COP17 Introduces New Tools to Strengthen Global Drought Resilience
COP17 Introduces New Tools to Strengthen Global Drought Resilience
IN · Published Aug 26, 2026
The 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP17) has unveiled significant advancements in global drought resilience.
On 26 August 2026, during the event's dedicated Water Day, delegates announced the establishment of a pooled fund under the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership (RGDRP), a catalytic financing platform for drought resilience, and the launch of the Drought Resilience Index (DRI).

Impact & Risks

Droughts are a significant global challenge, with their frequency and severity increasing by a third since 2000. Vulnerable countries, particularly low- and lower-middle-income nations, face heightened risks to their economies, ecosystems, and communities. The economic losses from droughts are projected to rise by at least 35% by 2035. The lack of sufficient financial resources exacerbates these risks, as only 6% of current drought resilience funding comes from the private sector. The new tools introduced at COP17, including the Drought Resilience Index and the Drought Resilience Investment Facility, aim to mitigate these risks by improving preparedness, mobilising private and public investments, and fostering international collaboration.

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