(AGENPARL) – Mon 01 December 2025 FAO to Launch the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026 and the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026
2 and 4 December 2025 | FAO Headquarters, Rome | Sheikh Zayed Centre | Hybrid/Webcast
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will mark the start of two United Nations observances for 2026 with dedicated high-level launch events at FAO Headquarters on 2 December and 4 December 2025, on the margins of the FAO Council (1–5 December).
Designated by resolutions of the UN General Assembly, the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP 2026) and the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026) will mobilize global action, partnerships and advocacy throughout 2026 to spotlight two vital pillars of agrifood systems: the sustainable management of rangelands and the often-invisible contributions of women farmers worldwide.
International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026 – Launch event
2 December 2025 | 12:30–14:00 CET | Sheikh Zayed Centre
Rangelands cover roughly half of the Earth’s land surface and are home to unique biodiversity, essential ecosystem services and millions of pastoralist families. Pastoralists steward natural resources through mobility, traditional knowledge and adaptive practices that support climate mitigation, soil fertility, and resilient livelihoods. Yet these systems face mounting pressures from land conversion, climate shocks and environmental degradation.
The launch event will feature opening remarks by FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, followed by high-level statements from Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, President of Mongolia, and Matías Carambula, Vice-Minister of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries of Uruguay. The agenda includes two panel discussions with representatives from research institutions, pastoralist organizations and international networks.
A joint four-day exhibition in the FAO Atrium will accompany the launch, showcasing pastoralist products, images and cultural performances.
International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 – Launch event
4 December 2025 | 12:30–14:00 CET | Sheikh Zayed Centre
Women farmers are indispensable to global agrifood systems, contributing significantly to food production, nutrition and rural economies. Despite this, they continue to face major barriers to accessing land, finance, technology, training and decision-making spaces. The International Year of the Woman Farmer calls for transformative actions to close gender gaps and promote women’s leadership and empowerment across agrifood systems.
The launch ceremony—co-organized by Jordan, Ireland and FAO—will include opening remarks by FAO Chief Economist Máximo Torero, high-level statements from representatives of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Food Programme (WFP), remarks by Princess Basma bint Ali, FAO Regional Goodwill Ambassador, and a keynote address by Sinéad McPhillips, Secretary General, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine of Ireland.
A series of spotlight talks will then highlight women leaders from rural enterprises, farmer networks and regional parliamentary bodies.
The event also inaugurates a joint exhibition with the IYRP in the FAO Atrium, featuring products, photos and performances by women farmers and pastoralist communities.
Media Access
Journalists interested in attending the events or arranging interviews with FAO experts are invited to contact:
RESOURCES FOR THE MEDIA
International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists
International Year of the Woman Farmer
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Follow the Opening Ceremony of the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF) 2026 here.
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of Rangelands and Pastoralists here.
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