Please find an interesting article published in 2026, the link to open access: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2026.104330
Authored by experts affiliated with UNCCD, GWP, and Wageningen University.

Title: Assessing UNCCD’s role in advancing social learning for combating desertification, land degradation, and drought

Abstract: Addressing the challenges of desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD) requires exchanging knowledge and practices across diverse actors, institutions, disciplines, and regions. Established in 1994 as one of the three Rio Conventions, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) functions not only as a legally binding international agreement but also as a global collaborative platform for deepening knowledge and technical expertise on tackling DLDD. This paper examines the extent to which UNCCD has contributed to advancing social learning in the field of DLDD. Drawing from Wenger’s theoretical framework on social learning, we argue that UNCCD operates as a global transdisciplinary community of practice, enabling stakeholders to “learn together how to do things better together” in addressing DLDD-related challenges. Based on data from semi-structured interviews with UNCCD National Focal Points, Science and Technology Correspondents, and other experts engaged in UNCCD processes, this research explores and illustrates the relational, technical, and transformational outcomes generated through the Convention. It highlights current gaps in the social learning dynamics within UNCCD processes and offers suggestions for enhancing meeting formats, inclusivity, and the integration of science, policy, and practice. Conceptualizing UNCCD as a platform for co-learning, this study uncovers its broader contribution to environmental governance – offering insights into how multilateral environmental agreements can drive change through shared knowledge, relationships, and adaptive practice, not just political or financial commitments.

More details including the full article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1462901126000237

I am pleased to share that I have received my certificate from the online course "Drought Risk and Impact Assessment," delivered by UNCCD, WMO, and the Global Water Partnership (GWP). This training has strengthened my skills in drought risk and impact assessment, quantitative and qualitative analysis, understanding cascading and compound risks, and impact-based early warning systems. I strongly encourage professionals in the water, agriculture, climate, and development sectors to take this training to better anticipate and mitigate the impacts of drought. Together, let's build resilience to drought.
https://droughtclp.unccd.int/course/drought-risk-and-impact-assessment

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10 Years ago, there is a research on LDCs in Asia from the angle of drought. We may think, 10 years afterwards, how is the situation?

The publication 10 years ago below
Droughts in Asian Least Developed Countries: Vulnerability and sustainability
Source: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wace.2014.06.003
By M. A. Miyan

Abstract
Droughts occur both in developed and developing countries with significant impacts and are exacerbating in frequency, severity and duration. Over exploitation of water resources, weather variability and climate change are mostly responsible for such exacerbation. The impacts of droughts encompass the global ecosystem as a whole but vary from region to region. Least developed countries (LDCs) are becoming the worst sufferer of the impacts due to physical, social and economic as well as knowledge and skills differences. The increasing biophysical vulnerability contexts and intensity in the Asian LDCs causing adverse effects on food security, human health, biodiversity, water resources, hydroelectric power generation, streams, perennial springs, and livelihood. Drought is also responsible for increasing pollution, pests and diseases and forced migration and famine. Information indicates monsoon has become erratic contributing to up-scaling of droughts. South and Southeast Asian LDCs like Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Cambodia and Lao PDR under the monsoon climatic zone have also been suffering from increasing droughts arising out of delayed and changing distribution patterns of precipitation. Prolong dry spells increase the frequencies of wildfire in grasslands, forests, and range-lands. The rain-fed crops of the plains are facing challenges from soil-moisture stress with projected droughts. Droughts causing migration of fishes, and marine anadromus species are having adverse impacts on spawning habitats. Reduction in annual surface runoff is decreasing the ground and surface water with negative effect on agriculture and water supply for industrial and domestic sectors. As droughts are exacerbating the consequences are accelerating. However, traditionally people are adapting with the changing situations applying indigenous knowledge and practices for sustainable living. This paper reflects on prevalence and impacts of droughts, existing coping mechanisms, initiatives to combat impacts and further doubles in the context of Asian LDCs.

Source: https://www.unccd.int/news-stories/press-releases/unccd-and-saudi-arabi…
UNCCD News
High-level meeting in Bonn highlights land degradation and drought as rising drivers of instability and security risks

Bonn, 26 January 2026 — The secretariat of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which currently holds the Presidency of the UNCCD Conference of the Parties (COP), underscored the importance of addressing the land–drought–water–security nexus as a strategic priority for food security, resilience and stability.

During a high-level meeting in Bonn, Adel Al Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Envoy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, highlighted the link between land degradation and security. Yasmine Fouad, UNCCD Executive Secretary, highlighted that healthy land is foundational to food security, livelihoods and prosperity, with direct implications for stability as communities face rising vulnerability and increasing resource stress.

“Drought is a global issue with a direct impact on people and livelihoods. There is an urgent need to elevate this discourse and bring greater attention to the links between drought and national security,” said Minister Al Jubeir.

“At UNCCD, we are deeply committed to the principle that the health of the land is critical to ensuring peace and stability. Desertification, land degradation and drought drive food prices and exacerbate conflict and insecurity as people struggle to survive amid shrinking resources. These are fundamental development and security challenges and must be prioritized as such,” said Executive Secretary Fouad.

Osama Ibrahim Faqeeha, Deputy Minister for Environment at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, stressed the importance of sustaining political momentum from COP16 to COP17:

“Land sits at the heart of multiple global challenges — from food and water security to climate resilience and sustainable growth,” Dr. Faqeeha said. “Building on the outcome and historical success of COP16, we need to maintain the international momentum in COP17.”

By 2050, the world will need to produce 50 per cent more food to feed a growing global population, even as up to 40 per cent of land is already degraded. Restoring 150 million hectares of degraded land could improve food security for 200 million people, by increasing yields, strengthening resilience and reducing pressure to expand agricultural frontiers.

At UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh in December 2024, countries committed to accelerating efforts to sustainably manage and restore land as a driver of economic growth, prosperity and well-being. Through initiatives such as Great Green Wall and the Peace Forest Initiative, UNCCD is advancing land restoration to address the environmental, economic and social impacts of land degradation, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings.

For more information, please contact: press@unccd.int

Source: https://www.adpc.net/ver25/adpc-news.asp?q=2152
Stakeholders Consultation Workshop in Nepal

26-27 November 2025, Kathmandu, Nepal
The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation (MoEWRI), convened a Stakeholder Consultation Workshop to accelerate the integration of climate-responsive actions across the water, energy, irrigation, hydrology, and meteorology sectors in Nepal.

The workshop brought together key partners to align sectoral priorities with national plans, policies, regulations, and budgeting processes, while advancing the development of climate-smart guidelines and knowledge products. It further strengthened coordination, implementation, monitoring, and reporting mechanisms essential for achieving Nepal's climate commitments. The workshop was organized under the NDC IMPACT project, funded by the NDC Partnership Action Fund (PAF).

The main objectives of the Stakeholders Consultation Workshop were to present the scope of project outputs, activities, and the overall implementation plan, as well as to gather stakeholders' feedback and expectations.

Mr. Shishir Koirala, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation (MoEWRI), highlighted that “This workshop is an important step in the project to support Nepal's climate resilience, including expanding renewable energy, strengthening hydropower resilience, promoting climate-smart irrigation, and improving meteorology and other sectors."

Ms. Amita Thapa Magar, In-Country Facilitator for Nepal at NDC Partnership, shared that stakeholders' feedback will guide coherence, adaptability, and priority alignment for the project implementation.

The consultation workshop featured a comprehensive program comprising a technical session, a thematic presentation, and a group discussion followed by participant presentations. The sessions also helped to outline the scope and approach for creating the Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) for the water, energy, irrigation, hydrology, and metrology sectors. This involved reviewing the current GEDSI landscape, identifying gaps, and developing targeted actions and policy interventions to promote gender-responsive and inclusive practices.

In total, 39 representatives from various government departments and ministries in Nepal took part in the event, alongside participants from academia, international organizations, and development partners. The diverse participation ensured a rich exchange of perspectives, strengthening the workshop's overall impact and relevance.

Dr. Santosh Kaini, Deputy Director General of the Department of Water Resources and Irrigation, emphasized that “Policy and guiding documents are vital but must be complemented with field assessments and stakeholder input to address gaps effectively."

Mr. Naresh Sharma, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Forests and Environment, delivered the keynote presentation, noting that this project would develop solutions that strengthen adaptive capacity, especially for vulnerable communities affected by climate change.

The NDC IMPACT project is leading efforts to embed climate resilience and low-carbon strategies into Nepal's national plans, policies, regulations, and budgets across water, energy, irrigation, hydrology, and meteorology sectors. ADPC is working closely with MoEWRI to build institutional capacity and promote climate-resilient development.

For more information, please contact: adpc_social@adpc.net

International Climate Protection Fellowship (Alexander von Humboldt Foundation)

Applications are open for the International Climate Protection Fellowship, a fully funded program for professionals and researchers working on climate change, sustainability, water, energy, and environmental protection.

The fellowship supports research stays in Germany in cooperation with a host institution, with a strong focus on practical impact and climate-related solutions.

Who can apply

Early-career and experienced professionals

Researchers working on climate-related topics

Applicants from developing and emerging countries

Application deadline: 10 February

More details and application link:
https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/en/apply/sponsorship-programmes/inte…