft decisions? I hear no objection. It is so decided. We have thus concluded the action of the recommendations of the 24th session of the CRIC. Are there any delegations wishing to make statements on the work of the CRIC at its 24th session? I see no request for this floor. I would like to thank the Bureau for the CRIC and all delegations for their hard work and commitment in advancing the CRIC session to a successful conclusion. The conference has thus concluded its consideration of item 2 and item 2 as a whole. Distinguished delegates, I now invite the conference to consider agenda item 1 entitled election of the chair of the Committee on Science and Technology. Pursuant to rule 22 and rule 31 of the rules of procedure, as amended by decisions 20 slash cop two and 25 slash cop 10. The chair of the committee on science and technology, it is to be elected by the conference of the parties at its final meeting. I have been informed that Mr. Charles Navy Lang of Kenya has been nominated for the position of chair of the committee on science and technologies at its.

Its 18th session.

May I take it that the Conference wishes to elect Mr. Charles Navi Lang of Kenya as Chair of the Committee on Science and Technology at its 18th session? I hear no objection. It is so decided. I congratulate Mr. Charles Navi Lang on the election as Chair of the CST. Distinguished delegates, I now invite the conference to consider agenda item 1C3 entitled the election of the chair of the committee for the review of the implementation of the convention in accordance with rule 21. 31 of the rules of procedure as amended by decision 25 slash cop 10 the chairperson of subsidiary bodies including of the creek shall be elected by the conference of the parties I have been informed that Mr. Berekfort Jallah of Liberia has been nominated to the position of chair at its 25th and 26th session.

May take it that the conference.

Wishes to elect Mr. Berik Sport Jala of Liberia as chair of Creek at its 25th and 26th sessions. I hear no objection. It is so decided. I congratulate Mr. Berik Sport Jala of Liberia on the election as chair of the Creek. The conference has thus concluded its consideration of item 1C. I invite conference to resume its consideration of agenda item 1F entitled organization of work including the session of the subsidiary bodies. The conference will now consider further proposals by the committee of the whole. I give the floor to Mr. Halid Cherki of Morocco, Chair of the Committee of the Whole, to report to the Conference on the work of the CoE and the remaining draft proposals that CoE recommends to the Conference.

Madam President, distinguished delegates, I have the honor to present to the 17th session of the Conference of Parties a summary of the remaining outcomes of the deliberation of the committee. Madam President, distinguished delegates, I am pleased to inform you that the committee agreed to recommend seven draft decisions to the Conference for its adoption. Allow me now to provide the Conference with an overview of the draft decisions that the Committee agreed to recommend to the Conference for its adoption. Under item 5 entitled Policy frameworks and thematic issues, the Committee agreed to recommend to the Conference three draft decisions contained in documents ICCD/COP17/IL.18/19/20, Under item seven entitled programme and budget for the biennium 2027-2028, the committee agreed to recommend to the conference one draft decision contained in documents ICCD/COP17/IL17. Under item 8B entitled participation and involvement of private sector in meetings and processes of United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and the business engagement strategy, the committee agreed to recommend to the conference to draft decision one entitled report from the business for land forum and continued in documents ICCD slash COP 17 L14 and one entitled participation and involvement of the private sector in the meetings and processes of United Nations convention to combat certification under item entitled programme of work for the 18th session of the Conference of Parties. The committee agreed to recommend to the conference one draft decision contained in document ICCD/COP17/L21. I hereby submit the seventh draft decision to the conference of the parties at its 17th session for adoption. Finally, I would like to thank all delegations for their flexibility and spirit of compromise in the work of the Committee of the Whole. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank you, the Chair of the Committee of the Whole. I also thank all parties for the constructive engagement and flexibility in finalizing the work of the Committee of the Whole. May I take it that the conference wishes to adopt the following draft proposals contained in documents ICCD/COP17/L.14 and L.17/21, as well as the draft decision entitled Participation and Involvement of the Private Sector in Meetings and Processes of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, which will be issued as an document. I hear no objection. It is so decided. I have thus concluded action on the recommendations of the Committee of the Whole. Are there any delegations wishing to make statements on the work of the CoW? I see no requests. The conference has thus concluded its consideration of item one F and of item one as a whole, as well as agenda five, seven, eight B and eight C. I now invite the conference to resume its consideration of agenda item six entitled high level segment ministerial dialogues. and turn to the draft to lambada political declaration of COP 17 restoring land restoring hope contained in document ICCD slash COP 17 slash L 22 may take it that the conference wishes to adopt the draft.

To lambada political declaration of COP 17 restoring land, restoring hope.

Contained in document ICCD slash COP 17 slash L 22. I hear no objection. It is so decided. Thank you. And are there any delegations wishing to make statements in relations to the declaration? I see no request. The conference has thus concluded its consideration of item six. Distinguished delegates, the floor is now open to the representatives of regional and interest groups, the representatives of the United Nations system, its specialized agencies, Specialized agencies and other intergovernmental organizations wishing to take the floor are asked to press the microphone button. I kindly request speakers to keep their statements brief in order to hear from as many speakers as possible. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Azerbaijan.

Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, Madam Executive Secretary, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the regional implementation annex for Central and Eastern Europe, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the government and people of Mongolia for their warm hospitality and for the successful organization of the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties. We also extend our appreciation to the Secretariat for its professionalism and smooth coordination throughout the conference. The theme of this conference, Restoring Land, Restoring Hope, has served as a guiding principle for our common work. We are pleased that the discussions here in Ulaanbaatar reaffirmed yet again that land restoration is not merely an environmental objective, but an investment in food security, water availability, resilient livelihoods, and sustainable development. Annex V welcomes collective efforts to address land degradation and drought as we're leaving Ulaanbaatar with renewed commitment to multilateralism. We are particularly pleased that COP17 has reaffirmed the importance of engaging all parties in preventing land degradation and strengthening drought resilience, regardless of their climatic classification. We also welcome the attention given to rangelands and pastoralist communities, particularly in the context of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. Science-based approaches, innovation, and international cooperation remain essential to addressing these interconnected challenges. Our region highly appreciates the Commission's continued efforts to strengthen capacity building for parties. Our experience has shown that sustained demand-driven support is essential to strengthen both institutional and technical capacities. This includes access to data and technologies, project development and investment planning, as well as monitoring and reporting. We encourage the UNCCD to continue investing in practical training, technical assistance and knowledge exchange so that countries are better equipped to translate international commitments into concrete and measurable action at the national level. We highly appreciate the UNCCD's continued efforts to promote meaningful youth engagement, including through initiatives such as the Land Use Negotiation Program and Land Hero. These initiatives provide valuable opportunities for young people to learn, engage and contribute to the Convention. We encourage the UNCCD to further strengthen these opportunities and ensure that youth participation remains a meaningful and permanent part of the Convention's work. Annex V supports efforts to strengthen women's negotiation skills and technical capacities, enabling their effective participation in national delegations and contributing to more inclusive and effective decision making under the UNCCD Women's Delegates Fund. We also appreciate the continued support for strengthening civil society organizations, local communities, and other relevant stakeholders in land restoration and drought resilience. We welcome the strong attention given to drought resilience. The experience of Annex V countries demonstrates that drought is no longer an exceptional event, but an increasingly recurrent and complex risk. We therefore encourage the Convention and its partners to further support Parties in moving from reactive drought response towards proactive drought risk management and resilience, including through practical tools, knowledge exchange, capacity building and improved access to finance. In this regard, we recognize the value of the UNCCD communities of learning and practice on drought management as a platform for sharing experiences, strengthening capacities, and promoting practical solutions, as well as cooperation among countries and stakeholders. Distinguished delegates, land degradation neutrality remains a key framework for our collective efforts. We call for accelerated implementation of national LDN targets with strengthened action on restoration, sustainable land management, and the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems. These efforts should reflect diverse ecosystems and national circumstances while delivering tangible benefits for people, livelihood, and resilient landscapes. As we close the scope, we believe that our collective work must continue with the hope that our commitments will be translated into concrete action at all levels. This requires stronger science and data, improved monitoring of land and soil, enhanced drought preparedness and early warning systems, and continued support to Parties in reaching their targets. The main task ahead is therefore implementation. We therefore call for continued efforts to improve access to existing financial mechanisms, and mobilize additional resources for land restoration, drought resilience and sustainable land management. Available financing should be accessible, predictable and better aligned with national priorities and implementation needs. Annex V remains fully committed to this work and stands ready for active and constructive cooperation throughout the post COP17 process. I thank you, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Azerbaijan. Now, I give the floor to distinguished delegate representative of Egypt on behalf of the group of Arab states and national capacity.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm just requesting to take the floor twice, the first one by myself to be honored representing the statement behind the name.

