The Organizing Committee in charge of management and coordination of preparations for the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which is set to take place in Mongolia in 2026, held its inaugural meeting on February 6, 2025, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Mrs. Odontuya Saldan, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Battsetseg Batmunkh delivered an opening statement in their capacity as Chair and Deputy Chair of the National Committee. Senior officials from relevant ministries and members of the National Committeetook part in the meeting.
During the meeting , the COP17 Preparatory Office under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs along with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change presented updates on the ongoing preparations and upcoming measures to be undertaken. Additionally, the meeting reviewed and approved the the National Committeeregulations.
In her remarks, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Battsetseg Batmunkh emphasized that Mongolia’s successful bid to host COP17 demonstrates the country's growing international reputation and its contributions to global efforts of maintaining peace and security, sustainable development, climate action, and the fight against desertification. She underscored the critical need for coordinated and efficient action by the Government of Mongolia to ensure the successful organization of this significant international conference in 2026. Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of engaging and fostering collaboration with the private sector by providing them with concrete information.
Hosting COP17 in Mongolia will give a major impetus to the efforts of the Government for aligning the national environmental policies and land management practices with international standards and best practices. Moreover, it presents an opportunity to draw global attention to Mongolia’s pressing environmental challenges and facilitate practical solutions.
