UN Secretary-General Calls for Urgent Action to Restore Land and Unlock Opportunities on World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
As the world marks the 2025 World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a compelling call to governments, businesses, and communities to accelerate efforts to restore degraded land and unlock the wide-ranging benefits of sustainable land use.
With the theme, “Restore the Land. Unlock the Opportunities,” the Secretary-General stressed that land restoration is not only critical for the planet, but also essential for people and economies.
“What’s good for land is good for people and economies,” Guterres declared.
“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.”
He highlighted that droughts are intensifying food insecurity and displacing millions globally, with displacement levels reaching new highs in recent years.
Land degradation, he said, undermines livelihoods, food systems, water access, and climate resilience, particularly affecting smallholder farmers and women.
Yet, the Secretary-General emphasized the enormous return on investment that comes with repairing degraded land — from reducing poverty and creating jobs, to protecting water supplies, ensuring food security, and boosting incomes.
“We must reverse degradation, and boost finance for restoration – including by unlocking private investment,” he said.
Guterres called on all sectors of society to embrace the opportunity and act decisively to meet global land restoration commitments.
“Let’s act now to heal land, seize opportunities, and improve lives.”
