16 December 2011: The Secretariats of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) have convened an international organizing committee to prepare for a March 2013 High-Level Meeting on National Drought Policy.

The international organizing committee met in Geneva, Switzerland, from 13-14 December 2011. The World Meteorological Congress earlier this year recommended the organization of a High Level Meeting on National Drought Policy, and WMO and UNCCD convened the meeting of the organizing committee to start technical and strategic planning to ensure the success of the High-Level Meeting.

On the occasion of the planning meeting, WMO Secretary-General Michel Jarraud stated that “The time is ripe for nations to move forward with the development of a pro-active, risk-based national drought policy.” Luc Gnacadja, UNCCD Executive Secretary, said the UNCCD Secretariat supports the development and implementation of national drought policy because “drought is a severe challenge impeding the livelihood of drylands populations.” [WMO Press Release]