THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -- MESSAGE FOR WORLD DAY TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION AND DROUGHT 2025

What’s good for land is good for people and economies.

But humanity is degrading land at an alarming rate, costing the global economy nearly $880 billion every year — far more than the investments needed to tackle the problem.

Droughts are forcing people from their homes, and inflaming food insecurity – the number of newly displaced people is at its highest level in years.

Repairing the damage we have done to our land offers huge benefits, including a great return on investment. It can reduce poverty, create jobs, safeguard water supplies, protect food production, and improve land rights and incomes – especially for smallholder farmers and women.  

The theme of this year’s Desertification and Drought Day – “Restore the Land. Unlock the Opportunities” – is both a statement of fact and a call to action.

I urge governments, businesses, and communities to answer the call and accelerate action on our shared global commitments on sustainable land use. We must reverse degradation, and boost finance for restoration – including by unlocking private investment.  

Let’s act now to heal land, seize opportunities, and improve lives.  
 

#WorldDaytoCombatDesertificationandDrought 2025