Pastoralist women from across the globe have adopted a renewed international agenda aimed at strengthening land rights, climate resilience and sustainable rangeland management during a major gathering in Kathmandu.
The Global Gathering of Pastoralist Women, held as part of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026, brought together more than 100 participants from over 40 countries across 11 regions.
The conference resulted in three major outcomes — the creation of a global network of pastoralist women, a draft “Kathmandu Declaration (Mera +16)” and a coordinated strategy to engage with international policy platforms.
Organizers said pastoralist women play a critical role in livestock care, food security, biodiversity protection and preserving traditional knowledge, yet continue to face challenges including insecure land rights, limited political representation and the growing impacts of climate change.
International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development official Yi Shaoliang said pastoralist women are “essential stewards of rangelands and biodiversity” whose leadership is vital for climate adaptation and resilient ecosystems.
Calling the gathering a historic moment, Srijana Joshi Rijal said women from different regions had united to protect future generations and strengthen their voices in global decision-making.
The declaration outlines priorities including land and resource rights, political participation, access to services, recognition of traditional knowledge and climate justice. Participants aim to take these demands to major international forums, including future UN climate and biodiversity conferences.
The event was jointly organized by ICIMOD and the IYRP Working Group on Pastoralism and Gender, with support from Food and Agriculture Organization Nepal and partner organizations.