Of the Arab group.

Then my colleague from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will give a statement behind the state, the upcoming chair of the COP18.

Thank you.

Madam.

President, distinguished delegates, at the conclusion of this conference, I am honored to speak on behalf of the Arab Group. I would like to express my thanks to you and also my gratitude to Mongolia, which is a fraternal country for their hospitality and generosity as well as the smooth running of this conference. Mongolia has proven its commitment and undertaken serious efforts to ensure that this conference is successful. We wish to thank the Presidency as well as the Executive Secretariat and also the UNCCD Secretariat for their efforts and their dedication to providing supports to delegates. This has enabled us to make significant progress. whilst advancing the convention process. Once again, this conference has shown that the challenges that our lands face when it comes to drought, desertification, sandstorms and dust storms know no limits or borders. We need multilateral action which is based on partnership and equality. We wish to hail the positivity of the paternal spirit which have ranged during this conference. This has highlighted a desire to overcome all of our differences to attain the objectives of this convention. We would like to praise the presidency of the COP for the results achieved. What has been attained has been a significant step forward based on the impetus which began at COP16. This will pave the way for much clearer point in time, a much clearer stage. It's also important to mobilize funds and to broaden the participation of the private sector when it comes to land restoration. The aim here is to bridge gaps and to develop the projects that are necessary. We also praise the decision taken on drought, even though we haven't reached an agreement a framework agreement on this respect. Nonetheless, the door remains open to pursue debates and negotiations, and we will base ourselves on technical documents, which could be a foundation and a benchmark for the future. Indeed, these outcomes are the very backbone of reaching a more effective consensus in the future. The Arab Group is very pleased to note Egypt's appointment as the host for COP18, and we are willing to work together with all parties so that COP18 will be a success. And I very much hope that this will enable us to pursue the process underway under the convention, and we will draw on the results and successes of COP17. This will enable us to make specific progress. We will also be discussing topics which require flexibility and political will. It's not simply about reaching agreements, but really it's most important to ensure that these become a reality to guarantee the resilience of communities and to protect land, particularly in countries most affected by land degradation and drought. We are leaving Ulaanbaatar with a very clear-cut message. What unites us goes beyond what separates us. Combating desertification is a collective responsibility. And from Mongolia, we will look towards Egypt and hope that we will have further momentum and greater commitments. All of this will help us to build bridges so that we can make progress. I very much hope that solidarity will drive us forward. Our work must be for all peoples around the world and once again I would like to extend my thanks to Mongolia, to the President, the Executive Secretary and the UNCCD Secretary for their cooperation and their positive spirit. I thank you.

Okay, I thank the distinguished representative of Egypt. Now I give the floor to distinguished representative of European Union.

Madam President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues. As we bring this COP17 to a close, the European Union and its member states would like first to acknowledge the huge efforts made throughout this conference by the Mongolian Presidency to deliver meaningful progress on this critical issue. The challenges addressed by this convention are becoming more urgent and affect virtually every country and community. Protecting and restoring our land strengthening resilience to drought and improving the lives and livelihoods of people around the world are shared responsibilities. They require a strong UNCCD and effective multilateral cooperation. We came to Ulaanbaatar ready to engage, negotiate and compromise with the ambition of reaching balanced, concrete and implementable outcomes. We are encouraged that the same positive and constructive approach is shared by so many parties to this vitally important convention. We have been impressed and encouraged by the strong international collective will to drive forward an ambitious agenda to address the challenges of land degradation, desertification and drought. We are therefore concerned that on a number of issues, This COP has not been able to deliver the level of ambition and clarity that the circumstances require. Throughout these negotiations, the European Union and its member states have approached the process in a spirit of compromise and with a genuine desire to find solutions. We have listened to partners, engaged across negotiating groups and sought to bridge differences. We recognize that many other parties have done the same. At the same time, it's clear that the necessary convergence could not be achieved on a number of fundamental issues. The European Union and its member states are particularly concerned that on several issues of importance, it was not possible even to commence substantive discussion. This has made it extremely difficult to identify common ground and ultimately to reach consensus. Multilateralism depends on our willingness to engage with issues even when our positions differ. It cannot deliver when differences become a zero-sum exercise or when opportunities for substantive dialogue are not fully exploited. We therefore encourage all parties to remain open to meaningful dialogue, compromise and substantive discussion. This is not simply a matter of negotiating technique. It is essential to the credibility and effectiveness of the multilateral process. We regret in particular the missed opportunity to strengthen synergies among the three Rio Conventions. Land, climate and biodiversity challenges are deeply interconnected and in order to be truly effective, our responses must be interconnected too. Greater coherence and cooperation between the conventions are essential if we're to make the best use of limited resources and deliver meaningful results for countries and communities. The European Union will continue to support efforts by the UNFCCC and CBD to integrate these agendas, including through the existing platforms and processes for cooperation between the three Rio Conventions. On drought, while we had hoped for a more ambitious outcome, we welcome the decision to continue the conversation on future action on proactive drought management. Drought is intensifying in frequency, severity and impacts across regions of the world. Continuing the conversation is important, but it must lead also to action. And we therefore hope this work will enable us to develop a collective response commensurate with the urgency and scale of the challenge. We are pleased we found consensus over the budget. We would have preferred a budget providing more leeway and security for the future. but we think that the outcome allows the convention secretariat to continue its essential work for all parties. We look forward to all parties making timely contributions to the convention budget. We regret that the COP17 decisions have not given sufficient recognition to the importance of gender equality and the meaning participation and leadership of women and girls. We cannot achieve land degradation neutrality without gender equality. Women and girls are key agents of change in sustainable land management, land restoration and drought resilience. Gender responsive and transformative approaches must therefore remain integral to the implementation of the convention. The same is true of broader participation of stakeholders. The Convention is stronger when the voices and contributions of civil society, indigenous peoples, local communities, youth, women, farmers and other stakeholders are heard. Their participation is not an optional extra. It is essential to effective implementation on the ground, and we must continue to ensure that our processes reflect this reality. Madam President, it is important that we are candid about where we stand. The outcome of this COP is not due to a lack of ambition or engagement on the part of the European Union. Yet, we have not been able to reach all the outcomes we'd hoped for. And we should not allow disappointment to obscure what unites the vast majority of us. The work does not stop here. Between now and COP18, the European Union and its Member States will continue to engage constructively, seek common ground and work towards meaningful progress on drought, finance, the Convention's budget, gender equality, inclusive participation and stronger synergies across the Rio Conventions. We remain committed to advancing the unfinished business of this COP and to building the convergence necessary to achieve further results at COP18. Madam President, the European Union and its Member States express their sincere appreciation of the Mongolian Presidency for its leadership and unstinting efforts throughout this COP. We recognise the considerable work, commitment and patience that the Presidency has invested in trying to bring parties together, often under very challenging circumstances. We are equally grateful for the extraordinary hospitality extended to all of us by the Mongolian people. We have been warmly welcomed in Ulaanbaatar, And we will leave Mongolia with a great appreciation for its generosity, its culture, and the spirit with which it has hosted this important conference. In closing, we remain fully committed to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and to effective multilateral cooperation. While we have not reached all that we set out to achieve in Ulaanbaatar, the urgency of the challenges before us have not diminished. If anything, it has increased our resolve. Let us therefore leave this COP with a clear grasp on why we have not been able to deliver on a higher level of ambition. Let us also leave with renewed determination to preserve the spirit of multilateralism, to engage meaningfully where differences remain, and to turn the unfinished businesses of COP17 into meaningful progress. The European Union and its member states will remain a constructive partner in that effort. Thank you, Mrs. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of European Union. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt in national capacity.

Thank you, Madam President. Madam Executive Secretary, distinguished delegates, as COP17 is approaching to a close, Egypt wishes to convey its deep appreciation to the government and people of Mongolia, to the COP17 presidency team, and to the UNCCD Secretariat for their collective leadership, dedication, and hospitality throughout this session. Egypt would like to take this opportunity to reiterate its sincere appreciation to all parties for the trust and confidence placed in Egypt as host of the 18th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. The significance of COP17 lies not only in the decisions adopted during these two weeks, but also in the collective political message that has emerged from Ulaanbaatar. Under the theme of restoring land, restoring hope, parties have reaffirmed that healthy land is fundamental to sustainable development, economic prosperity, social stability and resilience. Above all, this conference has reminded us that the work of restoring land is also the work of restoring hope. Hope for communities facing the realities of drought and degradation, hope for more resilient livelihoods, and hope for a more secure and sustainable future. Parties have also reaffirmed that addressing desertification, land degradation, and drought requires collective action and international solidarity. In an increasingly complex world, this message carries particular importance. Multilateralism is not an abstract principle. It is the practical recognition that the challenges we face transcend borders and require solutions that no nation can achieve alone. The UNCCD should continue to demonstrate the value of dialogue, cooperation and consensus building in advancing common objectives and supporting those countries most vulnerable to environmental and development pressures. For many developing countries, drought and land degradation are not future risks. They are present day realities affecting communities, economies and development prospects. Our collective responsibility is therefore clear to accelerate implementation, strengthen resilience, support affected communities and ensure that communities are matched and ensure that commitments are matched by the necessary means of implementation. As incoming presidency of COP18, Egypt is committed to working closely with current presidency, all parties, regional groups, non-party stakeholders, and all partners in the spirit that has characterized this conference. We will build on the momentum generated in Riyadh COP16 and strengthened here in Ulaanbaatar to advance an inclusive, transparent, and action-oriented process. We see COP18 as an opportunity not only to advance the implementation of the convention, but also to further elevate the desertification, land degradation and drought agenda within the global sustainable development framework. Our ambition is to contribute to a COP that delivers practical outcomes, strengthens partnerships, and reinforces the central role of land restoration and drought resilience in achieving sustainable development. As Mongolia passes the torch to Egypt, we do so united by a shared conviction that restoring land is an investment in people, investment in resilience, and investment in the future we seek to build together. Let us carry forward the spirit of cooperation and continue our journey towards COP18 with renewed determination, ambition and confidence in the power of multilateral action. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Egypt. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Paraguay.

Thank you very much, Madam President. Paraguay speaks on behalf of the Group of Latin America and the Caribbean. GRULAC expresses its sincere gratitude to the people and government of Mongolia for their warm hospitality and for the excellent organization of COP17. We also thank the Presidency, the Executive Secretary and the Secretariat the Chairs of the Subsidiary Bodies, the facilitators, interpreters and all those who have supported our work throughout these two weeks. As we conclude our work in Ulaanbaatar, GRULAC reaffirms its strong commitment to multilateralism and the effective implementation of the Convention. Desertification, land degradation and drought are closely linked to sustainable development, food security, climate resilience and the well-being of our communities. GRULAC recognizes the efforts made by Parties to advance the work of the Convention. We welcome progress achieved on issues of importance to our region, and reiterate our support for a results-oriented post-2030 strategic framework grounded in scientific evidence, tailored to national circumstances and supported by robust indicators and strengthened national capacities. We also reiterate the importance of the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. On drought, Drulac appreciates the efforts of the Mongolian presidency to facilitate convergence on this critical issue. While the outcome did not fully reflect the scale and urgency of the growing impacts of drought on communities, ecosystems and economies, our discussions underscored the need to strengthen action and move from reactive responses towards proactive drought management, preparedness and resilience. This requires identifying implementation gaps and emerging challenges and ensuring adequate means of implementation for developing countries. GRULAC remains committed to continued dialogue on further measures to strengthen the response to drought under the Convention. GRULAC welcomes the new decision on rangelands and pastoralists and reaffirms its commitment to the conservation, restoration and sustainable management of rangelands. Financial needs assessments reveal significant gaps that require increased resources and simplified access mechanisms for developing countries, reaffirming that adequate and predictable financing remains fundamental to implementation following Articles 6, 20 and 21 of the convention. We value international and regional cooperation initiatives that help expand financing flows for land restoration and sustainable land management. The EESC regrets that, owing to the absence of consensus, agenda items 4, 5 and 8a could not be included in the agenda as adopted. In this regard, Grulac underscores the importance of preserving the multilateral character of the Convention, building on consensus previously reached by the Parties and safeguarding the broad legacy of the UNCCD. These matters are integral to the effective implementation of the Convention. We highlight the essential role of civil society, as well as women and girls, youth, indigenous peoples and local communities whose full and effective participation, rights and knowledge are fundamental to the success of our actions. We also recognize the participation of diverse stakeholders in decision-making processes and the need to strengthen synergies among the three Rio Conventions, We encourage continued dialogue to ensure the appropriate consideration of these matters by the Conference of the Parties. Krulak congratulates the Arab Republic of Egypt on its designation as host of UNCCD COP18 and looks forward to an inclusive and successful conference. We congratulate the Republic of Serbia as appointment as host of the next CRIC25. Madam President, Grulac concludes this COP17 with spirit of dialogue and cooperation, convinced that multilateralism is the path to addressing our shared challenges. We're ready to continue moving forward with indigenous peoples, women, youth and communities at the forefront to build a future in harmony with nature, where land is restored and protected for future generations. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Paraguay on behalf of group of Latin American and Caribbean states. Now I give the floor to distinguished representative of Turkey.

Thank you, Madam Chair. At the outset, we would like to express our appreciation to the COP17 presidency, Mongolia, and the UNCCD Secretariat for their efforts throughout the COP17 process. At the same time, we wish to place on record Turkey's position regarding the Ulaanbaatar Declaration. The text of the declaration was circulated only shortly before the meeting, which did not allow our delegation sufficient time to conduct a thorough review of the text and formulate a considered position. Furthermore, the declaration was not subject to substantive discussions or negotiations during the meeting and delegations we are therefore not provided with adequate opportunity to examine the text or engage in comprehensive consultation on its content. We would like to underline that the declaration is a political document and as such warrant an appropriate level of assessment, consultation and consideration before it can be endorsed. In light of these circumstances, we respectfully request that the Presidency record the names of those countries that are in a position to endorse the declaration in its current form. Should this not be feasible. We request that Turkey's position, namely it is disassociation from the declaration, be clearly reflected in the official records of the meeting. We further request that this statement be duly recorded in the meeting report. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Turkey. Now I give the floor to distinguished representative of India. India, please, the floor is yours.

