The 13th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention to Combat Desertification, also known as COP13, will be held from Sept 6 to 17 in Ordos in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

“We are all pleased that this COP 13 event will be held in China so that the attending parties can see the visible progress China has made and the tremendous achievements of the Chinese people and the government in combating desertification.”

“Attendees from around the world will have the chance to learn about Ordos' efforts in and solutions for desertification control,” said Shi Yanjie, deputy mayor of Ordos.

“As a key platform for international cooperation, the event will play a crucial role in preventing land degradation and promoting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals,” Shi said.

“We are looking forward to joining hands with other countries and international organizations to combat desertification, and introducing them to China’s stories and Ordos’ culture and development.”

The conference, organized by UNCCD and hosted by the Chinese government, is a platform for countries to exchange ideas and share their best practices. By 2050, the demand for water is expected to increase by 50 percent, so droughts and sandstorms are among the issues to be highlighted at the conference, Monga said.

According to Hori, the participants will propose national plans, as well as early warning and risk and vulnerability assessments, to prevent dust, sandstorms and floods.

Shi said the event can provide expertise for China's development, global environmental governance and sustainable improvement for the environment.

“It will also leave precious heritage with the city by helping to increase environmental awareness and drawing more residents to participate in the green campaign,” she said.