UNCCD conference in Mongolia

The 17th session of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is being held in Mongolia from August 17 to 28, 2026. Hundreds of pastoralists representing roughly 500 million people worldwide are attending to advocate for stronger legal protections for Indigenous pastoral traditions, increased funding for climate adaptation, and recognition of traditional knowledge. The conference marks the first formal Indigenous peoples caucus at a desertification convention, though it has faced resistance from some nations. Desertification is advancing at rates 30 to 35 times historical averages, threatening rangelands that cover half of Earth's landmass. Pastoralists from Tanzania, Chad, Sudan, Nepal, and Mongolia face existential threats from drought and land degradation. Leaders like Andrew Msami and Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim emphasize that securing land and mobility rights is essential for climate adaptation and resilience. The event occurs during the UN's International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.