On 16 and 17 September 2025, the Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (CSAM) of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), participated in the 10th Kubuqi International Desert Forum in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, China. The Forum, co-hosted by the People’s Government of Inner Mongolia, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration of China, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the Secretariat of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, brought together representatives from governments, international organizations, academic and research institutions, the private sector and civil society to share knowledge and experience, and to explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation in combating desertification and advancing green development.

The first day featured keynote reports and thematic sessions that highlighted how scientific research and technology are playing a central role in advancing land restoration and sustainable practices. Participants also visited the Kubuqi Desert Photovoltaic Great Wall project that is transforming parts of the desert into land where vegetation and livelihoods can thrive.

During the second day, in the Thematic Forum on Global Land-Friendly Business Development, CSAM shared how mechanization, technology, and youth-driven initiatives can enable an environment for land-friendly businesses to grow. CSAM flagship initiatives such as ReCAMA, the Regional Initiative on Integrated Straw Management, and mechanization solutions at large were presented as an example of practical innovation that supports the agriculture sector and helps build more resilient and land-friendly practices.
 

As a final outcome, the Forum adopted a statement calling for science-based approaches, stronger international cooperation, and greater reliance on innovation to tackle land degradation. It emphasized the role of technology as a driver of effective desertification control, supported global initiatives such as the Business for Land (B4L) platform, and highlighted the need to engage enterprises, youth, and local communities. The statement reaffirmed a shared commitment to advancing green development and restoring ecosystems as part of the global effort to achieve land degradation neutrality and the Sustainable Development Goals.