World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2026

Desertification, along with climate change and the loss of biodiversity, were identified as the greatest challenges to sustainable development during the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. Two years later, the General Assembly established the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), a legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management, and declared 17 June “World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought” (A/RES/49/115). This day, also known as “Desertification and Drought Day”, is observed every year to promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification.

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

Desertification, along with climate change and the loss of biodiversity, were identified as the greatest challenges to sustainable development during the 1992 Rio Earth Summit.

Two years later, in 1994, the General Assembly established the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management, and declared 17 June “World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought” by its resolution A/RES/49/115.

Official Website

2026 Theme: Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore

The global observance will highlight the central role of the world’s rangelands in climate resilience, food and water security, biodiversity conservation and the cultural identity of pastoralist and Indigenous communities. Kenya’s leadership reflects its ongoing efforts to address land degradation, strengthen drought resilience and support communities living in dryland and rangeland areas.

Rangelands cover more than half of the world’s land surface yet remain among the most undervalued ecosystems. They face increasing pressures from climate change, land degradation and competing land uses. Up to half of all rangelands are already degraded or at risk, jeopardizing food and water security, climate resilience and rural livelihoods.

Coinciding with the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, the 2026 global observance will draw attention to the need to recognize and value rangelands for the critical functions they provide, respect the traditional stewards who have cared for them for generations and restore degraded landscapes to secure livelihoods and ecosystem services.

Through Desertification and Drought Day 2026, countries and communities are invited to:

Recognize rangelands’ economic contribution to national and regional economies, their role in sustaining biodiversity and wildlife and the multiple benefits they provide, from regulating water cycles to storing carbon
Respect pastoralists, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, whose mobility, customary governance systems and ecological knowledge are essential to maintaining the health and productivity of these landscapes
Restore rangelands by investing in sustainable land and water management, strengthening governance, improving drought preparedness and supporting community-led restoration efforts

The Role of Geneva

Various international organizations in Geneva – listed below in alphabetical order – are engaged in combating desertification and droughts.

Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought, and the Role of Geneva