UN International Years 2026: Rangelands and Pastoralists, Volunteers, and the Woman Farmer
13 January 2026
In 2026, the United Nations will shine a spotlight on three vital themes that shape lives, livelihoods and ecosystems around the world. Through dedicated International Years, the United Nations invites governments, communities, and individuals to learn, engage and act for people and planet.
What are the 2026 UN International Years?
The General Assembly has adopted the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, and the International Year of the Woman Farmer to be observed in 2026. Each observance highlights an essential yet often overlooked contributor to sustainable development.
International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development
Every day, millions of volunteers take action to improve the well-being of others by mentoring young people, supporting health systems, protecting the environment or responding to emergencies. Volunteerism builds community resilience and accelerates progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
In 2026, the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development will celebrate these contributions and encourage even more people to get involved. The Year invites dialogue, collaboration and national and regional observance by Member States, civil society, the private sector and academia.
It is a moment to highlight how volunteerism connects people, drives local solutions and creates lasting impact.
International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists
Rangelands cover about half the world’s land surface. These vast ecosystems, which are home to grasslands, savannahs, wetlands, tundra and deserts, support unique biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions of pastoralists.
Pastoralists steward livestock, safeguard local and indigenous knowledge, and support food security across many ecosystems. Present in more than seventy-five per cent of countries and managing at least one quarter of the world’s land, they herd about one billion animals worldwide. Their mobile way of life protects fragile landscapes, strengthens resilience and preserves cultural heritage.
The International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists calls for greater recognition, responsible investment and adapted policies. It stresses the need to secure access to land and natural resources, support mobility and strengthen rangeland management, restoration, animal health services and fair value chains. By encouraging inclusive dialogue and cooperation, the Year aims to improve pastoralist livelihoods and advance sustainable rangeland management and the Sustainable Development Goals.
International Year of the Woman Farmer
Women are central to agrifood systems, from production and processing to trade and innovation. They include smallholder farmers, seasonal workers, fishers, pastoralists, beekeepers, foresters, processors, traders, scientists, traditional knowledge holders and rural entrepreneurs.
They are young and older women, indigenous women, women in local communities, women with disabilities, and refugee and displaced women. Their contributions sustain food security, nutrition and economic resilience, yet they often remain unrecognised.
The International Year of the Woman Farmer will promote action to close gender gaps, improve access to resources and services, and support women’s leadership in agrifood systems. The global launch of the #YearoftheWomanFarmer will take place at Food and Agriculture Organization headquarters in December 2025.
In 2026, these International Years provide a moment to learn about and recognise the work carried out under each observance, and to encourage collective action for a more sustainable world.
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