Kathmandu to Host Global Gathering of Pastoralist Women from 40 Countries

The Global Gathering of Pastoralist Women is set to take place in Kathmandu from May 26 to 29. Organized mainly by International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), the event is among the first major global programs under the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026.

The gathering, also known as Mera +16, will bring together pastoralist and ranching women from 40 countries to celebrate and support their initiatives, strengthen international solidarity and networks, identify shared priorities, and raise the voices of pastoralist women in global discussions related to rangelands and pastoralism.

According to the organizers, the event aims to ensure that pastoralist women’s perspectives are included in decision-making processes at local, national, and international levels. The gathering will also highlight the important role of pastoralist women in preserving traditional knowledge, culture, biodiversity, and sustainable food systems.

Participants will share their experiences, challenges, innovations, and solutions while building global connections that continue beyond the event. They will also work together to revise and further develop a shared policy agenda for the future.

The main theme of the gathering is the review of the “Mera Declaration,” a political document prepared by pastoralist women during the World Forum held in the Mera region of India in 2010. The declaration advocates for gender equality, livestock rights, and environmental protection, and continues to remain significant in the global movement of women pastoralists.

Organizers stated that pastoralist women and girls make up nearly half of the world’s pastoralist population, which collectively manages rangelands covering almost half of the Earth’s land surface, including two-thirds of global biodiversity hotspots and contributing around 16 percent of the world’s food supply.

They emphasized that supporting pastoralist women and strengthening their global networks is essential for protecting biodiversity, ensuring food security, and improving climate resilience worldwide.