On 3^rd September, Dr. Barron Joseph Orr. Chief Scientist of the Secretariat of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), and his delegation paid a visit to the ANSO Secretariat. Dr. ZHANG Shizhuan and Dr. YI Zhijun, Deputy-Directors of the ANSO Secretariat, attended the meeting.

Dr. YI extended a warm welcome to Dr.Barron and expressed gratitude for his participation in the ANSO side-event and delivery of closing remarks on 24 August during COP 17. Dr. ZHANG briefed on ANSO’s development journey, key working areas, project portfolio, and latest progress.

In his response, Dr. Barron commended ANSO for its fruitful outcomes and remarkable achievements, describing it as a key player in advancing multilateral science-technology cooperation. In particular, the Initiative and two Science Reports released by ANSO on 24 August had provided solid scientific support for consultation on relevant items at COP17. He noted that the UNCCD Secretariat was deeply involved in and reviewed the preparation of the Science Report, and looked forward to further expanding organizational cooperation between the two sides. During the meeting, both reached a preliminary consensus on deepening future cooperation.