In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 17 the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (WDCD) to promote public awareness of the issue, and the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

This year's theme is drought and water scarcity. The goal of the 2013 WDCD is to create awareness about the risks of drought and water scarcity in drylands and beyond, calling attention to the importance of sustaining healthy soils as part of post Rio+20 agenda, as well as the post-2015 sustainable development agenda.

This year's slogan, "Don't let our future dry up" calls for everyone to take action to promote preparedness and resilience to water scarcity, desertification and drought. The slogan embodies the message that we are all responsible for water and land conservation and sustainable use, and that there are solutions to these serious natural resources challenges.