The objective of this Convention is to combat land degradation and desertification and mitigate the effects of drought through effective action at all levels, supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements, in the framework of an integrated approach which is consistent with Agenda 21, with a view to contributing to the achievement of sustainable development. The functions of the secretariat are, among others, (a) to make arrangements for sessions of the Conference of the Parties (COP) and its Subsidiary Bodies established under the Convention and to provide them with services as required; (b) to compile and transmit reports submitted to it; (c) to facilitate assistance to affected developing country Parties, on request, particularly those in Africa, in the compilation and communication of information required under the Convention; (d) to coordinate its activities with the secretariats of other relevant international bodies and conventions.

Regional Liaison Offices (RLOs) are a part of, and under the direct supervision/coordination of the External Relations, Policy and Advocacy Unit (ERPA) of the UNCCD Secretariat Headquarters based in Bonn. The basic functions of ERPA, including all RLOs, are the framing of relevant and persuasive policy messages and the delivery of related strategic advocacy on issues of desertification, land degradation, and drought; building partnerships with key stakeholders – governments, civil society and the private sector – to enhance cooperation and collaboration in the implementation of the Convention; the coordination of the programme of work of the UNCCD institutions at the regional, sub regional and national levels; the facilitation of effective communications between country Parties and headquarters.