UNCCD COP17 Women Delegates Negotiation Training: A Pathway to Enhanced Participation

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is set to host its 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) in Ulaanbaatar from August 17-28, 2026. This crucial global conference will focus on “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope,” bringing together diverse stakeholders to address land degradation and drought resilience. Ahead of this significant event, the UNCCD secretariat is launching the second round of its Women Delegates Fund (WDF) training. This initiative aims to boost the participation and effectiveness of women delegates in UNCCD processes and negotiations, building on the success of previous capacity-building efforts.

The WDF is a key component of the UNCCD Gender Action Plan (GAP), specifically its Roadmap designed to increase women’s leadership and involvement at all levels of UNCCD decision-making. By providing targeted support and training, the fund seeks to equip women delegates with the skills needed to engage meaningfully in negotiations and contribute to the COP17 outcomes. This training represents a concrete step towards ensuring more inclusive and effective multilateral environmental processes.

Strengthening Women’s Role in Environmental Diplomacy

The UNCCD COP17 Women Delegates Negotiation Training is designed to empower women by enhancing their negotiation skills and overall capacity to participate in international environmental forums. This program is a direct response to the need for greater gender balance and representation in global decision-making bodies. By focusing on practical negotiation techniques and providing pre-conference briefings, the training aims to level the playing field for women delegates.

The training builds on the positive outcomes of the first WDF training held at CRIC23 in Panama City. That program demonstrated the value of dedicated capacity-building for women in multilateral settings. The upcoming training at COP17 will further solidify these efforts, fostering a network of skilled women negotiators who can contribute more effectively to addressing critical environmental challenges like land degradation and drought.

Key Benefits for Selected Participants

Participants selected for the UNCCD COP17 Women Delegates Negotiation Training will receive several valuable benefits designed to support their engagement at the conference. These benefits are structured to provide both direct assistance for attending COP17 and opportunities for skill development and networking. The program aims to ensure that selected delegates are well-prepared and supported throughout their participation.

The benefits include direct participation support for COP17, covering aspects necessary for attending the conference. Alongside this, participants will engage in capacity-building and negotiation support activities, which are the core of the training. Furthermore, the program offers pre-COP briefings to familiarize delegates with the agenda and key issues, as well as networking opportunities with fellow women delegates, fostering a supportive community and exchange of experiences.

Eligibility and Nomination Process

The UNCCD COP17 Women Delegates Negotiation Training is open to women delegates from developing countries that are eligible under the UNCCD Special Trust Fund for Participation. A priority is given to delegates from Least Developed Countries (LDCs). This focus ensures that the program reaches those who may face greater barriers to participation in international negotiations.

Governments from all Regional Implementation Annexes are invited to nominate one eligible woman delegate from their official COP17 delegation. The nomination process requires a formal letter on Ministry letterhead, signed by the National Focal Point (NFP). This letter should be sent to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) with a copy to the respective Regional Liaison Officer (RLO) at the secretariat. The CV or short biography of the proposed woman delegate must also be attached to the nomination. This structured approach ensures that nominations are official and that eligible candidates are considered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal of the UNCCD COP17 Women Delegates Negotiation Training?

The training aims to improve women delegates’ negotiation skills and overall capacity to participate effectively in international environmental forums like COP17.

Who is eligible to participate in this training program?

Women delegates from developing countries eligible under the UNCCD Special Trust Fund for Participation, with priority given to those from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), can participate.

How are delegates nominated for the training?

Governments can nominate one eligible woman delegate by sending a formal letter on Ministry letterhead, signed by the National Focal Point, to the UNCCD secretariat with a copy to the respective Regional Liaison Officer, including the delegate’s CV.

What benefits do participants receive from the training?

Participants get direct support for attending COP17, capacity-building and negotiation training, pre-conference briefings, and networking opportunities with other women delegates.