The scientific program of SWDCC 2026 will be organized around the following key thematic areas, which are intended to capture the complexity of desertification-related issues, while highlighting innovative responses and success stories from across the globe:

1. Climate Change: Vulnerability and Adaptation in Drylands: Exploring the impacts of climate variability and extremes on dryland systems, with a focus on adaptation strategies for ecosystems and human communities.
2. Soil and Water Resources Conservation and Management: Addressing sustainable techniques for soil fertility restoration, erosion control, water harvesting, efficient irrigation, and land rehabilitation.
3. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment in Drylands: Focusing on geospatial technologies, remote sensing, modeling tools, and field-based monitoring methods to assess land degradation and water scarcity.
4. WEFE Nexus (Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem) in Arid Environments: Emphasizing integrated approaches that consider the interconnections between water availability, energy demands, food production, and ecosystem services in drylands.