UNCCD COP17 Women Delegates Negotiation Training Program 2026
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is offering a special training program for women delegates ahead of its 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17). This initiative aims to boost the participation and effectiveness of women in UNCCD negotiations. COP17 will take place in Ulaanbaatar from August 17-28, 2026, focusing on the theme “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope.” The conference will bring together various stakeholders to discuss solutions for land restoration, drought resilience, and sustainable land management.
Program Overview
The UNCCD Women Delegates Fund (WDF) training program is designed to support women delegates from developing countries. It provides capacity-building and negotiation support, along with pre-conference briefings and networking opportunities. This program is a key part of the UNCCD’s effort to ensure diverse voices are heard in discussions about land degradation and drought.
Eligibility Requirements
This program is open to women delegates from developing country Parties that are eligible under the UNCCD Special Trust Fund for Participation. Priority will be given to delegates from Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Governments are invited to nominate one eligible woman delegate from their official COP17 delegation.
Specific Criteria for Nomination
- Eligibility: Women designated as official delegates from countries covered by the Special Trust Fund for Participation are eligible.
- Special Consideration: Parties can give special attention to nominating women delegates from Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and civil society organizations.
- Nomination Limit: Each country can nominate only one woman applicant.
- Selection Basis: Selections will be made on a “first come, first served” basis within each Regional Implementation Annex.
- Equitable Representation: All Regional Implementation Annexes are expected to benefit equally from this opportunity.
Benefits for Selected Participants
Selected participants will receive several benefits designed to enhance their experience and impact at COP17. These include support for their participation in the conference itself, access to valuable capacity-building and negotiation support activities, and opportunities to connect with other women delegates before and during the event.
Key Benefits
- Participation Support: Assistance with the logistics and costs associated with attending COP17.
- Capacity Building: Training sessions focused on negotiation skills and understanding the UNCCD process.
- Networking: Opportunities to build connections with fellow women delegates and stakeholders.
- Pre-COP Briefings: Sessions to prepare delegates for the conference discussions and negotiations.
Application Process
Governments are requested to nominate qualified women who will be part of their official delegation. To make a nomination, a letter must be sent on Ministry letterhead, signed by the National Focal Point (NFP). This letter should be addressed to the provided email address, with a copy sent to the respective Regional Liaison Officer (RLO) at the secretariat. The CV or a short biography of the proposed woman delegate must be attached to the nomination letter. The application deadline is June 8, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UNCCD COP17 Women Delegates Negotiation Training Program?
It’s a training program by the UNCCD to help women delegates from developing countries improve their participation and effectiveness in negotiations for COP17.
Who is eligible to participate in this training program?
Women delegates from developing countries that are eligible under the UNCCD Special Trust Fund for Participation can apply, with priority given to those from Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
What are the benefits for selected participants?
Selected participants receive support for attending COP17, capacity-building training, negotiation support, networking opportunities, and pre-conference briefings.
How can a government nominate a delegate for this program?
Governments must send a nomination letter on Ministry letterhead from the National Focal Point, along with the delegate’s CV or biography, to the specified email address by June 8, 2026.