Madam President, Executive Secretary, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of Annex II, the Asia Pacific Group, India has the honor to address the closing session of the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. Let me begin by extending our deepest condolences to the government of Nepal, China and India and all the families affected by the devastating flash floods. Our thoughts are with the communities grieving the tragic loss of lives and we stand in steadfast solidarity with the nations as rescue and recovery efforts continue. Madam President, We commend you and your team for your leadership and the tireless efforts to facilitate consensus. We thank the government and the people of Mongolia for the generous hospitality. We also thank the Executive Secretary, the UNCCD Secretariat, the Global Mechanism, the Chairs and Bureau of the Subsidiary Bodies, the facilitators of the contact groups, interpreters, conference services, security personnel, and all partners who supported our work. We acknowledge the continued contribution of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the COP16 presidency and thank all parties for the constructive spirit demonstrated throughout these negotiations. Madam President, distinguished delegates, the Asia-Pacific Group recognizes the considerable work undertaken throughout COP17. For our region, key priorities have included the future strategic direction of the Convention. drought resilience, sand and dust storms, effective reporting and implementation through CRIC, capacity building, a robust and realistic budget, resource mobilization, and strong scientific and technical support through the CST and the SPI. Across these areas, adequate means of implementation, capacity building, and strengthened regional and international cooperation remain essential. We welcome that the Secretariat will continue to support the convening of all UNCCD caucuses. The Asia Pacific Group reiterates the global and transboundary nature of drought and sand and dust storms, different nature and drivers of land degradation due to diverse geographical context and the need to have cooperation with the national, regional, inter-regional and international organizations to address these challenges, enhance financial resources and transfer of technology. Our region also reflects unique and diverse circumstances, home to most of the world's population and spanning high mountains and forests, agriculture plains, dry lands and deserts, low-lying atolls, range lands, deltas, coasts, and small island developing states. Across these landscapes, our ecosystems are deeply interconnected from land and forest to freshwater and oceans. For many countries, particularly SIDS, what happens on land directly affects surrounding ecosystem, communities, and livelihoods. Recognizing these connections will be essential to effective implementation of the convention. Madam President, COP17 has demonstrated that cross-cutting and procedural matters can have significant implications for progress across the convention. Issues including gender, synergies among the Rio conventions, seats, indigenous people and local communities, as well as stakeholder participation have arisen across multiple agenda items. Going forward, we should consider more effective ways to address these recurring matters. Similarly, procedural clarity, inclusive participation and equitable reasonable representation are fundamental to effective negotiations. The experience of this COP highlights the need to strengthen our approaches so that procedural challenges can be addressed early and constructively, allowing parties to focus their time and energy on substantial outcomes and implementation. Our region welcomes the commitment and initiatives launched during COP17, including the Steppe Action Agenda, the Interregional Initiative to Combat Sand and Dust Storms in Western Asia, as well as the willingness of many Parties to establish an International Day of Rangeland and Pastoralism. As we leave Ulaanbaatar, the true measure of COP17 will be effectively We translate our decisions into actions that restores and conserve land, strengthens resilience and improves the lives and livelihoods of the other people. The Asia Pacific group remains committed to constructive engagement and cooperation with all parties. Restoring land must restore opportunity, strengthen resilience and ultimately restore hope. Thank you, Madam President, and we wish all delegates a safe journey home. Thanks a lot.

I thank the distinguished representative of India. Now I give the floor to distinguished representative of Burkina Faso.

I'd.

Like straight away say thank you to the president, but also apologize on behalf to chair of the African group who had very much wished to attend this ceremony, but sadly due to travel constraints had to leave for the airport. So he has entrusted me with delivering a statement on the occasion of the closure of this session on behalf of the African group. I quote him, open it, quote, Madam President of COP. 17, Executive Secretary of the UNCCD. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, heads of delegation, distinguished guests, it's on behalf of the African group that I take the floor on occasion of the closure of this COP 17 on combating desertification. held under the theme Restoring Land, Restoring Hope. Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, the African Group, first of all, would like to extend its profound gratitude to the Mongolian people and government for their warm hospitality and for the excellent way that they've organized this conference. Our thanks also go to the Secretary to the Convention, in particular to the Executive Secretary, as well as all of her, all of the personnel for the outstanding work carried out in preparing and conducting our work throughout the session. The African Group moreover commends the commitment of all stakeholders whose contributions have enriched our deliberations and remind us that the fight against desertification, land degradation and drought is a global challenge. Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, the African Group leaves Ulaanbaatar with mixed track record given with respect to the legitimate aspirations of our populations who are most particularly exposed to the combined impact of desertification, land degradation and droughts. Given this scourge, this global scourge of drought, The African Group stresses its disappointment regarding the status quo with respect to discussions on adopting an action framework commensurate to the urgency of the situation. What we call for is that this issue remain a top priority running up to the next session. With respect to budgetary and finance issues, we note with concern that the necessary ambition to enable the convention to fully deliver on its mandate continues to be insufficiently supported. But we do commend the efforts of the presidency of COP17. for expectations of a slight budgetary increase. However, we do want to make it perfectly clear the concessions made as part of the package are strictly limited to the current conference and in no way constitute a precedent nor a reference point for future COPs. The willingness to save the conference should not become a permanent mechanism of progressively weakening the means of implementation of the convention. Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, in conclusion, the African Group, aware of the path that lies ahead, reaffirms its determination to pursue consistently and with solidarity and ambition its advocacy for efficient, equitable and ambitious implementation of our Convention. At the end of this Conference, we call on all Parties to, by COP 18, to bridge the gaps noted in Ulaanbaatar into concrete, measurable and effectively financeable objectives, particularly when it comes to the challenges of drought financing and land restoration. That is the end of the quotation and with that I conclude. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative for Burkina Faso. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cook Islands. Cook Islands.

Madam President, Executive Secretary, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, Kia ora and warm Pacific greetings. The Cook Islands has the honour to speak on behalf of the Pacific Small Island Developing States present here at COP17. We align ourselves with the statement delivered by India on behalf of the Asia-Pacific Pacific Group. We also would like to extend our condolences to the governments of Nepal, China and India and all the families affected by the devastating flash floods. Madam President, we came to Ulaanbaatar with a simple message, that decisions taken under this convention must translate into action. Our islands may be small in land area, but our ecosystems are deeply interconnected. From our mountains and forests to our soils, freshwater, coast, lagoons, and ocean, what happens on land does not stop at the shoreline. When rainfall fails, it affects our freshwater, food production, and communities. When soils erode, the impacts extend from ridge to reef. For our low-lying atolls, where land and freshwater resources are already extremely limited, drought and saltwater intrusion can quickly become questions of food security, water security, and the resilience of our people. For Pacific SIDS, resilience is not abstract. It is secure water, productive soils, functioning ecosystems, and the ability of future generations to thrive on the islands we call home. Madam President, COP17 has reinforced that our different national circumstances matter. Our responses to land, degradation, and drought must recognize those differences. That means data that represents our island realities. It means reporting systems that strengthen national decision making rather than overwhelm limited capacity. It means sustained technical support and capacity building. And it means finance that is accessible, predictable, and fit for purpose. Madam President, we welcome the decisions that have been adopted at this COP17. We now look to the UNCCD Secretariat, the global mechanism and our partners within their respective mandates to support effective implementation of the Convention in our region. While we acknowledge the progress made here at COP17, important work remains unfinished. particularly on drought and the means of implementation. As this work continues, Pacific SIDS calls for an outcome that is practical, responsive and supported by adequate finance, technology and capacity building. Madam President, we thank you for your leadership, the government and the people of Mongolia for welcoming the Pacific so warmly to Ulaanbaatar. As Pacific people, we deeply value hospitality and sincerely appreciate the warmth and generosity extended to us throughout our time here. We also take this opportunity to congratulate Egypt on hosting COP18, and we will continue to work constructively with all parties and partners to protect and restore our lands, strengthen the resilience of our islands and secure the future of our people. We wish you all a safe journey home. And thank you, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cook Islands. Now I give the floor to distinguished representative of Armenia.

