Deadline: 08-Jun-2026
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has launched the second round of the Women Delegates Fund (WDF) training ahead of COP17 to strengthen women’s participation in international environmental negotiations. The initiative supports women delegates from eligible developing countries through negotiation training, leadership development, coalition-building, and participation in UNCCD decision-making processes.
The programme prioritises gender equality, women’s leadership, and inclusive representation in line with the UNCCD Gender Action Plan, Gender Roadmap, and COP decisions promoting meaningful participation of women in climate and land governance negotiations.
Overview of the UNCCD Women Delegates Fund
The UNCCD Women Delegates Fund (WDF) is designed to support and strengthen the participation of women delegates in the UNCCD process and COP17 negotiations.
The initiative focuses on building negotiation and leadership capacity among women representatives from eligible developing countries. It also aims to improve gender balance and inclusive participation within environmental governance and land restoration discussions.
The programme is funded through voluntary earmarked contributions under the UNCCD Special Trust Fund for Participation.
Key Objectives
The Women Delegates Fund training aims to:
- Strengthen women’s leadership in UNCCD negotiations
- Improve negotiation and facilitation skills
- Support meaningful participation of women in COP17 processes
- Promote gender equality in environmental governance
- Encourage coalition-building and strategic engagement
- Increase representation of women in national delegations
Training Focus Areas
The programme includes capacity-building activities related to:
- UNCCD negotiation processes
- Negotiation strategies and techniques
- Facilitation and communication skills
- Coalition-building and networking
- Leadership development
- Participation in COP17-related discussions
The initiative seeks to prepare women delegates for effective engagement in international environmental diplomacy and decision-making.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include women delegates from developing countries covered under the UNCCD Special Trust Fund for Participation.
Priority will be given to:
- Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
- Women delegates from Indigenous Peoples groups
- Women from local communities
- Women representatives from civil society organizations
Eligibility Conditions
- Applicants must be officially designated women delegates
- Each Party may nominate one woman applicant
- Nominees must come from countries eligible under the Special Trust Fund for Participation
Required Nomination Documents
Governments must submit:
- A nomination letter on Ministry letterhead
- Signature from the National Focal Point (NFP)
- Copy sent to the Regional Liaison Officer (RLO)
- CV or short biography of the proposed delegate
The nomination process is managed through official government channels.
Selection Process
Selection will be conducted on a:
- First come, first served basis
The initiative aims to ensure balanced participation across all Regional Implementation Annexes under the UNCCD framework.
Funding support must comply with the disbursement criteria of the UNCCD Special Trust Fund for Participation.
Why the Programme Matters
Women remain underrepresented in many international environmental negotiation processes despite being heavily affected by land degradation, desertification, and climate-related challenges.
The Women Delegates Fund helps:
- Improve gender-inclusive decision-making
- Strengthen women’s voices in global environmental governance
- Promote equitable representation in climate and land discussions
- Build long-term leadership capacity among women negotiators
The programme also supports implementation of the:
- UNCCD Gender Action Plan
- UNCCD Gender Roadmap
- COP decisions on women’s participation
How the Programme Works
The initiative supports selected women delegates through participation in:
- UNCCD negotiation training
- Leadership and facilitation workshops
- Coalition-building sessions
- COP17-related preparatory activities
- International negotiation engagement
The programme aims to improve delegates’ confidence, technical understanding, and negotiation effectiveness.
Tips for Governments and Applicants
Strong nominations should:
- Highlight the applicant’s experience in environmental or policy work
- Demonstrate leadership potential
- Show interest in climate, land, or sustainability negotiations
- Include a concise and well-structured biography
- Ensure all official documents are properly signed and submitted early
Since selection is first come, first served, early submission is highly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the UNCCD Women Delegates Fund?
The Women Delegates Fund is a UNCCD initiative that supports women delegates participating in COP17 negotiations and related training activities.
What is the purpose of the programme?
The programme aims to strengthen women’s leadership, negotiation skills, and participation in UNCCD decision-making processes.
Who can apply?
Women officially designated as delegates from eligible developing countries covered by the UNCCD Special Trust Fund for Participation can apply.
Are Least Developed Countries prioritised?
Yes, priority is given to Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
How many applicants can each country nominate?
Each Party may nominate one woman applicant.
What documents are required?
Applicants need:
- Nomination letter signed by the National Focal Point
- Copy to the Regional Liaison Officer
- CV or short biography
How are participants selected?
Selection is conducted on a first come, first served basis.
Conclusion
The UNCCD Women Delegates Fund Training 2026 is an important initiative aimed at strengthening women’s participation and leadership in global environmental negotiations ahead of COP17. By supporting negotiation training, leadership development, and inclusive representation, the programme contributes to stronger gender equality within international land restoration and sustainability governance processes.
The initiative also helps ensure that women delegates from developing countries, Indigenous communities, and civil society organizations have greater opportunities to participate meaningfully in shaping environmental policies and decisions at the global level.
For more information, visit UNCCD.