In all regions, droughts are becoming more frequent and intense.

The well-being of hundreds of millions of people is compromised by the increase in sandstorms, forest fires, crop failures, population displacements and conflicts.

By the middle of the century, three-quarters of the world's population could experience drought.

Climate change is a major cause, but our land management also bears its share of responsibility.

Half of the world's population is already grappling with the consequences of land degradation, with women and girls paying the heaviest price.

It is in our power to reverse this infernal spiral and it is even our duty.

By ensuring the productivity of land and soil, it is possible to combat climate change at a lower cost, while protecting the most disadvantaged, as well as improving the livelihoods and well-being of the poorest people and the world's most vulnerable.

Women's access to land ownership is also a crucial element of land restoration.

We can rehabilitate soils for a fraction of the expense that is currently being given in environmentally harmful subsidies.

Every dollar invested in land restoration can generate 30 times the benefits.

In Africa, the Green Wall for the Sahara initiative has already restored millions of hectares and created thousands of jobs, from Dakar to Djibouti.

Nevertheless, the task remains immense.

It is by taking care of our soils and their biodiversity that we can fight the climate crisis and contribute to all our sustainable development goals.

Let's act now to protect our future from drought.

Thank you.

The Secretary General, António Guterres.