Dakar, May 18-22, 2026
The 2026 UNCCD reporting process represents a critical milestone in efforts to combat desertification, land degradation, and drought. In this context, the UNCCD, in partnership with the OSS, UNEP, and the GEF, and with the support of the Ministry of Environment and Ecological Transition of Senegal, is organizing a regional capacity-building workshop for UNCCD focal points on the 2026 national reporting process for 26 French-speaking African countries, with the objective of strengthening their contribution to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15.3.
The workshop, a high-level event, opened under the patronage of Dr. Abdourahmane Diouf, Minister of Environment and Ecological Transition of the Republic of Senegal, host country of the event. Drawing on his country's experience in ecological resilience, the Minister highlighted the global challenges related to combating drought and land degradation, stressing their critical importance for African countries, which are among the least polluting yet the most vulnerable to climate change impacts. He also underscored the potential of French-speaking Africa, describing it as a true hub of expertise capable of delivering relevant and innovative responses to climate challenges.
“With this situation, we need to place the fight against desertification at the heart of public policies and national strategies,” the Minister stated in his opening remarks.
Building on this momentum, Mr. Mustapha Mimouni, representing the OSS, further advocated for strengthening the capacities of French-speaking African countries in the preparation of national reports. He emphasized the central role of national teams and UNCCD focal points in consolidating their expertise to effectively contribute to the Convention’s global monitoring frameworks. Such a dynamic offers African countries not only the opportunity to exchange and acquire knowledge, but also to develop African-led solutions to challenges shared by many regions across the world, he said.
For Mr. Mimouni, this initiative represents a true opportunity to move “from theory to practice.” He expressed confidence in the ability of African countries to build resilience through knowledge sharing and capacity strengthening. Through training on the PRAIS 4 platform - a tool designed to streamline and harmonize the national reporting process - a genuine information, monitoring, and knowledge-sharing system is progressively taking shape for African Parties.
OSS expertise serving Africa
Beyond this international gathering bringing together 26 French-speaking African countries, the OSS continues to drive a broader regional dynamic for ecological resilience. Through its expertise and sustained commitment, the institution reaffirms its ability to lead strategic initiatives that support African countries in tackling desertification and land degradation through tailored technical and financial support.
Advocating for Environmental Diplomacy
The opening ceremony marked the beginning of four days of training expected to deliver concrete outcomes and strengthen advocacy efforts ahead of UNCCD COP17, scheduled to take place in Mongolia next August.