19/08/2026
π§ From risk to resilience: Day 2 at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
As COP17 moved from opening ambitions into substantive discussions in Ulaanbaatar, Day 2 brought a sharper focus to a critical question: how do we turn knowledge about drought and land degradation into action before the impacts escalate?
For the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the day connected different pieces of that challenge. Across our sessions, discussions explored strengthening drought early warning, preparedness, and integrated responses; mobilizing finance for drought resilience through the Strategy; and rethinking agricultural subsidies and water tariffs to better support land restoration.
One message stood out: resilience requires getting both the evidence and the incentives right. Discussions highlighted proven approaches such as watershed and soil moisture management, alongside the need for economic mechanisms tailored to local contexts and farmersβ behavioral responses. Participants also explored how repurposing existing support can advance more equitable outcomes and open opportunities for participatory finance.
The conversations further underscored the need for coherence across the water, energy, food and ecosystems nexus, connecting farmers and communities with local and national decision-making rather than addressing these systems in isolation.
Even a rainy afternoon and a late session did not slow the conversation, with active participation in βWhen Water Has No Price, Land Pays the Costβ bringing these questions of incentives, equity, and financing firmly into the discussion.
And the momentum continues. π§
π Continue to join IWMI and our partners at : on.cgiar.org/4q9oUOp
