The 13th Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock (GASL) Multistakeholder Partnership (MSP) Meeting and the Regional Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation, held from 30^th October to 3^rd November 2023, in Chiang Mai, Thailand, was a significant event for pastoralists and their allies. The theme of the meeting was Multistakeholder collaboration to strengthen the sustainability and resilience of livestock systems in response to drivers of change. Approximately 200 participants, including representatives of pastoralist communities, organizations, and practitioners, gathered to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities presented by livestock systems within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development framework.

Friends of the International Year of Rangelands & Pastoralists (IYRP) were also present during the event and organized a side event to discuss how they can continue their advocacy work on pastoralism in platforms such as GASL and how GASL can contribute to the IYRP 2026. The IYRP session, introduced by Nitya Ghotge of Anthra, India, who is part of the Guiding Group of GASL representing the NGO cluster and coordinates the IYRP Pastoralism and Gender Working Group, was held on 1st November, 2023. The session began with the IYRP opening film from its website, and Andiswa Finca of the Regional Eastern & Southern Africa IYRP Support Group made a presentation on the IYRP structure.

During the session, participants highlighted some important feedback. Key points raised during the session included the need for greater visibility for yak, reindeer, camelids, and buffalo species and their respective farming systems within the IYRP process. Additionally, participants highlighted the importance of addressing terminology challenges related to understanding "rangelands" in various regions, suggesting using local terms and alternative vocabulary when necessary. Climate change's significant impact on pastoral systems was acknowledged, underscoring the importance of strengthening evidence on pastoral systems as a solution for climate change adaptation and mitigation. Participants emphasized the need to amplify the values of pastoralists as landscape managers, emphasizing the provision of multiple ecosystem services and the preservation of cultural, traditional, spiritual, and indigenous knowledge systems.

IYRP Support Group Members at the 13th GASL MSP Meeting

Furthermore, participants recognized the challenges faced by pastoralists, including issues related to secure tenure rights, access to land, ongoing conflicts, and externalities from rapid development that disrupt pastoral production systems. They highlighted the importance of ensuring reliable access to essential services such as mobile veterinary care, education, and healthcare to address these challenges. One proposed solution involves training qualified pastoralist youth to deliver these services to their communities, enhancing their capacities, quality of life, and empowerment in decision-making processes.

Participants also emphasized the role of the GASL platform in driving action leading up to 2026, with plans to dedicate space and sessions in 2024 and 2025 to discuss how GASL can support pastoral systems and contribute to the IYRP. Furthermore, there were discussions about organizing the GASL MSP meeting in 2025 or 2026 in a country where pastoralism holds significant importance, aligning it with the IYRP's efforts. This collaborative approach aims to mobilize resources and global support for pastoralism while ensuring peace, stability, and inclusive development aligned with pastoralists' needs and preferences. The IYRP remains at the forefront of these efforts to promote the interests and well-being of pastoralists on a global scale.