Secretary-General's message 2024
The security, prosperity and health of billions of people rely on thriving lands supporting lives, livelihoods and ecosystems.
But we¡¯re vandalising the earth that sustains us. Every second, around four football fields of healthy land are degraded.
As the focus of this year¡¯s World Day reminds us, we must be ¡°United for Land¡±.
Governments, businesses, academics, communities and more must come together, and act.
We know what we need to do: it¡¯s set out clearly in the 51³Ô¹Ï Convention to Combat Desertification.
As we mark the thirtieth anniversary of the Convention, the world must dramatically pick up the pace of implementation;
Build momentum towards UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh;
And ensure young people are heard in the negotiations.
Together, let¡¯s sow the seeds for a thriving future ¨C for nature and humanity.
The security, prosperity and health of billions of people rely on thriving lands supporting lives, livelihoods and ecosystems. [¡] Together, let¡¯s sow the seeds for a thriving future ¨C for nature and humanity.¡±
Ant¨®nio Guterres
