Global Pastoralist Gathering and Conference 2026

Why in News?

Mongolia hosted the Global Pastoralist Gathering and Conference 2026 recently.

• Organised under – International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) 2026.
• It brought together pastoralists, policymakers, researchers, Indigenous Peoples, civil society organisations and development partners from 100+ countries.
• Host – Mongolia (UNCCD COP17, also hosted by Mongolia)
• Partner – Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

India is among the founding members of FAO.

• Participants – Around 400, including about 240 international delegates.
• Field visits – Delegates visited pastoral areas across Mongolia to understand local herding practices and sustainable rangeland management.
• Focus areas
  • Sustainable pastoralism
  • Rangeland management
  • Climate resilience
  • Biodiversity conservation
  • Food security
  • Traditional knowledge
  • Sustainable livestock production
• The gathering worked towards developing three important declarations –
  • Global Pastoralists' Declaration
  • Women's Pastoralists' Declaration
  • Youth Pastoralists' Declaration
• These recommendations are expected to contribute to discussions at UNCCD COP17 on land restoration, desertification, drought resilience and land management.

International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) 2026

• Proclaimed by – UN General Assembly as the The initiative was led by Mongolia.
• Purpose – To raise global awareness about the importance of rangelands and pastoralist communities
• Focus areas –
  • Food security
  • Biodiversity
  • Climate resilience
  • Sustainable livelihoods
  • Ecosystem health

Reference

FAO.org| Global Pastoralist Gathering and Conference 2026