UNCCD COP17 Program Empowers Women in Negotiations
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is launching a significant training program aimed at increasing the participation and effectiveness of women delegates in its upcoming COP17 conference. This initiative, the UNCCD COP17 Women Delegates Negotiation Training Program, is designed to build capacity and provide crucial support for women involved in global discussions on land degradation and drought. The program underscores the UNCCD’s commitment to gender equality and ensuring diverse voices are heard in critical environmental policy-making.
Supporting Women in Environmental Diplomacy
The UNCCD COP17 Women Delegates Fund (WDF) training is a key component of the UNCCD secretariat’s efforts to foster greater involvement of women in its processes. This program is particularly important as it prepares women delegates for the complexities of international negotiations. By offering specialized training, the UNCCD aims to equip these delegates with the skills and confidence needed to contribute meaningfully to discussions and decisions that impact land management and sustainability worldwide.
Focus on Developing Countries and LDCs
This training initiative is open to women delegates from developing countries that are eligible under the UNCCD Special Trust Fund for Participation. A special emphasis is placed on delegates from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), recognizing the unique challenges and needs of these nations. The program’s structure ensures that governments from all Regional Implementation Annexes are encouraged to nominate eligible women from their official COP17 delegations. This broad reach aims to create a more inclusive and representative group of negotiators.
Selection and Benefits for Participants
The selection process for the UNCCD COP17 Women Delegates Negotiation Training Program prioritizes women designated as official delegates from countries covered by the Special Trust Fund. Parties are encouraged to consider nominating women delegates from Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and civil society organizations. Each country can nominate one woman applicant, and selections are made on a first-come, first-served basis within each Annex, with the goal of ensuring equitable representation across all regions.
Selected participants will receive several key benefits designed to enhance their experience and impact at COP17. These include support for their participation in the conference itself, access to capacity-building and negotiation support activities, and valuable pre-COP briefings. Furthermore, the program offers networking opportunities, allowing these women delegates to connect with peers and build a supportive community.
Application Process for Nominations
Governments are invited to nominate qualified women who will be part of their official delegation for COP17. To initiate a nomination, a formal letter must be sent from the Ministry on official letterhead, signed by the National Focal Point (NFP). This letter should be addressed to the designated email address, with a copy sent to the respective Regional Liaison Officer (RLO) at the secretariat. Additionally, the CV or a short biography of the proposed woman delegate must be attached to the nomination. The application deadline for this important program is June 8, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the UNCCD COP17 Women Delegates Negotiation Training Program?
The program aims to increase the participation and effectiveness of women delegates in UNCCD COP17 negotiations on land degradation and drought.
Who is eligible to participate in this training program?
Women delegates from developing countries eligible under the UNCCD Special Trust Fund, with a special emphasis on Least Developed Countries (LDCs), are eligible.
What benefits do selected participants receive?
Participants receive support for conference attendance, capacity-building, negotiation support, pre-COP briefings, and networking opportunities.
How can a government nominate a woman delegate for this program?
Governments must send a formal nomination letter from the Ministry on official letterhead, signed by the National Focal Point, along with the delegate’s CV or biography, by June 8, 2026.
