Convening in Riyadh, delegates will undertake a midterm evaluation of the UNCCD 2018−2030 Strategic Framework, adopt the UNCCD’s biennial budget, and negotiate decisions around the sustainable use of land.

After tense talks, parties agreed on a new climate finance goal. But many argued the USD 300 billion/year was an “insult.” While parties adopted decisions on the carbon markets under the Paris Agreement, on many other issues—including the energy transition—they remained deadlocked. (Français, español, 日本語)

The newly appointed UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Water and approximately 130 UN-Water Members, Partners, and observers discussed links between the water agenda and the three Rio Conventions, and brainstormed priority collaborative actions to advance the UN System-wide Strategy on Water and Sanitation.

Delegates will tackle key questions in enhancing the protection of both ozone layer and climate, including how parties will fund atmospheric monitoring sites to bridge information gaps, manage remaining emissions of controlled substances, and address uncertainties about substances not controlled by the Protocol.