Drought Resilience +10 Conference: A Global Call to Combat Climate-Induced Water Scarcity

The conference will focus on the escalating risks associated with drought, particularly those exacerbated by climate change and structural vulnerabilities.

As climate change intensifies drought risks worldwide, the Drought Resilience +10 Conference will convene at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) headquarters to address one of the planet’s most perilous hazards. Marking a decade since the High-Level Meeting on National Drought Policy, this conference aims to unite experts, policymakers, and practitioners to reflect on progress made in drought preparedness and response, while exploring innovative solutions for enhancing resilience against drought.

The Urgency of Addressing Drought

“Droughts are an insidious and dangerous climate-related hazard, undermining food security and causing internal displacement in the most affected countries. They have devastating impacts on the environment and economies, reversing sustainable development progress,” stated Celeste Saulo, WMO Secretary-General.

The conference will focus on the escalating risks associated with drought, particularly those exacerbated by climate change and structural vulnerabilities. “We need sustainable solutions based on scientific knowledge and tailored policies that promote integrated drought management,” Saulo emphasized, highlighting the gap between available knowledge and the political will needed for effective action.

Shifting to Proactive Drought Management

The conference will explore strategies to transition from reactive crisis management to a proactive approach that utilizes climate services and anticipatory action tools. Key areas of discussion will include:

Drought Monitoring and Forecasting: Advances in technology, such as satellite monitoring and artificial intelligence, will be reviewed to improve early warning systems for food security and health.

Integrated Policy Development: The conference aims to embed drought management policies into international initiatives, like the Early Warnings for All initiative, to enhance global preparedness.

Case Studies and Community Actions: A significant emphasis will be placed on practical solutions and community-led actions that have proven effective in combating drought impacts.

The Role of Land and Natural Systems

“Healthy economies depend on healthy lands. We must recognize that our land and natural systems are allies in our responses to climate change and drought,” remarked Andrea Meza, UNCCD Deputy Executive Secretary. She noted the importance of leveraging natural resources for integrated, proactive drought management.

Looking Ahead

As the conference aims to build momentum for the upcoming UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 2 to 13, it serves as a crucial platform for exchanging knowledge and forging partnerships in the fight against drought.

This gathering is not just an opportunity to reflect on the past but also to mobilize efforts towards building drought-resilient societies through effective governance, sustainable land management, and innovative financing mechanisms. With droughts becoming increasingly frequent and severe, the time for action is now.