Ulaanbaatar, March 31, 2025 /MONTSAME/. On March 28, 2025, Prime Minister of Mongolia Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai addressed the plenary session of the State Great Khural of Mongolia on the current situation of climate change, desertification, and land degradation, as well as the measures to be taken moving forward.

“Esteemed Chairman and Members of the State Great Khural of Mongolia,

The issue of preserving the planet Earth for future generations has become one of humanity’s most pressing concerns. However, to this day, the countries have yet to reach a unified stance and adopt an effective solution. For Mongolia, diversifying an economy heavily reliant on mining while maintaining ecological balance remains a major societal challenge. Whereas climate change once seemed like a distant concern, in recent years it has begun to break long-standing perceptions of winter conditions and considerably affect the lives of nomadic herders. The issue of flooding has also become more prevalent during warm seasons, creating a pressing need to revise urban and construction standards.

There are three major global challenges arising from climate change. First, the increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events and natural disasters, such as tropical storms, hurricanes, torrential rains, extreme heat, and droughts, are affecting the living conditions and livelihoods across many regions, while also creating freshwater shortages. International organizations warn that the melting of glaciers and permafrost is putting 70 percent of the world’s freshwater resources at risk. Second, climate change is causing forced migration in some regions. Rising sea levels are threatening island countries and coastal cities with submersion, while decreased soil fertility due to drought is disrupting agricultural production, leading to food shortages, and driving people to seek safe and peaceful places to live.

Third, the loss of biodiversity is accelerating, and the balance of ecosystems is being disturbed. Wild animals are facing extinction due to wildfires, droughts, and climate shifts. The natural habitats of plants and animals are changing, and the range of many species is becoming limited. These challenges not only impact the environment but also have strong repercussions on the global economy, society, and politics. They hinder sustainable development and demand urgent advancement of international cooperation, as well as scientific and technological solutions. Mongolia's economy, heavily reliant on minerals, faces challenges in economic diversification and maintaining ecological balance. Climate change has increased the frequency of floods, droughts, and dzud, changing the traditional expectations of weather and creating substantial challenges for the livelihoods of the herders who depend on traditional livestock husbandry. Due to climate change, the average temperature in Mongolia has risen by 2.4 degrees Celsius over the past 80 years. As a result, 76.8 percent of our territory is now affected by desertification and land degradation. Greenhouse gas emissions have increased by 82.1 percent since 1990, mainly due to population concentration, industrial waste, and livestock growth. Agriculture accounts for 51.1 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, while 44.7 percent comes from the energy sector, and the remaining emissions come from manufacturing, construction, transportation, and waste sectors combined. 

I believe that Mongolia's cooperation with development partner organizations to promote responsible mining and improve energy and water supply, particularly in regions of the Gobi that faced the most desertification, will have substantial outcomes. Accordingly, following the 2024 regular elections of the State Great Khural, the Government of Mongolia prioritized climate change adaptation and mitigation in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the Climate Change Policy of Mongolia was established at the ministerial level to implement green development strategies and expand the use of renewable energy in cooperation with international organizations and countries around the world. Yesterday, the State Great Khural of Mongolia ratified the Agreement on the Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod Cross-Border Railway, creating opportunities for discussions on renewable energy projects in Mongolia. Furthermore, agricultural and livestock development programs are critically associated with climate change and sustainable development. In this context, the "Atar-4" Sustainable Agriculture Development Campaign is being implemented by the Government of Mongolia.

In 2019, the Government of Mongolia approved its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, setting a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 22.7 percent (16.8 million tons of CO₂ equivalent) by 2030. As part of this commitment, the Government has implemented measures to combat desertification, restore degraded land, and mitigate land degradation across approximately 200 hectares, funded through the State Budget and international projects and programs. The "Billions of Trees" National Movement, initiated by the President of Mongolia, has become a concrete step in combating desertification and land degradation. It has notably contributed to land restoration and climate adaptation, achieving tangible results. As of 2024, 84 million trees have been planted in Mongolia, with the preparatory phase reaching 42.4 percent completion.

To mitigate the impacts of climate change, including the melting of permafrost, glaciers, and perpetual snow in western Mongolia, the Government has launched the "One Soum – One Lake" or "333 Lakes" program in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank. To safeguard against extreme weather events, enhance early warning systems, and reduce climate-related risks, the Government plans to establish a nationwide network of meteorological radar stations. Additionally, 35.1 million hectares of forest reserves, peatlands, and riverhead areas have been placed under state special protection. Furthermore, Mongolia successfully secured UN recognition for 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. In alignment with the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the country has also launched an initiative to establish the International Coalition for Rangelands for the Future.

In 2024, a delegation from the Government of Mongolia participated in the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. On the sidelines of the Conference, Mongolia hosted a session titled "Striving for Sustainable Development: The Heritage of Nomads and Climate-Resilient Rangelands,” displaying the country's culture, traditions, climate policies, efforts to combat desertification and land degradation, and commitment to green development, and Mongolia’s multilateral initiatives to the international community.

Esteemed Members of Parliament, 

Climate change and desertification are having a serious impact on every country and the daily lives of humanity. One example of Mongolia’s active involvement in combating climate change and desertification on the international stage is its commitment to host the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in 2026. By hosting this conference, Mongolia will gain several key benefits:

-Enhanced opportunities for collaboration with countries worldwide on issues such as green energy, water security, and the sustainable management of green development.

-Drawing international attention to Mongolia's desertification and water issues, while preserving its pristine natural environment.

-Opening avenues for decision-makers, attracting funding and investment, and implementing major green development projects with global support.

Hosting the COP 17 will provide an opportunity to address these issues comprehensively. By presiding over COP 17, Mongolia will play a pivotal role in shaping the policy direction of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. This Conference will serve as a platform to unite under the motto "One for All, All for One" and discuss critical issues concerning the protection of land and our future. The Conference calls for concerted action against climate change, desertification, and land degradation, bringing these challenges to a new level of attention. It is time to reach a common understanding and take decisive steps forward. The Government is presenting this information to bring these issues to the forefront of political and legislative attention."