UNCCD Women Delegates Fund Empowers Women Leaders for COP17
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is offering a significant opportunity for women leaders from developing countries. Ahead of the UNCCD COP17 conference, the second round of the Women Delegates Fund (WDF) Training Programme is underway. This initiative aims to equip women with the necessary skills and support to actively participate in global environmental negotiations. The program focuses on building negotiation skills, leadership capacity, and providing institutional backing for women involved in climate and land governance discussions.
This program builds on the success of previous training sessions and reinforces the UNCCD’s dedication to gender equality and inclusive decision-making in environmental diplomacy. It is particularly valuable for women working in environmental policy, climate action, sustainable development, land restoration, and drought resilience. By providing global exposure and training, the WDF helps these women contribute more effectively to international environmental agreements.
About UNCCD COP17
The UNCCD COP17 conference is scheduled to take place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from August 17 to August 28, 2026. The central theme for this year’s conference is “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope.” This event serves as the primary decision-making body for the UNCCD, an international treaty focused on addressing land degradation and drought.
COP17 is expected to bring together a diverse group of participants, including government representatives, civil society organizations, indigenous peoples, women’s groups, youth leaders, scientists, international development actors, environmental advocates, and private sector stakeholders. The conference will concentrate on advancing solutions related to land restoration, sustainable land management, drought resilience, climate adaptation, and gender-responsive environmental governance. As global environmental challenges grow, COP17 will be a key platform for shaping future international policies and commitments.
The UNCCD Women Delegates Fund (WDF) Explained
The Women Delegates Fund is an initiative specifically designed to increase the participation and leadership of women within the UNCCD’s processes for negotiation and implementation. This program directly supports the UNCCD Gender Action Plan (GAP) and its roadmap, which aim to amplify women’s voices and improve their representation in environmental decision-making at all levels.
The WDF acknowledges that women are often at the forefront of environmental stewardship, land restoration, food security, and community resilience efforts. However, they are frequently underrepresented in international policy discussions. Through focused support, mentorship, and specialized negotiation training, the WDF seeks to close this representation gap and ensure more inclusive participation at COP17 and in future UNCCD events.
Objectives of the WDF Training Programme
The WDF Training Programme has several key goals:
Strengthening Women’s Leadership
A primary objective is to empower women delegates to assume active leadership roles in environmental diplomacy and multilateral negotiations. This involves building their confidence and capacity to influence discussions and outcomes.
Enhancing Negotiation Skills
Participants receive specialized training and capacity-building activities focused on improving their negotiation techniques. This helps them engage more effectively in the complex discussions that occur during COP17.
Promoting Meaningful Participation
The initiative aims to support the full and effective participation of women in UNCCD processes and other related environmental governance mechanisms. This ensures their perspectives are heard and considered.
Expanding Professional Networks
The program provides opportunities for participants to connect with other women delegates, policymakers, negotiators, and environmental leaders from around the world. These connections can foster collaboration and support long-term professional development.
Supporting Gender Equality in Environmental Governance
Ultimately, the program works to advance gender-responsive leadership and improve representation within international environmental institutions, contributing to broader gender equality goals.
Benefits for Selected Delegates
Women delegates selected for the WDF program will receive a range of benefits designed to support their engagement before and during COP17:
Participation Support for COP17
Successful applicants will receive assistance that helps cover the costs and logistics associated with attending the conference, making their participation more feasible.
Capacity-Building and Negotiation Training
Participants will engage in tailored activities designed to build their skills in negotiation, policy engagement, understanding UNCCD processes, multilateral diplomacy, and leadership.
Pre-COP Briefings
Delegates will have access to preparatory sessions and briefings before COP17. These sessions are intended to enhance their readiness and help them develop strategic approaches for their participation.
Networking Opportunities
The program facilitates interaction with fellow women delegates and environmental leaders globally. This helps in building lasting professional relationships and identifying potential collaborative projects.
International Exposure
This initiative offers participants valuable international experience and increases their visibility within the field of global environmental governance.
Eligibility for Application
This opportunity is specifically open to women delegates from developing countries that are eligible under the UNCCD Special Trust Fund for Participation. Priority will be given to delegates from Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Governments from all Regional Implementation Annexes are encouraged to nominate one eligible woman delegate as part of their official COP17 delegation.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a woman delegate.
- Be nominated by their government.
- Belong to a developing country Party eligible under the UNCCD Special Trust Fund for Participation.
- Be part of the official COP17 delegation.
- Demonstrate interest or involvement in environmental governance, sustainable land management, climate policy, or related fields.
Priority will be given to applicants from Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
Required Application Documents
Applications must be submitted through National Focal Points and should include:
- An official nomination letter from the government.
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV) or a short biography of the proposed delegate.
It is important for applicants to ensure all documentation is complete and officially endorsed before submission.
Importance of the Opportunity
Women continue to play essential roles in areas like sustainable land management, agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and drought response. Despite this, they often face barriers to participating in global policymaking spaces. The UNCCD Women Delegates Fund directly addresses this imbalance by creating pathways for women to engage more effectively in international negotiations and decision-making processes. Participation in this program can significantly boost delegates’ expertise, confidence, professional networks, and long-term influence in environmental governance, while also supporting broader efforts for gender equality and inclusive climate leadership.
COP17 Theme: “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope”
The theme for the 2026 conference underscores the urgent need to restore degraded ecosystems and build resilience against drought and environmental degradation. Land restoration is fundamental to achieving food security, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and community stability. Including women leaders and negotiators in these discussions is essential for developing inclusive and sustainable solutions that benefit everyone.
Application Deadline Information
Applicants are encouraged to submit their nominations as soon as possible through their respective National Focal Points. The official announcement does not publicly state a final deadline. Interested delegates should consult their National Focal Points or the official UNCCD website for specific submission timelines and procedural guidance.
Further Information
For more details about this opportunity, interested individuals can visit the official UNCCD channels and communication platforms. For media or general inquiries, contact the UNCCD Press Office via email at [email protected] or by telephone at +49-228 / 815-2820. Additional information can also be found on the UNCCD website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UNCCD Women Delegates Fund (WDF)?
The WDF is a program by the UNCCD to help women leaders from developing countries gain skills and support for participating in global environmental negotiations, especially for COP17.
When and where is COP17 taking place?
COP17 is scheduled for August 17 to August 28, 2026, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, with the theme ‘Restoring Land, Restoring Hope.’
Who is eligible to apply for the WDF program?
Women delegates from developing countries nominated by their government, who are part of the official COP17 delegation and involved in environmental fields, are eligible. Priority is given to those from Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
What benefits do selected delegates receive?
Selected delegates get support for attending COP17, specialized training in negotiation and leadership, pre-conference briefings, networking opportunities, and international exposure.
