The Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Mongolia H.E.Mrs. Odontuya Saldan and UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw signed the "Host Country Agreement", confirming Mongolia to host the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in 2026.
COP17 will bring together UNCCD’s 197 Parties in a crucial global forum to accelerate action against desertification, land degradation, and drought. Representatives from governments, private sector, civil society, and Indigenous communities who will exchange views on land restoration, sustainable land management, and resilience-building.
For the first time, Mongolia will host a global conference with representatives from 197 countries and beyond, providing an opportunity to lead international efforts in combating desertification and land degradation, while enhancing resilience against natural disasters such as droughts and sandstorms. With nearly 76.9 percent of its land affected by desertification, Mongolia aims to bring the global community together to seek innovative, technology-driven solutions that support land-dependent livelihoods and help mitigate the impacts of climate change.
COP17 coincides with the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) declared by the United Nations General Assembly at the initiative of Mongolia. Over 60 percent of rangelands in Central Asia and Mongolia have degraded, yet pastoralism remains a vital livelihood, supporting one-third of the region’s population and half a billion people worldwide, ensuring food security and economic stability.
Before signing the agreement, during a press briefing, The Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Mongolia H.E. Mrs. Odontuya Saldan noted, that "Mongolia is committed to combating desertification and restoring degraded lands. Through the initiative 'Billion Trees', launched by the President of Mongolia, we are aiming to protect our environment and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come."
UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw said: "Joint global efforts are urgently needed to address desertification and drought. COP17 in Mongolia will build on the momentum from COP16 in Riyadh to enhance global commitments, strengthen financial mechanisms and foster cross-sector partnerships."
