Nomadic Futures: Cultural Rights, Knowledge Systems, Climate Resilience

Conference dates: 19-21 August 2026, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

The International Institute for the Study of Nomadic Civilizations under the auspices of UNESCO (IISNC), in collaboration with partner institutions and networks, is organizing an international, interdisciplinary conference titled “Nomadic Futures: Cultural Rights, Knowledge Systems, Climate Resilience”, to be held on 19-21 August 2026. Coinciding with COP17 to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the United Nations International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP), this conference will critically examine the status of cultural rights and political recognition for mobile pastoralists and nomadic peoples. Cultural rights, ways of knowing and climate resilience will be explored as integrated elements rather than separate spheres.

This conference responds directly to the recommendations in the 2024 report on the Situation of Mobile Indigenous Peoples written by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by creating an interdisciplinary platform to examine the legal recognition, cultural rights, mobility, land tenure, and political participation of mobile Indigenous Peoples. The conference also engages with international developments that increasingly recognize mobility as a culturally embedded practice and form of intangible heritage constituted through complex ecological, social, and epistemological relations. UNESCO’s recognition of transhumance and pastoral mobility as Intangible Cultural Heritage reflects the significance of intergenerational knowledge transmission, seasonal movement, oral traditions, customary social institutions, and collective relationships to land in sustaining mobile lifeways across generations.

 

REGISTRATION

01 Join the Conference
Registration Process
Complete the Online Registration Form
Register for the conference by filling out the online registration form with your personal details, institutional affiliation, and payment information.
Early Registration Deadline: June 30, 2026
Register early to benefit from discounted conference rates and secure your participation.

02 Confirmation & Fee
Registration Process
Confirmation Email
Once your registration is successfully completed, you will receive a confirmation email containing your unique registration confirmation number and payment receipt.
Conference fee
There is no conference fee
-Full access to all conference sessions (19-21 August 2026)
-Certificate of Participation
-Daily lunch and coffee breaks
Optional activities may charge
-Gala Dinner on 21 August 2026

03 Participation & Attendance
Registration Process
The conference welcomes scholars, researchers, Indigenous leaders, students, policymakers, NGOs, and practitioners from around the world.
Authors of accepted papers must complete registration to confirm inclusion in the official conference program.
Selected sessions may include keynote lectures, panel discussions, cultural presentations, exhibitions, and networking events.

04 Travel & Accommodation
Registration Process
Please note that international travel expenses are not covered by the conference organizers.
Limited accommodation support may be available for selected invited participants and speakers.
Venue: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Conference Dates: 19-21 August 2026

Contact us
E-mail- secretariat@unesco-iisnc.com
Phone-+976 11315102

Website - https://unesco-iisnc.org/