Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa is currently on a state visit to Italy, emphasizing sustainable land management. During the visit, he attended the opening of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists at the UN FAO headquarters in Rome.
The event celebrates Mongolia’s 2022 initiative, which the United Nations General Assembly approved to designate 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. President Khurelsukh stressed that the initiative will enhance food safety, rangeland management, and pastoralist livelihoods worldwide.
He highlighted Mongolia’s ongoing national programs, including Billions of Trees, Food Safety, and White Gold. These programs aim to combat climate change, land degradation, and desertification while strengthening food production.
The president also invited other nations to actively participate in the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, which will be held in Ulaanbaatar in 2026.
President Khurelsukh expressed confidence that the global rangelands initiative would foster cooperation among nations, ensuring long-term environmental and economic benefits. He emphasized that international collaboration is crucial for sustainable land use and food security.
Experts note that rangeland management affects billions of people globally, particularly pastoralist communities. Effective policies and cross-border cooperation can help restore degraded land and improve agricultural productivity.
The FAO welcomed Mongolia’s leadership and praised its commitment to promoting sustainable practices. Officials also highlighted the country’s efforts to integrate local knowledge and international expertise to maximize results.
Looking ahead, Mongolia plans to expand its initiatives and engage more countries in knowledge-sharing and technical partnerships. The global rangelands initiative is expected to serve as a model for sustainable development worldwide.