Madam President, on behalf of the Republic of Armenia, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Government of Mongolia and people for warm hospitality and for successfully hosting UNCCD COP17. We also extend our sincere appreciation to Executive Secretary for motivated and enthusiastic leadership to secretariat for the excellent organization of COP17 and to all parties, the chairs and facilitators for their constructive, inclusive and solution-oriented approach throughout our discussions. The commitment, cooperation and spirit of dialogue have enabled us to move forward together. We would also like to extend our warm congratulations and sincere appreciation to Egypt and Serbia for hosting the upcoming COP and CRIC meetings respectively. We commend their commitment and dedicated preparation to ensure the successful organization of these important meetings, and we wish them every success. We look forward to continuing our close cooperation and advancing our shared objectives in the work ahead. As we conclude this meeting, I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Republic of Armenia to warmly invite all parties to Armenia for the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. Our environmental challenges are shared challenges and they require shared solutions. We must solve from commitments to action, from ambition to implementation and from individual efforts to collective solutions. Taking action for nature is not only the slogan for the CBD COP17. It is a call for all of us to act. Let us strengthen our cooperation, join our efforts and take concrete action at the national, regional and global levels to address the environmental crisis and build a nature positive, resilient and sustainable future. We look forward to welcoming all parties to Armenia and to continue our collective efforts in spirit of cooperation, solidarity and shared responsibility. Together, let us take action for nature. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Armenia. Now I give the floor to distinguished representative of Spain.

Thank you very much. Spain is speaking on behalf of an organization. I'm going to read this out in the language in which it was drafted.

Excellencies, distinguished delegates and representatives, It's an honor to speak on behalf of Annex IV, the Northern Mediterranean Region. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the government of Mongolia, the people of Ulaanbaatar, and the UNCCD Secretariat for their generous hospitality in hosting this event. In the Northern Mediterranean, land degradation, desertification, and drought is exacerbated among other factors by the increasing magnitude of wildfires are not abstract concerns. Their impacts are visible in our lands and in our ecosystems at a socioeconomic level. We leave Ulaanbaatar with appreciation for what has been possible to achieve together. and which renewed confidence for what this convention can deliver. Nevertheless, we trust that all the voices that were not heard and the items that were not addressed will be duly considered in the next sessions, following the path envisaged in the decisions already taken in the former COP. We regret that the items on gender synergies and civil society participation could not be taken up. In this regard, we want to highlight three key messages. First, the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, desertification, land degradation and drought that we address under the three Rio Conventions are deeply interconnected. Therefore, we call for enhanced synergies and a more coherent and integrated response, especially in this year where all three Rio Conventions convene. Second, the essential role of women as key agents of change in sustainable land and water management, land restoration and drought resilience has been reaffirmed at the Gender Caucus. Gender equality and responsiveness are integral part of this convention. And third, civil society organizations contribute with their expertise and resources to the implementation of this convention. Therefore, we support measures which ensure the engagement of civil society and youth in the meetings and processes of the UNCCD, as well as in its implementation on the ground. We emphasize the importance that those topics remain core elements of our discussions and negotiations in the years to come. Looking ahead, we thank the members of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Future Strategic Framework for their dedication and final report. Despite the difficulties, we appreciate the leadership of the Mongolian Presidency, as well as the parties' efforts to find solutions to allow us to continue working on the post-2030 strategic framework. This is a key priority for ANESFOR and for every party under this convention. As a region particularly affected by climate change and water scarcity, droughts are one of our most relevant challenges. We appreciate the Mongolian presidency's role as well as parties' efforts to reach a compromise test. We trust that it will pave the way for further progress and contribute to the development of meaningful solutions to this pressing challenge of COP18. In the global context where science-based policymaking is being challenged, we especially value the progress made on placing science in the heart of this convention. and the future functioning of the science-police interface. Only through the best available science can we design the best policies. We welcome the Rangeland Flagship Initiative and the Global Pastoralists and Indigenous Pastoralists Call for Action. We will keep supporting sustainable pastoralism and community-based approaches. engaging indigenous people and local communities as well as other stakeholders. The Mediterranean Basin has historically lived with aridity and our experience gave us the opportunity to know that land can be restored when knowledge, resources and cooperation come together. Until we meet again, the Northern Mediterranean region will remain a committed actor of this convention. Thank you, you all, and safe travels home. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Spain. Now, I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia.

On behalf of God, may God be with all of you, Madam President, Madam Executive Director, Excellencies, Heads of Delegations, Ladies and Gentlemen. Saudi Arabia would like to express its thanks to Mongolia, its government and its people for the very warm welcome and the hospitality extended to it, and also for the smooth running and the infrastructure put in place which has contributed to this conference's success. I would also like to thank the Presidency for the efforts undertaken. This has contributed to the success of our work as a result of the technical support and smooth organisation. I'd also like to hail the roles played by the coordinators who have contributed to bringing opinions and viewpoints closer together. We are reaching the end of this conference. and we very much hope that the conclusions will be implemented between both Conference of the Parties in response to the aspirations of all parties. Madam President, we would like to commend Egypt, our brotherly country, on being elected or selected as hosting the forthcoming COP. Saudi Arabia reaffirms its full willingness to continue its cooperation with the Egyptian presidency and with all other parties during the next phase. I thank you and my greetings to all member countries. May the peace of God be with all of you.

The distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia, Now I give the floor to distinguished representative of South Africa.

Thank you, Madam President. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, South Africa would like to join previous speakers in expressing our sincere appreciation to the government and the people of Mongolia for the warm hospitality extended to us in Ulaanbaatar. and to the Secretariat for its support to the COP Presidency, Parties and delegates. Madam President, South Africa came to Ulaanbaatar in a spirit of hope and constructive engagement with the expectation that Parties will make meaningful progress in advancing land restoration and strengthening the standing of this Convention. We note with concern, however, that the procedural challenges encountered during this COP, particularly given the urgency of addressing the interconnected challenges of desertification, land degradation, and drought. In this context, South Africa would have wished to see further progress on important agenda items, including drought management, gender, migration, civil society participation, and synergies. We nevertheless acknowledge and welcome the flexibility demonstrated on the decision on the IWG report, which enables the important work on the future strategic framework to move forward. Madam President, as one of the pillars of this convention, it is widely recognized that drought and its growing impacts continue to underscore the need for stronger multilateral cooperation, coordination, and solidarities. While parties have undertaken important national and regional efforts, existing approaches remain fragmented and have not yet delivered the comprehensive and integrated responses required to mobilize resources at scale, to strengthen capacity building and support technology transfer, and most importantly, bring hope to vulnerable communities. When we concluded COP16 in Riyadh, There was a shared expectation that this COP will advance discussion towards a global drought instrument. While this important matter has now been deferred to COP18 in Egypt, South Africa encourages parties to preserve the momentum and work constructively towards a meaningful and effective global response on drought. Madam President, on the budget, South Africa encourages parties to give favorable consideration to a sustainable and adequate budget that will enable the Secretariat to function effectively and continue supporting Parties in the implementation of the Convention. We also recognize that developing countries continue to face financial and institutional constraints that may affect their effective participation in the Convention. It is important that this constraint do not translate into limiting meaningful participation and disproportionate influence in negotiations. We further emphasize that financial and technical support should be responsive to the needs and priorities of developing countries, which continue to carry a disproportionate burden of DLDD. Madam President, In conclusion, South Africa respectively underscores that evolving national priorities should not diminish our collective commitments or weaken implementation of the convention. We must continue to safeguard the convention as a space for equitable, inclusive, and transparent negotiations guided by fairness, mutual respect, and the principles of multilateralism. South Africa remains firmly committed to this convention and to working constructively with all parties to strengthen implementation, to deepen solidarity and advance practical solutions to land degradation, desertification and drought, and looks forward to COP18 in Egypt with a renewed sense of hope. I thank you, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished representative of South Africa. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cameroon.

