WHY WAS MONGOLIA SELECTED TO HOST UNCCD COP17?

 

Mongolia will host the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP17) in Ulaanbaatar from 17 to 28 August 2026.

During COP15, held in Côte d’Ivoire in 2022, Mongolia formally expressed its interest in hosting COP17 and subsequently received the support of the Parties to the Convention. Key factors contributing to this decision included the “One Billion Trees” National Movement, initiated by the President of Mongolia, as well as the country’s direct exposure to desertification, land degradation, pasture deterioration and the impacts of drought.

Mongolia’s geographical characteristics, nomadic heritage and pastoral livestock system also position the country as a highly relevant venue for addressing land degradation through practical experience, national expertise and evidence-based discussion at the international level.

Hosting COP17 will provide Mongolia with opportunities to:

Present its national experience and solutions for combating desertification to the international community

Expand cooperation in green finance, investment and technology

Strengthen national capacity in tourism, services and the organization of major international events

Promote Mongolia’s natural environment, nomadic culture and distinctive pastoral livestock traditions globally

Under the theme “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope,” COP17 will serve as an important international platform for advancing land restoration, expanding sustainable finance and accelerating environmentally responsible investment.

UBIM is working to align opportunities in green finance, renewable energy and sustainable urban development with practical projects and programmes within the framework of COP17.