IYRP 2026 – NENA Regional Conference; Hammamet (Tunisia), 26/01/2026 - 28/01/2026
Registration of interest - in-person attendance of the NENA IYRP Conference Survey
The event is co-organized by the NENA IYRP Consortium, namely, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA); the International Land Coalition (ILC); the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA) and for Mediterranean Cooperation (Med); the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS); the League of Arab States (LAS); the Centre for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe (CEDARE); and the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD). The conference will kick off the IYRP in the NENA region and mark the launch of the NENA IYRP Consortium and its Joint Action Agenda for 2026. Over three days, participants will examine rangeland governance, climate and biodiversity challenges, pastoralist rights, and opportunities for innovation and research. The conference will include high-level dialogues, technical sessions, peer learning, and a field visit to local rangeland sites in Tunisia. The event aims to strengthen regional cooperation in the implementation of the IYRP 2026 and conclude with the IYRP-2026 NENA Communique, outlining shared regional priorities for resilient rangeland systems and thriving pastoral communities. Languages: Simultaneous interpretation in Arabic, English, and French.
Please find below a tentative agenda and sessions (draft): Each partner is responsible for the content of their respective session, including the identification and invitation of keynote speakers.
First session: High-level policy dialogue – FAO and LAS
Confirmation of ministerial participation is pending formal approval. FAO Tunisia is following up closely with the Minister’s office. Early next week, a decision will be taken on whether to proceed with a ministerial session or to hold a high-level dialogue with the heads of partner organizations.
Second session: Rangelands and the Three Rio Conventions – IUCN and OSS
Third session: Land rights and pastoralists – ILC and AOAD
Fourth session: Innovation and research – ICARDA and CEDARE