Madam COP President, Madam Executive Secretary, at the outset, Cameroon associates itself with the statement delivered by the distinguished delegation of Burkina Faso on behalf of the African group. Madam President, allow me to reiterate our sincere congratulations to the government and people of Mongolia for their hospitality, able leadership, and for the successful organization of the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification here in Ulaanbaatar. Cameroon commends the Executive Secretary and her team for their invaluable efforts toward the successful organization of the COP. We also express our appreciation to all the parties that engage in the spirit of compromise and consensus which has enabled the adoption of the decisions before us. Madam President, we came to Ulaanbaatar fully cognizant of the challenges inherent in reaching consensus on important issues, including drought governance at the international level. In this regard, The Tafaoul process convened under the auspices of the COP16 presidency of Saudi Arabia and carried forward by the Secretariat provided us with a valuable opportunity to gain a clearer understanding of the positions of major partners. However, while we were mindful of the complexity of the negotiations, We did not anticipate the extent to which this session would ultimately prove challenging and at times deeply frustrating. My delegation wishes to place on record some concerns regarding what we perceive as a continued decline in the level of ambition across several thematic areas, including on critical institutional and financial matters, notably the budget. In this regard, we regret that during the past two weeks, a number of established and commonly agreed practices and procedures appeared to have been departed from. We are particularly concerned by development that, in our view, could have implication for the integrity and proper interpretation of the convention. We believe that any effort, whether explicit or implicit, to alter or reinterpret the fundamental understanding underpinning the convention should be approached with the utmost caution and within the established legal and procedural framework. In the same spirit, Cameroon is increasingly concerned by the emerging tendency to weaken the principles of international cooperation, solidarity, and collective responsibility that have been central to the implementation of this convention since its adoption. We wish in this regard to recall the importance of Article 3 of the Convention, which sets out the principles that inform and guide our collective efforts. This principle remains as relevant today as they were at the time of the Convention's adoption, and should continue to provide the foundation for our common resolve to address decisively and collectively land degradation, desertification and drought. Madam President, it is our understanding that any departure from established practices and procedures accepted on an ad hoc basis should be regarded strictly within the context in which it was agreed and should not be construed as establishing a precedent or providing a basis for alteration of the convention itself. Such exceptional circumstances cannot and should not, I must even say, I must not be interpreted as a mandate to reopen rewrite or otherwise modify the convention outside the legally established processes. Cameroon therefore wishes to reaffirm its unwavering commitment to the convention, its principle and its multilateral character. We remain convinced that our collective credibility and effectiveness depend upon our adherence to the agreed rules, procedures, and institutional arrangement that have guided our work over the years. It is our sincere hope and expectation that at the earliest appropriate opportunity, we will return fully to establish and procedural sound ways of conducting our work in a manner that safeguards the integrity of the convention and reinforces mutual trust among parties. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cameroon. Now I give the floor to distinguished representative of the Russian Federation.

Distinguished Madam President, distinguished Executive Secretary, I'll be very quick. Saudi Arabia raised the convention to a fundamentally new level of international attention. Mongolia successfully continued that work, ensuring the necessary impetus. We'd like to express our gratitude to the Mongolian presidency and secretariat for their huge efforts, their self-sacrificing work, their permanent involvement and inspiration to find mutually acceptable solutions. Congratulations to Egypt for being president of the next COP and Serbia for the next CRIC. Russia Federation again congratulates Mongolia, the secretariat and all stakeholders for successful completion of COP17. Thank you.

Thank you to the Russian Federation.

Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of UN Women.

Thank you, Madam President, for giving UN Women the floor. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, it is an honor for UN Women to join this closing meeting at the UN NCCD COP17. Once again, we would like to thank the Government of Mongolia for hosting us, for your hospitality, as well as your leadership and commitment to gender equality. Women and girls are not only more than half of the world's population, they are stewards of our shared lands, managing farms, herds, water, food systems and households, while carrying growing care responsibilities as environmental pressures intensify. Yet, women and girls, in all their diversity, are among those most affected and the first to experience the impacts of desertification, land degradation and drought. Too often, They have less secure land rights, less access to finance and technology, less livelihood opportunities and less influence over the decisions that shape land policy. Yet, against these odds, women continue to lead. They are resilient, resourceful, and are at the front of solutions, restoring lands, sustaining communities, protecting ecosystems, and safeguarding invaluable knowledge of the natural world. Madam President, let us be clear, there is no sustainable development without women and girls. When they have secure rights, equal opportunities, and really decision-making power, food security and nutrition improves. Communities become more resilient and recovery becomes more sustainable. As the UNCCD advances a new strategic framework and the preparation of a successor gender action plan, our ambition must reflect the realities women and girls face every day. The ambition must translate into action, securing women's land and tenure rights, ensuring women's equal access to finance and technology, protecting women environmental human rights defenders, advancing meaningful leadership of indigenous pastoralists and local community women and girls, and achieving gender parity in decision-making. UN Women reiterates that the Gender Action Plan and its roadmap remains the foundation and the commitment on which this work must continue. Looking ahead to COP18, UN Women remains committed to working with all parties and partners to ensure that gender equality, rights and the empowerment of women and girls remain central to the Convention's future direction. Simply put, There is no land restoration, no resilience and no sustainable development without women and girls. I thank you.

I thank you, the distinguished representative of UN Women. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of civil society organizations.

Thank you, Madam President. I will read the statement in Arabic.

We, civil society, indigenous peoples, local communities, pastoralists, farmers, women and youth reaffirm our commitment to a convention that delivers for people and healthy land. We express our deep frustration at the blocking of key issues by a small number of parties since the adoption of the agenda. Preventing consideration of such issues risks undermining existing commitments and stalling urgently needed negotiations. We appreciate the many parties that supported us. Your voices mattered. Yet, we deeply regret that this unprecedented situation has prevented meaningful consideration of critical matters at COP17. Restoring hope requires respect, not imposition. Consensus must be built through negotiation, engagement and compromise. We urge parties to ensure that this regression does not become a precedent. Gender, civil society participation, including the participation of the indigenous and local communities caucuses, as well as synergies among the Rio Conventions must all be on the COP18 agenda. We are also disappointed at the low attendance of parties at the open dialogue sessions and the gender caucus session, as well as repeated program modifications that limited the effectiveness of these spaces. Meaningful dialogue requires parties to be present. Our substantive messages must also be heard. On drought, we call for proactive, inclusive, and human rights-based approaches supporting healthy landscapes, sustainable food systems, and locally led resilience. On rangelands, pastoralism and mobility must be recognized as resilient and adaptive systems with the secure tenure rights, meaningful participation and direct support for pastoralist communities. The convention and its future strategic framework cannot succeed while those most affected remain on the sidelines of decision making. In closing, the UNCCD, is a vital social contract between states and the people whose lives and livelihoods depend on healthy land. Such a contract is built on dialogue and trust, rights and participation, and mobilization of resources as well as accountability needed to turn commitments into action. There's no land degradation neutrality without human rights, no resilience without gender equality, no sustainable land governance without indigenous peoples and local communities, and no transformation without partnership. Be assured that we will continue to defend the land, its peoples, and the progress that we have fought so hard to build. At this difficult moment, our hearts go out to the people of Nepal after the flash floods and all those affected. Thank you, Mongolia. Thank you, COP Presidency. Thank you, Secretariat.

