A high-level meeting took place on August 25, 2026, alongside the COP17, bringing together UN Resident Coordinators from Cameroon and Gambia with the African Development Bank (ADB). The meeting aimed to establish a stronger partnership to combat desertification and promote sustainable development. Discussions focused on shared challenges, including drought, food insecurity, and land degradation, as well as opportunities for resource and expertise sharing. Participants emphasized the need for collaborative efforts, noting that no single institution can effectively address desertification alone. Both the UN and ADB reaffirmed their commitment to working together on transformative solutions. These solutions will align with the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, fostering resilience and ecosystem restoration.