The General Assembly,
 
      Recalling its resolution 48/175 of 21 December 1993 in which it recalled
the decisions of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development
set forth in chapter 12 of Agenda 21, entitled "Managing fragile ecosystems:
combating desertification and drought",  and took note of the recommendation
contained in paragraph 38.27 of Agenda 21 and of decision 93/33 of 18 June
1993 of the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme,
 
      Noting the work being undertaken by the Intergovernmental Negotiating
Committee for the Elaboration of an International Convention to Combat
Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or
Desertification, particularly in Africa,
 
      Referring to its resolution 48/175, in which it recalled the appeals to
the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Environment
Programme to continue and strengthen their cooperation in combating
desertification, notably through support for the Office to Combat
Desertification and Drought by the joint venture programme,
 
      Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the
implementation of its resolution 48/175,
 
      Expressing its concern at the present level of resources available to
relevant United Nations bodies, including the Office to Combat Desertification
and Drought of the United Nations Development Programme, to support activities
to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in all affected
developing countries and regions,
 
      1.    Welcomes the efforts made by the United Nations Environment
Programme and the United Nations Development Programme to strengthen their
cooperation in combating desertification through the United Nations
Environment Programme/United Nations Development Programme partnership to
combat desertification;
 
      2.    Renews its appeal to Governments, regional economic integration
organizations and other interested organizations, as well as non-governmental
organizations, to make contributions to relevant United Nations bodies,
including the Office to Combat Desertification and Drought of the United
Nations Development Programme, to strengthen their capacity to support
activities to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in
all affected developing countries and regions;
 
      3.    Requests the Secretary-General to submit to the General Assembly
at its fifty-second session a report on the implementation of the present
resolution, which would be considered under one unified sub-item on the agenda
entitled "Implementation of decisions and recommendations of the United
Nations Conference on Environment and Development", under the item entitled
"Environment and sustainable development".