On February 20, 2025, the Subcommittee Meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) convened delegates from around the world, both in person in Nairobi and virtually via Microsoft Teams. Co-chaired by H.E. Ms. Nicol Adamcová, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Kenya, and H.E. Mr. Wael Nasreldin Attiya, Ambassador of Egypt to Kenya, the meeting focused on pressing global challenges, including land degradation, drought, and desertification.
As VIVAT International’s representative at this session, I sought to identify emerging opportunities for advocacy and partnership. This article highlights key outcomes from the meeting, reflects on their significance for VIVAT’s mission, and outlines a strategic path forward.
A Meeting Focused on Action and Collaboration
The meeting opened with the swift adoption of the agenda, demonstrating a collective will to move forward decisively. Discussions then turned to the outcomes of the UNCCD COP16, held in Riyadh in December 2024. Progress in land restoration, sustainable management initiatives, and closer collaboration among the Rio Conventions (UNCCD, UNFCCC, CBD) were notable achievements. UNEP’s overview of its land degradation portfolio reaffirmed a commitment to solutions that marry environmental health with socio-economic development.
Delegates strongly emphasized expanding cross-regional partnerships, particularly in regions such as North Africa and South America, where desertification poses immediate threats. They emphasized the crucial role of civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities in shaping and implementing effective environmental policies. Initiatives such as the Great Green Wall and the Freshwater Challenge were cited as models of successful collaboration across sectors and borders.
Another important focus was financial accountability. UNEP presented the results of its 2023 audit, detailing improvements in fund management, resolution tracking, and strategies for responding to funding withdrawals. This transparency initiative signals a broader commitment to integrity and efficiency across environmental programs.
Looking ahead, preparations for UNCCD COP17, scheduled for Mongolia, and UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy (2026–2029) are already underway. Delegates called for stronger efforts to integrate land degradation neutrality targets into regional and global policies and for deeper engagement with civil society actors, such as VIVAT International.
VIVAT’s Perspective: Seizing the Opportunity
For VIVAT International, several opportunities emerged clearly from the session.
First, our grassroots networks position us to connect local realities to global frameworks. Through community engagement rooted in human rights and social justice, VIVAT can ensure that marginalized voices shape the solutions proposed at the international level.
Second, there is clear alignment between VIVAT’s work and UNEP’s integrated approach to sustainability. Whether through promoting drought-resistant farming, water conservation, or agroforestry, community-led initiatives must be brought into broader policy discussions, and VIVAT can help bridge that gap.
Third, as UNEP strengthens financial transparency, civil society must remain actively involved. By supporting these accountability measures, VIVAT can help ensure that resources are directed to the communities most affected by environmental degradation, where they can have the greatest impact.
A Path Forward for VIVAT
To build on this momentum, VIVAT International should:
- Deepen partnerships with local stakeholders in regions most affected by desertification, strengthening policy advocacy with grounded, community-based insights.
- Support innovative pilot projects, such as rainwater harvesting systems or drought-resilient agriculture, and scale successes to attract broader support.
- Invest in capacity-building by training VIVAT members in environmental governance and policy engagement, ensuring we remain effective advocates at international forums.
- Participate actively in UNEP’s processes, including completing the UNEP Performance Survey by March 13 and preparing for UNCCD COP17.
- Champion financial accountability by endorsing and, where possible, contributing to UNEP’s oversight initiatives, reinforcing public trust in environmental governance.
An Invitation to Collaborate
VIVAT International invites all members, partners, and allies to join in advancing our shared mission. We encourage the sharing of experiences and innovations from the field, as well as contributions to our 2025–2026 agenda, and continued participation in global advocacy efforts. Every voice, every project, and every act of collaboration strengthens our collective push toward environmental justice and sustainable development.
Conclusion
The CPR Subcommittee meeting poignantly reminded us of the urgency and complexity of land degradation, drought, and desertification. It also reaffirmed that solutions are within reach if stakeholders at all levels act with purpose, transparency, and collaboration.
For VIVAT International, this is a pivotal moment to redouble our commitment to grassroots empowerment, innovative problem-solving, and international advocacy. As we move toward UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia and shape UNEP’s future strategic direction, let us seize this opportunity to drive real, lasting change for our planet and its people.
Iyan Daquin, OMI
Nairobi, March 12, 2025
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