Ulaanbaatar, October 30, 2024 /MONTSAME/. On October 30, 2024, Zandanshatar Gombojav, Chief of the Office of the President of Mongolia, announced that the State Supreme Decoration of Mongolia, Order of Chinggis Khaan, will be awarded to Ban Ki-Moon, the 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the occasion of the “National Pride Day of Mongolia,” the 862nd anniversary of the birth of Great Emperor Chinggis Khaan.

During his tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, the 8th UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon made tangible contributions to advancing the relations between Mongolia and the Republic of Korea to the level of Strategic Partnership. Additionally, during his visit to Mongolia in 2009, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon made great contributions to developing bilateral relations in all areas. Moreover, the former UN Secretary-General advanced the UN-Mongolia relations, reaffirming that the UN stands as a guarantee of Mongolia’s security and prosperity. Under his leadership, dozens of projects and programs have been implemented between the Government of Mongolia and the United Nations, including the establishment of the International Think Tank for Landlocked Developing Countries in Ulaanbaatar.

Through the United Nations and the UN Development Program, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon provided substantial support to various initiatives aimed at combating climate change, global warming, and desertification, as well as developing renewable energy. Notably, Mongolia has received a concessional loan and grant amounting to USD 470 million from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) established under the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement, with several projects currently in the implementation phase. Additionally, the Global Green Growth Institute led by Mr. Ban Ki-Moon has issued over USD 100 million in grant aid to Mongolia. 

In addition, during his tenure as UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon provided support to Mongolia’s peacekeeping operations, enhancing the collaboration between the UN and Mongolian peacekeepers and expanding their contributions to global peace efforts. He played a crucial role in implementing UN reforms aimed at global peace and security and has contributed valuable insights into human rights, particularly regarding women’s rights. 

Two of his major “legacies” are the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. Heads of State approved the Sustainable Development Goals, committing to their implementation by 2030. As for Mongolia, the State Great Khural of Mongolia adopted the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, making it a guiding principle for its development. Mr. Ban Ki-Moon is also an author of the Paris Agreement. As outlined in the Agreement, comprehensive measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and combat climate change and desertification, have become the main direction for global green development. 

Chief of the Office of the President Zandanshatar Gombojav stated, “The State Supreme Decoration of Mongolia, Order of Chinggis Khaan, will be awarded to Mr. Ban Ki-Moon in recognition of his invaluable contribution to bilateral relations and global prosperity.”

Mr. Zandanshatar further underscored, “First, the State Supreme Decoration of Mongolia, Order of Chinggis Khaan, is awarded to a group, citizen, or legal entity of Mongolia that has made valuable contributions to strengthening the independence, sovereignty, and national unity of Mongolia, developing a humanitarian and democratic society, promoting social progress, studying, and passing down the traditions of statehood, history, and culture to future generations, and promoting these values abroad. Second, the State Supreme Decoration of Mongolia, Order of Chinggis Khaan, is awarded to a foreign state or public figure, or citizen who has made tangible contributions to strengthening unity and prosperity among nations, consolidating peace for humanity, advancing Mongolia’s relations and cooperation with foreign countries, and promoting Mongolia’s reputation globally, while contributing to the economic, social, and intellectual development of the country.”

The State Supreme Decoration of Mongolia, Order of Chinggis Khaan, was first awarded in 2005 to Ochirbat Punsalmaa, the first President of Mongolia. Notably, the Order was awarded to a foreign recipient for the first time in 2022, when it was conferred upon American scholar Jack Weatherford.