I thank the distinguished representative of civil society organizations.

Now I give the floor to representative of the indigenous people caucus.

Statement from the International Forum of Indigenous Peoples. on the UNCCD COP17 28 August 2026 thank you Madam President my name is Sonia Astua Manpardeva and I address you on behalf of the Indigenous Peoples Caucus we the International Forum for the Indigenous Peoples of the United Nations Convention against Desertification reaffirm our commitment to protect our lands and territories, cultures and knowledge systems for present and future generations. Our lands have been subjected to growing pressure owing to desertification, degradation, drought, climate change, biodiversity loss and unsustainable development. And yet we, the indigenous peoples, continue to protect, restore and sustain our lands and territories through our knowledge, customary governance and generations of stewardship. We are not merely affected by these crises. We are rights holders, knowledge holders, custodians and solution providers. We recall decision 5/COP16, which established the basis for the creation of an indigenous peoples caucus and strengthened the recognition of indigenous peoples differentiated participation in UN CCD processes. We call upon the parties to start operationalization of the terms of reference of the Indigenous Peoples Caucus as decided upon at COP16. We further reaffirm the principles and rights enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as well as other international instruments, including rights to self-determination, full and effective participation in decision-making processes on lands, territories, resources, knowledge systems and our livelihoods. Having recognised the efforts of those states that have established secure land tenure and have acknowledged the collective land rights of indigenous peoples, we urge all states to adopt similar measures, particularly by recognizing and safeguarding land tenure and the collective rights of indigenous peoples to our lands, territories and resources, consistent with decision 26/COP14. We call for the equitable and ethical integration of indigenous peoples' knowledge systems alongside scientific knowledge, in the CST and UNCCD policies, programs and decision making at the same time guaranteeing protection of our knowledge, intellectual property rights and indigenous data sovereignty. We plead for guaranteeing direct, flexible, accessible, equitable and non-discriminatory finance for indigenous peoples and indigenous-led organizations without unnecessary intermediaries. Our rights, our knowledge, our territories, our leadership, restore land, restore rights, restore hope. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the indigenous people's caucus. Now, I give the floor to distinguished representative of youth caucus.

Fellow young people, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, we are not here today to speak about the distant future. We are here to speak about the future we are already living because the one we are inheriting is at risk. Like many, we are deeply frustrated that since the adoption of the agenda, key issues were blocked from consideration by a few parties. preventing these issues from being addressed at this COP, which undermined existing commitments and continues to delay the urgent action our communities can no longer afford to wait for. We recognize and appreciate the many parties who stood with civil society, indigenous peoples, women, youth, pastoralists and local communities and equally supported the consideration of these issues. Your voices will continue to count beyond COP17. But our message today goes beyond the agenda. We call on Parties to institutionalize youth participation by ensuring young people are meaningfully involved in national processes, including national action programs and land degradation neutrality strategies, from design through implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Fully implement the youth engagement strategy. We need the youth engagement strategy to move from a global commitment to concrete action at national and regional levels. Direct accessible resources for frontline youth. Young people need dedicated non-debt financing, technical support, mentorship and capacity building with funding that is accessible to youth-led and locally-led organizations. Recognize land as a living system. Land can't be separated from food, water, biodiversity, health, livelihoods, culture, and peace. Restoration must be holistic, regenerative, and grounded in soil health. Protect pastoralism and local knowledge. Restoration must recognize the expertise of indigenous peoples, local communities, and pastoralists, and measure success through genuine ecosystem recovery, not simply the number of trees planted. Build genuine government youth partnership. Young people must be recognized not only as participant, but as partners and implementers. Invest in intergenerational learning and capacity building, equipping young people with knowledge, skills and networks to translate global commitments into actions. And strengthen youth participation must be measured not only by how many young people sit in a room, but how many have a voice in decisions and how many see that voice reflected in action. And finally, we call for stronger youth coordination within the UNCCD Secretariat, including consideration of a dedicated youth staff position to strengthen communication, access and implementation of the youth engagement strategy. Excellencies, we need to be honest about what is at stake. Every year of inaction is not a neutral year. Every delayed decision has a cost. Every compromise that postpones action on land degradation, desertification, and drought pushes that cost onto our generation. If we continue to debate while our soils are degraded, our systems are under pressure, our lands become less productive, and droughts become more devastating, what exactly are we asking young people to inherit? A world where fertile land is increasingly scarce, A world where food and water insecurity fuel displacement and conflict. A world where livelihoods disappear before young people even have the opportunity to build them. A world where our generation is forced to spend its future managing crises created by decades of indecision. That can't be the legacy of this convention. Young people are not asking to inherit a better future. We are asking for the political courage, resources, and and space to help build it. The decisions made in this room will help shape lands we inherit, the food we eat, the livelihoods we build, and the communities we call home. So let COP17 not be remembered for the issues that were prevented from being discussed. Let it be remembered for the moment when this convention recognized that inaction in itself is a decision and that our generation will live with the consequences of every decision made here. Let COP17 be remembered for the courage to listen, the commitment to act, and the decision to put young people at the heart of restoring our land. Our generation is ready. Our communities are ready. Our lands cannot wait. The question is no longer whether we can act. The question is whether you will choose to act before the cost of inaction becomes a future none of us can afford. I thank you all.

I thank the distinguished representative of the youth caucus.

I see no further requests for the floor.

I take this opportunity to express my sincere condolences and sympathy to the peoples of Nepal and China in view.

Of the horrible flood flash. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I now invite the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, Ms. Yasmine Foudh, to deliver a statement.

