Please find an interesting article published in 2026, the link to open access: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2026.104330
Authored by experts affiliated with UNCCD, GWP, and Wageningen University.

Title: Assessing UNCCD’s role in advancing social learning for combating desertification, land degradation, and drought

Abstract: Addressing the challenges of desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD) requires exchanging knowledge and practices across diverse actors, institutions, disciplines, and regions. Established in 1994 as one of the three Rio Conventions, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) functions not only as a legally binding international agreement but also as a global collaborative platform for deepening knowledge and technical expertise on tackling DLDD. This paper examines the extent to which UNCCD has contributed to advancing social learning in the field of DLDD. Drawing from Wenger’s theoretical framework on social learning, we argue that UNCCD operates as a global transdisciplinary community of practice, enabling stakeholders to “learn together how to do things better together” in addressing DLDD-related challenges. Based on data from semi-structured interviews with UNCCD National Focal Points, Science and Technology Correspondents, and other experts engaged in UNCCD processes, this research explores and illustrates the relational, technical, and transformational outcomes generated through the Convention. It highlights current gaps in the social learning dynamics within UNCCD processes and offers suggestions for enhancing meeting formats, inclusivity, and the integration of science, policy, and practice. Conceptualizing UNCCD as a platform for co-learning, this study uncovers its broader contribution to environmental governance – offering insights into how multilateral environmental agreements can drive change through shared knowledge, relationships, and adaptive practice, not just political or financial commitments.

More details including the full article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1462901126000237

I am pleased to share that I have received my certificate from the online course "Drought Risk and Impact Assessment," delivered by UNCCD, WMO, and the Global Water Partnership (GWP). This training has strengthened my skills in drought risk and impact assessment, quantitative and qualitative analysis, understanding cascading and compound risks, and impact-based early warning systems. I strongly encourage professionals in the water, agriculture, climate, and development sectors to take this training to better anticipate and mitigate the impacts of drought. Together, let's build resilience to drought.
https://droughtclp.unccd.int/course/drought-risk-and-impact-assessment

At Exowave, we are excited to to announce the first commercial product range of desalination systems powered from renewable wave energy. Committed to contribute to the combat on global water crisis, Exowave now manufactures the patented ExoMare desalination units addressing the low capacity market segment 4 - 20m3/day freshwater.

Available as Water-as-a-Service or system procurement, ExoMare desalination units are designed for off-grid and water supply to remote communities, islands and coastal regions.

10 Years ago, there is a research on LDCs in Asia from the angle of drought. We may think, 10 years afterwards, how is the situation?

The publication 10 years ago below
Droughts in Asian Least Developed Countries: Vulnerability and sustainability
Source: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wace.2014.06.003
By M. A. Miyan

Abstract
Droughts occur both in developed and developing countries with significant impacts and are exacerbating in frequency, severity and duration. Over exploitation of water resources, weather variability and climate change are mostly responsible for such exacerbation. The impacts of droughts encompass the global ecosystem as a whole but vary from region to region. Least developed countries (LDCs) are becoming the worst sufferer of the impacts due to physical, social and economic as well as knowledge and skills differences. The increasing biophysical vulnerability contexts and intensity in the Asian LDCs causing adverse effects on food security, human health, biodiversity, water resources, hydroelectric power generation, streams, perennial springs, and livelihood. Drought is also responsible for increasing pollution, pests and diseases and forced migration and famine. Information indicates monsoon has become erratic contributing to up-scaling of droughts. South and Southeast Asian LDCs like Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Cambodia and Lao PDR under the monsoon climatic zone have also been suffering from increasing droughts arising out of delayed and changing distribution patterns of precipitation. Prolong dry spells increase the frequencies of wildfire in grasslands, forests, and range-lands. The rain-fed crops of the plains are facing challenges from soil-moisture stress with projected droughts. Droughts causing migration of fishes, and marine anadromus species are having adverse impacts on spawning habitats. Reduction in annual surface runoff is decreasing the ground and surface water with negative effect on agriculture and water supply for industrial and domestic sectors. As droughts are exacerbating the consequences are accelerating. However, traditionally people are adapting with the changing situations applying indigenous knowledge and practices for sustainable living. This paper reflects on prevalence and impacts of droughts, existing coping mechanisms, initiatives to combat impacts and further doubles in the context of Asian LDCs.