IYCY Actively Participates in the Regional Conference on Sustainable Rangelands in Tunisia
International Youth Council Yemen Actively Participates in the Regional Conference on Sustainable Rangelands in Tunisia
Tunisia – January 28, 2026 –
The International Youth Council Yemen (IYCY) concluded its prominent participation in the regional conference, “Building a Shared Vision for Sustainable Rangelands and Pastoralist Communities in the Near East and North Africa Region.” The conference was held in Hammamet, Tunisia, over three days, coinciding with the official launch of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) 2026.
The conference, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with regional and international partners, brought together a select group of decision-makers, experts, government representatives, and non-governmental organizations from across the region. The goal was to unify efforts towards the sustainable management of rangelands and to support the pastoralist communities that depend on them.
A Pivotal Role for Youth in the Future of Rangelands
The participation of the International Youth Council Yemen underscored the vital role that youth play in addressing environmental and developmental challenges, particularly in the rangelands sector, which faces increasing pressure from climate change and urban expansion. In this international forum, the Council represented the voice of Yemeni youth, conveying their visions and aspirations for achieving sustainable development that ensures the preservation of natural resources and enhances the resilience of local communities.
In this context, the IYCY representative stated: “Our participation today is not just a presence, but an affirmation of our commitment as Yemeni youth to be an active part of the solution. We believe that the sustainable management of rangelands begins with empowering local communities and involving youth in decision-making processes. Through this conference, we seek to build strong partnerships and exchange experiences to serve the cause of rangelands in Yemen and the wider region.”
A Regional Action Agenda and a Yemeni Vision
The conference focused on key themes, including rangeland governance, pastoralists’ rights, and the role of innovation and scientific research in developing the sector. The IYCY delegation actively contributed to the sessions dedicated to the role of youth and women in protecting rangelands, showcasing some of the initiatives the Council is working on in Yemen, such as building a national coalition for rangelands and pastoralists and contributing to the development of participatory maps of pastoral resources.
This participation comes at a critical time for Yemen, where rangelands are an essential source of livelihood for a large segment of the population. The Council hopes that the outcomes of the conference, foremost among them the regional action agenda, will support national efforts to protect and develop the country’s pastoral wealth.
About the International Youth Council Yemen (IYCY):
The International Youth Council – Yemen is a youth-led, non-governmental, non-profit organization founded in 2012. The organization works at the national level to promote sustainable and inclusive development, provide humanitarian assistance, and empower youth, women, and the community at large. IYCY holds consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and is an active member of numerous regional and international networks and alliances.
