Empowering voices: a journey through the EMENA 2026 learning webinar series

The 2026 Learning Webinar Series for the Europe, Middle East and North Africa (EMENA) region has become a transformative space for ILC. Designed to amplify regional experiences in global advocacy and policy arenas, these monthly sessions have brought together members and partners from across the region to exchange tools, lessons learned, and showcase local action.

Building on the strategic momentum of global milestones such as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) and the International Year of Women Farmers (IYWF), the series has gone well beyond traditional case-study presentations. Each webinar has fostered interactive dialogue, with simultaneous interpretation in English, French and Arabic, ensuring that everyone can take part in the conversation.

What we’ve learned: looking back at our first three sessions

The journey began on 29 April with a session dedicated to leadership. The DISI Women’s Cooperative shared its inspiring model for empowering women in southern Jordan through community-based tourism and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Meanwhile, Kosovo, the Advocacy Training and Resource Center, also a member of ILC, addressed a critical challenge: the lack of awareness among young people about their land rights and property ownership. According to data collected by ATRC in early 2024, 70% of young people are unaware of the legal registration status of their property, highlighting the importance of legal education in securing future land tenure.

In May, the second session explored resilience and social farming. ISTIDAMA presented innovative approaches to linking market access with secure land tenure for pastoralists, while the Lentamente Società Cooperativa Agricola demonstrated how social agriculture can help build fairer rural societies by promoting community wellbeing and fostering a stronger sense of belonging. It also creates more participatory spaces by actively including vulnerable groups such as youth, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

The first phase of the series concluded on 23 June with a session focused on women’s land rights. The Palestinian Farmers Union highlighted the complex realities women in Palestine face, demonstrating how economic empowerment can also serve as a powerful tool for resistance and dignity.

Meanwhile, the National Federation of Communal Forests and Pastures of Albania presented compelling evidence of persistent gender inequalities. While only 11% of women hold formal certificates for agricultural land, women have virtually no legal security over forest land, relying instead on customary rights that the organisation is working to formalise.

There was, however, a powerful message of hope. Women from three villages in northern Albania, after years of advocacy and with the support of several partners, including the National Land Coalition, successfully halted a government concession that threatened their ancestral forests.

While these discussions have already generated valuable insights, the journey is only just beginning. Following a short summer break, the Learning Webinar Series will return, with new sessions scheduled for September, October and November 2026.

We encourage all ILC members and partners to stay tuned for updates on the upcoming webinars. This series provides a valuable platform for sharing experiences and working together to build fairer, more resilient and more equitable land governance systems across the EMENA region.

See you in September!