UK Launch of COP17 in Mongolia & the IYRP

Rangelands support the livelihoods of over 2 billion people worldwide and represent some of the largest carbon stores and biodiversity hotspots on the planet. Despite this global importance, rangelands remain under-represented in climate and biodiversity decision-making. COP 17 and the UN-designated International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists provide an opportunity to elevate rangelands as critical to addressing land degradation, climate risks, and community resilience.

The Parliament event brings together diplomatic, funding, business and policy leadership to highlight the United Nations International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (2026) and serve as the UK launch of UNCCD COP17.

In this context, Baroness Northover is hosting an afternoon tea reception to mark the UK launch of the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which will be held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 17 to 28 August 2026, and to celebrate the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP), which recognizes the vital role of rangelands and pastoralist communities in sustaining livelihoods, biodiversity, and climate resilience worldwide.

The event is co-organised by the Embassy of Mongolia in the United Kingdom, Mongolian British Chamber of Commerce, Rangeland Stewardship Council (RSC), the Sustainable Fibre Alliance (SFA), and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).