The overall goal of the side event is to discuss the challenges that drought-prone countries face in mitigating the effects of drought and what they can do to address them. the specific objectives include: to provide a platform for stakeholders (countries/ parties) to share their views on the existing challenges for drought resilience and to propose remedial measures; and to investigate options for strengthening national capacities by highlighting the three key pillars of drought preparedness planning:

i) Drought early warning and monitoring systems

ii) Vulnerability and risk assessments

iii) Effective drought risk mitigation measures