07/08/2026
opens in on 17 August. Over two weeks, governments and a wide range of stakeholders will advance action on land restoration, drought resilience, water, rangelands, and food systems. Water Day falls on 25 August.
By 2050, three out of four people worldwide will face drought. Water Day will showcase solutions that improve water retention in landscapes, restore soil and vegetation cover, reduce erosion and dust emissions, enhance drought resilience, and promote sustainable and inclusive land and water governance.
The agenda for 25 August:
- Ministerial Dialogue on accelerating drought resilience
- Drought Risk Investment Facility (DRIF) event
- Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership event and assembly
- Water as a connector: building momentum to UN Water Conference
- From Victoria Falls to Ulaanbaatar (Ramsar and UNCCD connections)
- Scaling Great Green Wall through continental integration
- International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA) plenary and the Parliamentarians Forum
Drought does not stay in one place. Rather, it moves simultaneously through food supplies, energy grids, and national economies. Drought affects natural infrastructure. Early warning systems are necessary. Land and water must be managed together. Investing in these systems today means fewer communities will need rescue tomorrow.
Learn more: unccd.int/cop17/programme/water-day
