Pastoralist communities manage some of Africa’s most important ecosystems, sustaining livelihoods, food systems, biodiversity, and climate resilience across nearly half of the continent’s landmass. Yet despite their vital contributions, pastoralists remain among the least supported by climate finance, technology investments, and development partnerships. As climate-related initiatives increasingly expand across pastoral territories, a critical question remains: how can pastoralists become not just beneficiaries, but leaders and partners in shaping these investments?

This UNCCD COP17 side event will bring together pastoralist leaders, donors, policymakers, investors, researchers, and development partners to explore practical pathways for unlocking direct access to climate finance, innovation, and strategic partnerships for pastoralist communities across Africa. Through solution-focused discussions and presentations from pastoralist organizations, participants will examine how pastoralist systems are delivering locally led adaptation, sustainable land management, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience at scale.

The event will spotlight promising pastoralist-led initiatives, connect communities with funding and partnership opportunities, and showcase the technologies and innovations helping strengthen resilience across Africa’s drylands and rangelands. Participants will also hear directly from pastoralist leaders advocating for greater inclusion in decision-making processes that affect their lands, livelihoods, and futures.