Egypt to host UN Convention to Combat Desertification COP18 in 2028

This decision was announced during the sixth meeting of the Committee of the Whole, held alongside the 17th session of the UNCCD COP17, which is themed “Restoring Land.” Several UNCCD member states, including Kenya, Cameroon, Brazil, Ecuador, Azerbaijan, the European Union, and the Arab Group, extended congratulations to Egypt for its selection. On August 25, 2026, Dr. Hossam Shawky, Head of the Desert Research Center and National Coordinator of the UNCCD, and Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Executive Secretary of the UNCCD, inaugurated the official Egyptian pavilion at the exhibition accompanying COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, representing Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation.

The pavilion showcases Egypt's initiatives and projects aimed at combating desertification, reclaiming land, and promoting sustainable management of natural resources, as well as its efforts to adapt to drought and climate change and support sustainable development in desert regions. Egypt's involvement in COP17 and its preparations to host COP18 highlight its role in global efforts to address desertification, drought, and land degradation, while advancing sustainable land management and climate resilience.