UNCCD COP17 Women Delegates Fund 2026: Negotiation Training and Participation Support for Women Leaders from Developing Countries

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has officially launched the second round of the Women Delegates Fund (WDF) Training Programme ahead of COP17, creating a major opportunity for women leaders from developing countries to strengthen their participation in global environmental negotiations.

As preparations intensify for UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, the initiative seeks to empower women delegates with the knowledge, negotiation skills, leadership capacity, and institutional support needed to actively engage in international climate and land governance discussions.

The programme builds on the success of the first Women Delegates Fund training organized during CRIC23 in Panama City and continues the UNCCD’s commitment to gender-responsive participation and inclusive decision-making in environmental diplomacy.

For women working in environmental policy, climate action, sustainable development, land restoration, drought resilience, and international negotiations, this initiative represents a powerful opportunity to gain global exposure and contribute meaningfully to one of the world’s most important environmental conventions.

About the UNCCD COP17 Conference

UNCCD COP17 will take place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 17–28 August 2026 under the official theme:

“Restoring Land, Restoring Hope.”

The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UNCCD is the global decision-making platform for the only legally binding international treaty focused specifically on combating land degradation and drought.

COP17 is expected to gather:

• Government representatives
• Civil society organizations
• Indigenous Peoples
• Women’s organizations
• Youth leaders
• Scientists and researchers
• International development actors
• Environmental advocates
• Private sector stakeholders

The conference will focus on advancing solutions for:

• Land restoration
• Sustainable land management
• Drought resilience
• Climate adaptation
• Gender-responsive environmental governance
• Community-led restoration initiatives

As global environmental challenges continue to intensify, COP17 will provide a critical platform for shaping future international policies and commitments.

What is the UNCCD Women Delegates Fund (WDF)?

The Women Delegates Fund is an initiative designed to increase women’s participation and leadership within the UNCCD negotiation and implementation process.

The programme contributes directly to the implementation of the UNCCD Gender Action Plan (GAP) and its Roadmap, both of which aim to strengthen women’s voices and representation across all levels of environmental decision-making.

The WDF recognizes that women are often at the forefront of environmental stewardship, land restoration, food security, and community resilience efforts, yet remain underrepresented in international policy negotiations.

Through targeted support, mentorship, and negotiation training, the initiative aims to bridge this gap and ensure more inclusive participation at COP17 and beyond.

Objectives of the Programme

The Women Delegates Fund Training Programme has several strategic goals, including:

1. Strengthening Women’s Leadership

The programme seeks to empower women delegates to take active leadership roles in environmental diplomacy and multilateral negotiations.

2. Enhancing Negotiation Skills

Participants will receive specialized negotiation support and capacity-building activities to help them effectively engage during COP17 discussions.

3. Promoting Meaningful Participation

The initiative supports women’s full and effective participation in UNCCD processes and related environmental governance mechanisms.

4. Expanding Professional Networks

Participants will connect with fellow women delegates, policymakers, negotiators, and environmental leaders from different regions of the world.

5. Supporting Gender Equality in Environmental Governance

The programme advances gender-responsive leadership and representation within international environmental institutions.

Benefits of the UNCCD Women Delegates Fund Programme

Selected women delegates will receive a range of benefits designed to support their participation before and during COP17.

Participation Support for COP17

Successful applicants will receive support that facilitates their participation in the conference process.

Capacity-Building and Negotiation Training

Participants will benefit from tailored activities aimed at strengthening:

• Negotiation techniques
• Policy engagement skills
• Understanding of UNCCD processes
• Multilateral diplomacy knowledge
• Leadership capabilities

Pre-COP Briefings

Delegates will gain access to preparatory sessions and briefings ahead of COP17 to improve readiness and strategic participation.

Networking Opportunities

Participants will engage with women delegates and environmental leaders from around the world, helping build lasting professional relationships and collaborative opportunities.

International Exposure

The programme provides valuable international experience and visibility in global environmental governance.

Who Can Apply?

The initiative is specifically open to women delegates from developing country Parties that are eligible under the UNCCD Special Trust Fund for Participation.

Priority consideration 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.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following conditions:

• 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:

1. Official nomination letter
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or short biography of the proposed delegate

Applicants are encouraged to ensure all documentation is complete and officially endorsed before submission.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Women continue to play critical roles in sustainable land management, agriculture, biodiversity conservation, drought response, and climate resilience. However, they often face barriers to representation 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.

Participation in this programme can significantly strengthen delegates’ expertise, confidence, networks, and long-term influence in environmental governance.

It also contributes to broader international efforts to achieve gender equality and inclusive climate leadership.

COP17 Theme: “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope”

The 2026 conference theme highlights the urgent need to restore degraded ecosystems and strengthen resilience against drought and environmental degradation.

Land restoration remains central to achieving:

• Food security
• Climate resilience
• Biodiversity conservation
• Sustainable livelihoods
• Community stability

The inclusion of women leaders and negotiators in these discussions is essential for developing inclusive and sustainable solutions.

Deadline for Applications

Applicants are encouraged to submit their nominations as early as possible through their National Focal Points.

The official announcement does not specify a final deadline publicly in the provided information. Interested delegates should consult their National Focal Points or the official UNCCD website for submission timelines and procedural guidance.

How to Learn More

Interested applicants can access additional details through the official UNCCD channels and communication platforms.

For media or general inquiries, contact:

UNCCD Press Office
Email: press@unccd.int
Telephone: +49-228 / 815-2820

 

Apply here  

Learn More

• For more information about this opportunity, Click here
• More global Training Programme opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here