The draft advocacy policy framework on gender (PFG) pursues the strategic objective of identifying targets for mainstreaming gender issues into the implementation of the Convention and its 10-year strategic programme to enhance the implementation of the convention (2008–2018) (The Strategy). Parties have recognized the important role that women and men play in countries affected by desertification and/or drought by ensuring their full participation at all levels. This is a priority issue when addressing the increased effectiveness of the Convention, as indicated by The Strategy. The focus of this document is to promote the integration of gender within the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Policies proposed on gender mainstreaming seek to make effective the recognition of the roles of women and men in the Convention and to assist in reducing vulnerability by enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of UNCCD actions at all levels. The COP may wish to consider a decision on the draft advocacy policy framework as contained in the present document, fully integrating gender into the implementation of The Strategy, and empowering the secretariat to report at CRIC sessions on the subsequent implementation, in accordance, inter alia, with decisions 8/COP.9, decision 5/COP.9 and document ICCD/COP(9)/4/Add.1 and its corrigendum. The COP may also wish to decide upon the enhanced cooperation framework with other United Nations bodies by prioritizing gender mainstreaming in the development of policies and measures to implement the convention. Parties may also decide upon the resource allocation necessary to assist the Convention and its secretariat in the implementation of the advocacy policy framework on gender, its targets and options for implementation, as set out in this document.
