India to Host 18th COP to the UNCCD in New Delhi
India has been officially selected to host the 18th Conference of Parties (COP18) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in November 2026.
The Summit Announcement
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) announced that India will host the 18th Conference of Parties (COP18) to the UNCCD in November 2026. The global summit will be held at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, bringing together delegations from over 190 countries.
Background & Thematic Focus
The central theme for COP18 will be 'Global Land Restoration and Drought Resilience'. Desertification affects over 3 billion people globally. India previously hosted COP14 in 2019, where it adopted the 'New Delhi Declaration'. Hosting COP18 is a testament to India's diplomatic push in global environmental governance, building on the success of the G20 Presidency and the International Solar Alliance.
Key Statistics & Indian Commitments
- India's Land Degradation: Approximately 29.7% of India's total geographical area is undergoing degradation.
- The Bonn Challenge: A global goal to restore degraded landscapes. India has committed to restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.
- Expected Attendance: 10,000+ delegates, including heads of state, scientists, and NGOs.
Static GK & Related Facts
- UNCCD: Adopted in 1994, it is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management.
- The Rio Conventions: UNCCD is one of the three "Rio Conventions" established at the 1992 Earth Summit, alongside the UNFCCC (Climate Change) and UNCBD (Biodiversity).
- World Day to Combat Desertification: Observed annually on June 17.
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