Changemakers for Agri-food Action: Exploring the UNCCD on the Road to COP17 in Mongolia
Date: Thursday, 23 July 2026
Time: 15:00–16:00 CET
Platform: Zoom
About Changemakers for Agri-food Action
Changemakers for Agri-Food Action” is a series of online webinars that YPARD launched in 2024 with the aim of equipping youth movements, including members of the YPARD Policy Working Group, with the tools, resources, and strategic knowledge needed to participate effectively in major international political processes.
This year’s main theme will be the synergies among the Rio Conventions, particularly as they relate to agrifood systems. This series of webinars aims to strengthen young people’s capacities and leadership so we can understand these interconnections, promote agroecological approaches, and actively participate in the implementation of integrated policies that simultaneously address the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation.
Background for this session
Land degradation, desertification, and drought represent some of the most pressing challenges to food security, rural livelihoods, and climate resilience. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) serves as the primary international framework for addressing these challenges by promoting policies and actions that support sustainable land management and ecosystem restoration.
As part of the preparations for the upcoming session of the UNCCD Conference of the Parties (COP) in Mongolia, this webinar organized by YPARD aims to provide young leaders, researchers, and professionals with a clear understanding of how the Convention works, its main decision-making bodies, and the issues that will shape the negotiation agenda. The session will also explore the relevance of these processes to food systems, agriculture, and youth leadership, strengthening participants’ capacity to engage informedly in international governance on land and desertification.
Key Objectives:
Introduce participants to the mandate, governance structure and decision-making processes of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), including its key institutions and negotiation mechanisms.
Provide an overview of the main issues expected to be discussed and negotiated during the upcoming UNCCD COP in Mongolia, highlighting their relevance for agriculture, food systems, land restoration and climate resilience.
Understanding Young People's Policy Priorities and Demands Regarding Food Systems and Land for COP17 in Mongolia
Featured Speakers
The session will bring together experts and youth leaders actively engaged in the UNCCD process, including:
Rico Rau – Global Focal Point, UNCCD Youth Caucus
Sopiko Babalashvili – UNCCD Civil Society Organization (CSO) Panel
Aya Aite El Madani – YPARD UNCCD & Land Focal Point
Ininmbom Bassey / Sussana Teriza Phiri – YPARD UNCCD & Land Focal Points
Daniela Solis – Youth4Soil Manifesto
The webinar will be moderated by Sebastian Pedraza (YPARD).