The Conference of the Parties,
Recalling decision 7/COP.13 and decision 13/COP.13,
Acknowledging the importance of the UNCCD 2018–2030 Strategic Framework in improving the effectiveness of the implementation of the Convention,
Noting that the UNCCD 2018–2030 Strategic Framework will reach its midpoint in 2024,
Welcoming with appreciation the proposal of the Bureau of the Conference of the Parties on the modalities, criteria and terms of reference for a midterm evaluation of the UNCCD 2018–2030 Strategic Framework,
1. Provisionally adopts the modalities, criteria and terms of reference for a midterm evaluation of the UNCCD 2018–2030 Strategic Framework, as proposed by the Bureau of the Conference of the Parties in document ICCD/COP(14)/3;
2. Decides that the Conference of the Parties will, at its sixteenth session in 2023, continue the preparations for the midterm evaluation of the UNCCD 2018–2030 Strategic Framework, including the finalization of its modalities, criteria and terms of reference and the establishment of an intergovernmental working group to oversee the evaluation process and, for this purpose:
(a) Requests the Bureau of the Conference of the Parties to review and, as needed, update the provisionally adopted modalities, criteria and terms of reference for a midterm evaluation of the UNCCD 2018–2030 Strategic Framework, with a view to their adoption at the sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties;
(b) Also requests the Bureau of the Conference of the Parties, when conducting the review referred to in paragraph 2 (a) above, to consider:
(i) Including impact and sustainability in the evaluation criteria;
(ii) Broadening the assessment of effectiveness concerning the implementation of the UNCCD 2018–2030 Strategic Framework to also cover relevant stakeholders other than Convention institutions and bodies;
(iii) Ensuring geographical and gender balance in the external expertise that will be used for preparing the first component of the midterm evaluation, namely the independent assessment;
(iv) Emphasizing the importance of participatory consultations on the conclusions and recommendations of the independent assessment;
(c) Further requests the Bureau of the Conference of the Parties to inform Parties at the fifteenth session of the Conference of the Parties about the ongoing discussions on preparing for the midterm evaluation with a view to gathering further elements and identifying priorities for its proposal on the modalities, criteria and terms of reference for the midterm evaluation of the UNCCD 2018–2030 Strategic Framework;
(d) Requests the Bureau of the Conference of the Parties to outline the terms of reference for an intergovernmental working group for the midterm evaluation of the UNCCD 2018–2030 Strategic Framework, including the purpose, composition and main working modalities of the intergovernmental working group, for the consideration of the Conference of the Parties at its sixteenth session;
(e) Also requests the secretariat to include the estimated resource needs for the midterm evaluation of the UNCCD 2018–2030 Strategic Framework in its proposed 2024– 2025 programme and budget that will be submitted to the Conference of the Parties at its sixteenth session;
(f) Further requests the secretariat to report to the Conference of the Parties at its fifteenth session on the implementation of the present decision.
