In September 2024, WAMIP strengthened its commitment to food sovereignty and collaboration with Nyéléni, the cornerstone of the international food sovereignty movement. Maamankhuu Sodnom, a long-standing WAMIP member and regional lead for Eastern and Central Asia, was appointed as the representative of the Asia Pacific region at Nyéléni Global Steering Committee. Maamankhuu participated in the in-person Nyéléni Global Steering Committee meeting held between August 31st and September 6th, 2024 in Bangalore, India. She was joined by another WAMIP member and regional lead for South Asia, Bhavana Rabari.
The meeting marked a crucial moment for the Nyéléni process as it advances in its preparations for the 3rd Nyéléni Global Forum, planned in September 2025. The Forum will see hundreds of delegates from social movements and grassroots organisations around the world unite and mobilise collective efforts for food sovereignty. This partnership plays a vital role in empowering indigenous pastoralist voices in shaping a systemic transformation for a just and sustainable food system, which promotes the rights of food producers, pastoralists and indigenous communities.
Soon after, in October 2024, WAMIP proudly celebrated the appointment of Johan Mathis Turi, WAMIP member and regional lead for pastoralists in the Arctic, as an Honorary Doctorate at the World Indigenous Nations University. This recognition underscores Johan’s lifetime of dedication to preserving and promoting Sámi knowledge, reindeer herding traditions and indigenous leadership as the founding president of World Reindeers Herders and leading figure in Norwegian and international cooperation with reindeer herders.
Such milestones are not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the resilience and contributions of pastoralist communities worldwide. As we move closer to the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026, this honor serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of amplifying Indigenous voices and safeguarding the sustainable practices they embody.