SANDHANI – South Asia Alternatives Conference 2026

The SANDHANI – South Asia Alternatives Conference was held from 3–7 September 2026 at the NICD Training Centre in Polgolla, Kandy, Sri Lanka. The conference brought together participants from India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. Participants from Italy and Indonesia also joined the programme, contributing their experiences and perspectives to the discussions. During the five-day programme, participants reflected on several important questions and themes, including: What is SANDHANI, and why was it formed? What has SANDHANI achieved so far? The value and importance of alternatives in creating more just and sustainable societies. The need for collective action among Asian communities and organizations to protect and strengthen agroecology and aquaecology. The importance of strengthening solidarity, sharing experiences, and developing common strategies to respond to the social, environmental, economic, and ecological challenges facing communities across South Asia. A key outcome of the conference was the development of a five-year action plan for SANDHANI. Participants identified priority areas, agreed on collective actions, and shared responsibilities among the members and participating organizations to implement the plan during the coming five years. The conference was organized by the SANDHANI Working Group and hosted by MONLAR and NAFSO in Sri Lanka. The conference provided an important space for South Asian partners to strengthen their solidarity, learn from one another, promote alternatives, and build a stronger collective movement for agroecology, aquaecology, environmental justice, and sustainable community development.