Over 300 delegates and leaders from different countries will later this month attend the seventh Kubuqi International Desert Forum in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, to find solutions to the problem of desertification around the world.

During the forum, issues such as eco-technological innovation, green finance and poverty elimination, will also be discussed. Three people who have made extraordinary contributions to fighting desertification will be awarded the "Land for Life Award.”

The forum is regarded by the UN as an important mechanism and platform to achieve the goal of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification.

The theme of this year’s forum is “Green ‘Belt and Road’”. The forum is an important international meeting to implement the consensus reached at the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in May in Beijing, said executive secretary of the forum, Zhao Yong.

The forum is jointly organised by China’s Ministry of Science and Technology, State Forestry Administration, the People’s Government of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN Convention to Combat Desertification.

China is willing to share its experience on fighting desertification with other countries. By the end of 2014, the amount of desert land in China had fallen by 12,120 square kilometers, shrinking by 2,424 square kilometers per year, according to a survey by the State Forestry Administration.

The Kubuqi International Desert Forum is held every two years.