The report of the UN Secretary-General (UNSG) on the five-year implementation of the UN Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification has been published and will be presented to the 69th UN General Assembly (UNGA) on 16 October 2014.
19 September 2014: The report of the UN Secretary-General (UNSG) on the five-year implementation of the UN Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification has been published and will be presented to the 69th UN General Assembly (UNGA) on 16 October 2014.
Monique Barbut, Executive Secretary, UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), will present the report, titled ‘Implementation of the United Nations Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification,’ which highlights activities undertaken by the UNCCD Secretariat.
The report also: outlines plans and activities being undertaken by parties and observers to the Convention and through collaboration and partnership with UN agencies and organizations; summarizes awareness raising and advocacy initiatives and observances of the Decade; and discusses support provided for celebrations of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, which is observed annually on 17 June.
The report recommends that the General Assembly: reiterate its call to governments and intergovernmental organizations to support Decade initiatives; encourage foundations, the private sector and civil society organizations to contribute to the initiatives; and strengthen outreach to children and youth so that they understand the future impacts of climate change on land.
A 2007 UN resolution, A/RES/62/195, declared 2010-2020 the UN Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification. [UNCCD Press Release] [Publication: The Implementation of the United Nations Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification (2010–2020) Report of the Secretary-General][Land Policy & Practice coverage of UN Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification]