The 15th session of the conference of parties of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) spotlights urban-rural linkages and the guiding principles of urban-rural linkages. In Decision 22/COP.15 on measures to address desertification/land degradation and drought to address forced migration; parties are invited to promote sustainable territorial development, including multi-level governance and planning mechanisms, as appropriate, to strengthen urban–rural linkages.
The secretariat is requested to support parties upon request, to strengthen urban–rural linkages through territorial governance systems by utilizing principles of urban-rural linkages towards achieving land degradation neutrality and addressing drivers of forced migration and displacement.