- 17th Session of UNCCD COP17 was held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 17–28 August 2026.
- Theme: “Restoring Land. Restoring Hope.”
- Coincided with the UN International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP 2026).
- India was represented by Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
- Key initiatives launched:
- International Drought Resilience Observatory (IDRO) Phase-II
- Drought Resilience Index (DRI) – AI-powered drought monitoring and assessment tool.
- Drought Resilience Investment Facility (DRIF) – aims to mobilise up to USD 400 million for drought resilience.
- Next COP: Egypt will host UNCCD COP18 in 2028 at Sharm El-Sheikh.