Changemakers for Agri-food Action: Exploring the UNCCD on the Road to COP17 in Mongolia

Date: Thursday, 23 July 2026
Time: 15:00–16:00 CET
Platform: Zoom

As part of the Changemakers for Agri-food Action webinar series, YPARD invites young leaders, researchers, professionals, and agrifood stakeholders to join an engaging session focused on the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the road to COP17 in Mongolia.

This webinar is part of YPARD's continued commitment to strengthening youth engagement in global policy processes by equipping young people with the knowledge, networks, and tools needed to contribute meaningfully to international decision-making.

About the Changemakers for Agri-food Action Series

Launched in 2024, Changemakers for Agri-food Action is YPARD's flagship webinar series designed to empower youth movements including members of the YPARD Policy Working Group, with the strategic knowledge and practical understanding required to engage effectively in global governance processes.

The 2026 edition focuses on the synergies between the three Rio Conventions, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and their collective role in transforming agrifood systems. Through these discussions, the series seeks to strengthen youth leadership in advancing integrated solutions that address climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation through sustainable and agroecological approaches.

Why This Session Matters

Healthy land is fundamental to sustainable food systems, resilient livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and climate action. Yet land degradation, desertification, and drought continue to threaten ecosystems and communities around the world. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) provides the global framework for tackling these interconnected challenges by promoting sustainable land management, ecosystem restoration, and drought resilience. Ahead of UNCCD COP17, to be held in Mongolia, this webinar will introduce participants to the Convention's governance structure, negotiation processes, and the key issues expected to shape discussions during the Conference of the Parties. Participants will also gain insights into how these negotiations relate to agriculture, food systems, youth participation, and equitable access to land.

Session Objectives

Participants will:

• Gain an understanding of the mandate, governance structure, and decision-making processes of the UNCCD.
• Learn about the key institutions and negotiation mechanisms that guide the Convention.
• Explore the major agenda items expected at COP17 and their implications for agriculture, food systems, land restoration, and climate resilience.
• Understand youth policy priorities and demands regarding food systems and land governance ahead of COP17.
• Discover opportunities for young people to engage in international policy processes and contribute to sustainable land management.

Featured Speakers

The session will bring together experts and youth leaders actively engaged in the UNCCD process, including:

• Rico Rau – Global Focal Point, UNCCD Youth Caucus
• Sopiko Babalashvili – UNCCD Civil Society Organization (CSO) Panel (TBC)
• Aya Aite El Madani – YPARD UNCCD & Land Focal Point
• Ininmbom Bassey / Sussana Teriza Phiri – YPARD UNCCD & Land Focal Points
• Daniela Solis – Youth4Soil Manifesto

The webinar will be moderated by Sebastian Pedraza (YPARD).

Join the Conversation

Whether you are new to the UNCCD or already engaged in environmental and food systems policy, this webinar offers a valuable opportunity to deepen your understanding of one of the world's most important multilateral environmental agreements and learn how young people are shaping the agenda for sustainable land management.

Join us as we explore the road to UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia and strengthen youth voices for resilient land, sustainable agrifood systems, and a more sustainable future.

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