Statement of the Director-General of IDLO
26 August 2026, Ulaanbaatar
Excellencies,
It is my honour to address you today on behalf of Ms. Jan Beagle, Director-General of the International Development Law Organization.
IDLO congratulates Mongolia on its COP17 Presidency.
Mongolia is a valued Member Party of IDLO and current Vice President of our Assembly of Parties.
IDLO is the only global intergovernmental organization exclusively devoted to advancing the rule of law as a driver of peace and sustainable development.
Our experience in some 100 countries has shown that without strong governance, even the best environmental solutions struggle to deliver lasting results.
When legal and institutional frameworks are weak, investment carries greater risks and climate action becomes harder to sustain.
When land rights are insecure, disputes increase.
This is where the rule of law makes a difference.
IDLO supports the legal empowerment of people and communities to strengthen land governance and the realization of land rights, through formal and informal justice systems.
Allow me to highlight three practical ways in which the rule of law can help achieve the objectives of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification.
First, the rule of law strengthens inclusive land governance.
Clear laws, effective land administration, and accountable institutions help governments balance competing demands for land, protect rights, and manage natural resources sustainably.
Second, the rule of law prevents conflict and strengthens resilience.
Accessible courts, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and customary justice mechanisms help resolve land disputes peacefully, protect livelihoods, and strengthen communities facing growing environmental pressures.
Between 2021 and 2025, IDLO enhanced the capacities of more than 200 formal and customary justice institutions and helped over 25,000 people resolve land disputes.
Third, the rule of law supports responsible investment, gender equality, and sustainable economic growth.
By advancing women’s land rights, supporting community engagement, and promoting legal empowerment, it enables communities to become active partners in land restoration and environmental stewardship.
As the COP17 theme reminds us—'Restoring Land, Restoring Hope'—the foundation of that hope is built on justice and the rule of law.
IDLO remains committed to working with all of you to advance the UNCCD’s vision of a world where land rights are protected, land degradation is reversed, and sustainable development is underpinned by justice and the rule of law.