On Sept 15, 2017, the 13th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP13) came to a close in Ordos, and achieved strong results.

During the conference, all parties conducted extensive and in-depth discussions and consultations on the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the formulation of a new strategic framework for the UNCCD, and the promotion of the goal of achieving zero growth in land degradation, as well as reached several consensuses and achieved positive results.

At the closing ceremony, the conference report and the decision on "Expression of Gratitude to the Government of the People's Republic of China and Its People" were considered and adopted, and the "Ordos Declaration" was adopted and issued.

The closing ceremony of the conference. [Photo provided to investordos.goinnermongolia.com.cn]

During the closing session, Zhang Jianlong, president of the COP13 and director general of the State Forestry Administration of China, chaired the meeting and delivered a statement. Monica Babb, executive secretary of the secretariat of the UNCCD, also presented a statement. Furthermore, statements were articulated by representatives of regional groups, the United Nations system, United Nations special agencies, and other intergovernmental organizations, as well as by representatives of non-governmental organizations.

Zhang Jianlong presides over the meeting and delivers a speech. [Photo provided to investordos.goinnermongolia.com.cn]

Monica Babb makes a speech during the closing session. [Photo provided to investordos.goinnermongolia.com.cn]

The conference achieved five critical outcomes. First, it adopted the UNCCD's strategic framework for 2018-2030, specifying the strategic approach, steps, and monitoring indicators for achieving the 2030 global target of zero growth in land degradation.

It adopted the work plan and budget of the UNCCD for the next two years, defined the work plan and specific programs of the science and technology and policy linkage platforms, and clarified the future responsibilities of the Compliance Review Committee (CRC), its meeting mechanism, as well as the periodicity and requirements of national reports.

Additionally, 112 nations have pledged their commitment to participating in the voluntary target-setting process for zero growth in land degradation. These countries are tasked with establishing targets and carrying out actions to address this issue. A resolution on cooperation with the Global Environment Facility and mobilization of financial resources for compliance was adopted, and the Zero Land Degradation Growth Fund was launched.

Thirdly, the Ordos Declaration was ratified, underscoring the significance of government-leading, multi-stakeholder collaboration and the mobilization of the private sector, civil society organizations, women, and youth. It acknowledged the interconnected nature of combating desertification, curbing land degradation, mitigating drought, mitigating the hazards of sandstorms and dust storms, and responding to climate change, while also stressing the importance of preserving biodiversity, and ensuring food security. The declaration pledged to reinforce efforts to prevent desertification, combat land degradation, and restore degraded ecosystems.

Fourthly, the Global Youth Initiative to Combat Desertification was released, and the Declaration of the Business Forum on Sustainable Land Management was issued. The resolution on the participation of civil society organizations and the private sector was adopted, encouraging the private sector to establish public-private partnerships.

Fifthly, the organization passed resolutions on drought policy initiatives associated with desertification and land degradation control, the policy framework initiatives for dust and sandstorms, as well as desertification and migration, capacity-building, gender equality, and empowerment. Special emphasis was placed on addressing the specific issues and requirements of different regions, and on enhancing coordination and collaboration with other international organizations and conventions.

The UNCCD COP13 took place in Ordos from Sept 6 to 15, 2017. The first week of the conference comprised technical events, including meetings of the Committee on Science and Technology and the CRC. The second week featured the main events, including the opening ceremony of the high-level segment, the high-level segment itself, and the closing ceremony of the high-level segment. The conference also hosted several plenary meetings and a Committee of the Whole. Three ministerial round tables and three interactive dialogues took place during the high-level segment.