So good morning, everyone. Madam President, COP17 President, Madam Bakmoukh, CST, CRIC and CAOV chairs, and the rapporteur, Our dear delegates, representative of the indigenous people, local community, civil society, youth and women, I'd like to start by echoing the COP17 presidency in the condolences to Nepal and China and to other countries around the world that has been facing also crisis and wildfires. Partners and friends, I'll start by re-thanking COP16 presidency for their leadership and commitment in handing over this COP. And I would like to thank the government and the people of Mongolia and the COP17 presidency and all the cabinet here and the president of Mongolia for the excellent convening of the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties of the UNCC. And the thanks goes to the Bureau and to the parties and to the friends of the presidency and civil society for your commitment. We came to Mongolia with a clear ambition that COP17 would be a COP of implementation and not only decisions. Yes, it's true, we had difficult times and difficult negotiations, and in some cases, the path was slower than the urgency of the matter that we are facing of losing our land, but parties, we're also able to reach some agreements on some important matters. And consensus does not mean that we don't have differences. It means that we strive and work in order to find common ground to move forward. And the number of decisions that were gavelled today by the COP President shows this. and shows that the pieces of the implementation started to come together. The parties had concluded this session with some balanced outcomes, and yes, some were left behind, but some of that are related to the substance of our work as drought, sand and dust storm, agricultural land and land tenure. It also goes beyond to the private sector engagement, the budget of the secretariat, the resource mobilization, and looking forward, the science and policy interface, how the work would go with that part and the future strategic framework. We also will go to the crick with the national reporting and a capacity building. So there are some real tangible results out of this. and the political declarations and directions would require means to deliver it. Out of the land action agenda, just to add to what has been said on the floor, I'd like to reiterate the means of implementation that we discussed. The RGTRP partnership and its operationalization by all our partners led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are awaiting the 70 drought management plan to be converted into projects. The Drought Resilient Investment Facility with Luxembourg in order to mobilize up to 400 million to de-risk the capital of the private sector. The first drought resilience index gives the countries a new tool to assess and strengths. The International Drought Resilience Alliance, which works on the technical assistance and advocacy in the International Drought Resilience Observatory as a strong monitoring tool. All these are means to the decision of drought. And rangeland, we had a decision on rangeland and we had the Rangeland Flagship Initiative with an amount of $1.2 billion across 45 projects. COP17 has helped to move range lands from recognition towards investment and implementation. But also we need to know that we had marked the first convening of the Indigenous People Caucus and the Local Community Caucus following the decision that came at COP16. We had forever, for the first time, largest representation of the indigenous people in the history of the convention. And we do respect that. And I'll say in the last part of my speech what we're going to do with that, because we're not leaving Ulaanbaatar, and you're seeing that you are not part of that. I regret that we were not able to reach an agreement on gender. As a woman, I feel this particularly deeply. Because the full and meaningful participation of women is not only a matter of principle, it's essential to the resilience of the people, livelihood of the community, and the land we are here to store. The people closest to the land cannot be treated simply as beneficiary of decisions made elsewhere. These are the right holder, they are the knowledge holder, and partners in implementation. Our measure of success today is not simply what we are adopting, but the change of these decisions and how they can be reflected on land. We have an ambition, and this had to be met with the means of implementation and translated on the ground. But also implementation requires functioning of a secretariat. The ambition entrusted in this convention with those decisions and decisions more to come, would require that this budget that has been adopted, that the parties would fulfill their contribution in due time so that we would be able to deliver what we promised you to deliver. Thanks to the negotiators and to the chairs and facilitators of the governing body, you've done a wonderful job with us. And congratulations to the new chairs of our governing bodies. And rest assured that the secretariat would stand ready to support your work in the coming two years. I express deepest appreciation to everyone here who has stayed very late and who has been always pushing forward in order that these negotiations would continue. I'd like to thank the Bureau and the COP17 presidency for your leadership and patience and determination and meeting every day in order to follow up on that. It is that kind of persistence that makes the multilateral system moving. To our indigenous people, local communities, and women and girls, and most important, our youth that we heard today, thank you for your speeches, for continuing to remind us who and what these negotiations are all about. It's about people, livelihood and dignity, and the future that you own. And for that reason, the Secretariat has agreed with the COP16 Presidency on a funding of what's called the Riyadh Action Agenda in order to continue the work and provide financial resources. I do invite parties who are interested to that to continue with us our journey from COP17 to COP18. And finally, to the UNCCD team that is here in this room and those who were not able to join us but worked as our backbone in the Bonn office. I'd like to say a particular and heartfelt thank you. You have worked tirelessly, often under extraordinary pressure and stress, with very limited resources, whether in our number or how we are doing our function. Much of that work parties did not see it, but I did feel it and appreciate it greatly. Thank you for your professionalism, resilience, and for pushing through till the last minute in those difficult days. Thanks to the volunteers, because without you, it would have been difficult to be here. In Mongolia, they say, a good horse is not frightened by a long road, and we still have a long road that's difficult and long to go ahead with that. I'd like here. Also to reiterate that Mongolia has given us a lasting legacy of rangeland and pastoralism that we will carry over to COP18. And I would like to congratulate both Serbia and Egypt for hosting the upcoming CRIC and upcoming COP, and we look forward to work closely with both of them. And from here, implementation is not only about hectares and dollars. It's about the people that we will continue to serve. We're leaving Ulaanbaatar because it gave us the elements and architecture of implementation. And now we will move together to deliver this to COP18 and beyond. I thank you very much.

I thank the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. Excellencies, distinguished participants, we have now reached the end of the session. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, over the past two weeks, we have gathered in the National Park of Ulaanbaatar cradled in the valley of Tolt River and Balkhan Mountains, and oldest protected area in Mongolia. Those who protected this natural treasure were looking beyond themselves. And that call of our ancestors found a tangible reflection when over three decades ago, the world community came together to combat desertification under the UN Convention. Since then, our governments have gathered 17 times to renew their collective resolve and determination to protect our land, take effective national actions, support international cooperation towards sustainable development. This conference demonstrated once again the strong commitment of the parties, the mandate of the convention. distinguished delegation delegates COP 17 has delivered an important political outcome through the adoption of the Ulan Batar declaration reaffirming parties commitment to land degradation neutrality stronger implement implementation improved policy coherence International cooperation and greater access to Finance the conference also concluded decisions on range lands private sector engagement, sand and dust storms, the science policy interface, the future strategic framework of the convention through the IWG and drought. Taken together, these outcomes strengthen the policy and institutional foundation for implementation while placing people, livelihoods and country-led action more clearly at the center of land restoration, rangeland management, soil and water conservation and resilience. At the same time, COP17 demonstrated that implementation must be backed by real projects, partnerships and investment. The conference helped assemble a portfolio of 45 land restoration, rangeland and drought resilience project across 23 countries valued at about $1.3 billion, including the Rangelands Flagship Initiative and the Business for Land Hub of Mongolia. These developments have helped elevate rangelands and pastoralists within the global land agenda and strengthen the connection between policy ambition, finance, private sector engagement, and delivery on the ground. The task now is to carry this momentum forward and ensure that the decisions, partnerships, and investments advanced in Ulaanbaatar translate into healthier land, stronger livelihoods and measurable benefits for people and communities. Distinguished delegates, negotiations were not easy, but this is what makes our success even more satisfying. As a result of hard work, long days and deprived sleeps, we have ensured collective outcomes that represent our common priorities. Despite the differences of views on several items, parties were able to make an important progress on negotiations through sustained dialogue, flexibility, and shared commitment to the convention. These outcomes are close to our hearts, building on the momentum generated by the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. We will remain committed to the advancement of the sustainable rangeland management, conservation and restoration, and inclusive rangeland governance. I'm encouraged by the adoption of the decision on the final report of the intergovernmental working group on the future strategic framework of the convention, the decision on drought and other important decisions. This demonstrates that consensus remains possible even on the most difficult issues, thanks to the parties' engagement, good faith and spirit of compromise. As we leave Ulaanbaatar, I hope that the spirit of solidarity and multilateral cooperation demonstrated during COP17.

Will continue to guide.

The implementation of the Convention and our collective efforts beyond this conference. As Presidency of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UNCCD, we look forward to working with all of you over the next two years to continue strengthening this Convention, enhancing multilateral action and obtaining results on the ground. On behalf of the government of Mongolia and the COP17 presidency, I would like to express our deep gratitude to all parties and regional groups that demonstrated flexibility, patience and political will in helping us bridge differences and reach consensus. On behalf of the COP17 presidency, we convey our profound appreciation to the secretariat of the UNCCD, dear Yasmin, Andrea, Rajib, and all those who contributed to making these conferences a success. Also, I would like to thank our chairs of the committees and facilitators, Mr. Halid Cherki, Nicholas Webb, Philippine Dutai, Miss Charles Lang, Mr. Noel Joseph, Mr. Pujanraj Gurung, Miss Marina Medini, and I extend my sincere gratitude to the president Speaker and Prime Minister of Mongolia for their invaluable support and contribution to successful organization of COP17. My appreciation also goes to the National Preparatory Committee led by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, COP17 Preparatory Office and all civil servants of ministries and government agencies for their close cooperation dedication and commitment throughout the preparation and conduct of this conference. I would equally like to recognize the contribution of international organizations, civil society organizations, the private sector, academia, youth, volunteers, interpreters, technicians, service personnel, and everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. It has been a great honor and privilege for me to welcome you all to Ulaanbaatar. I wish you safe journey home.

I thank you. I hereby declare closed the 17th.

Session of the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.