The 17th Conference of the Parties under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP17) took place from August 17 to 28, 2026, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The conference focused on addressing the growing environmental challenge of land degradation, which includes the loss of soil fertility, desertification, and the destruction of ecosystems. Key topics included soil restoration, sustainable water use, building resilience to drought, and protecting food systems. However, media reports indicated that no major binding international agreements or significant political progress were achieved during the event. The conference’s slogan, "Restore the lands, restore hope," underscored the importance of traditional practices like pastoralism—raising livestock in areas where farming is not feasible—as a way to combat desertification. Land degradation is a critical global issue, affecting nearly 40% of the Earth's land and threatening the food security of over three billion people. According to a UNESCO publication, many communities have historically lived in balance with their environment through pastoralism, which allows people to thrive in harsh, arid regions. This approach was highlighted at COP17 as a potential solution to the climate crisis, especially given that pastures cover more than half of the Earth's surface and can serve as important carbon sinks when managed properly. Despite the lack of major political breakthroughs, the conference did see some positive developments. An international commitment of $1.3 billion was made for green investments aimed at supporting sustainable land management and climate resilience. Additionally, the conference confirmed that the next session, COP18, will be held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, in 2027. This ensures the ongoing dialogue on land degradation and its global implications. However, the negotiations were marked by political challenges. According to the media outlet Reporterre, the U.S. and Russia had significant disagreements, contributing to the lack of major outcomes. The United States reportedly opposed the creation of a global treaty on drought, while Russia raised objections to the participation of Ukrainian representatives in key scientific and strategic working groups. These tensions highlighted the complexities of achieving international consensus on environmental issues, even as the need for action remains urgent.