People's Day emphasizes the crucial role of non-state actors — youth, women, local governments, farmers and civil society organizations — in tackling desertification, land degradation and drought. This thematic day promotes a bottom-up approach, encouraging dialogue between governmental and non-governmental actors to improve the livelihoods of those most affected by land degradation. People's Day will provide a platform for non-state actors to present initiatives and ideas that contribute to the Convention’s implementation and shape the COP16 negotiation agenda. Key events: Gender Caucus, Youth Forum and Indigenous Peoples Platform, will focus on people-centered solutions and fostering collaboration for building a better future on land.

Key objectives:

• Knowledge sharing: Showcase success stories, innovations and good practices from various stakeholders to inform and enhance the negotiation process
• Mayors 4 Land: Promote sustainable land management practices at the urban-rural interface, with concrete commitments from local governments.
• Action for empowerment: Foster collaboration between governments and societal sectors to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality through awareness, capacity building and innovation.

Find out more here.

Follow the Host Country COP16 website for the latest updates.

*Banner image by UNCCD.