Nigeria, Aug. 24 -- The second and decisive week of the 17th session of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, UNCCD COP17, began on Monday, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, marking a sharp shift from general negotiations to high-level ministerial dialogues.

Over the next five days, discussions inside the conference halls and sideline meetings will be guided by daily thematic priorities as parties race to finalise decisions and an Action Agenda before the conference closes on 28 August.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that dignitaries have arrived in the last 24 hours to steer the final stretch. They include UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, alongside dozens of ministers and vice ministers from across Africa, Asia, Latin Am...