Ulaanbaatar, June 6, 2025 /MONTSAME/. Under the auspices of President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, the “Sustainability Dialogue 2025 - Climate Action: Billions of Trees” International Forum commenced on June 6, 2025, at the State Palace of Mongolia.

President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa delivered the opening speech, underlining that the convening of the Forum amid global challenges of climate change, desertification, land degradation, and environmental pollution is of great significance. The President underscored that Mongolia is determined to leave a greener homeland for future generations and noted that the “Billions of Trees,” “Healthy Mongol,” and “Food Supply and Security” synergized National Movements are being implemented. For example, in the three years since the launch of the “Billions of Trees” National Movement, Mongolia’s sapling stock reached 86 million, and 84 million trees have been planted and nurtured. Also, pest-control measures have been carried out across 341 thousand hectares, protecting 1.9 billion trees from destructive pests.

President Khurelsukh stated, “Seventy-six percent of our country’s territory is affected by desertification and land degradation, undermining the economy, livelihoods, cultural heritage, and particularly the traditional nomadic way of life. Accordingly, Mongolia initiated the UN General Assembly draft Resolutions ‘Proclaiming 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives’ and ‘Proclaiming 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists,’ which were discussed and adopted. We are also preparing to host the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification in 2026. Under this, Mongolia has proposed the ‘Global Alliance on Sustainable Rangelands and Land for the Future’ umbrella initiative.

With the backing of countries around the world, this initiative would channel increased investment and financing toward more than 100 countries practicing traditional pastoralism, thereby helping safeguard and improve the health and livelihoods of approximately 500 million people. Our mutual understanding, cooperation, bold decisions, and unwavering efforts will be crucial in meeting climate-mitigation targets on time and, ultimately, achieving sustainable development.”

Over 400 participants from 11 countries and over 40 distinguished speakers from the climate, finance, and technology sectors are attending the Forum. Specifically, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Laureate of the State Supreme Decoration of Mongolia, Order of Chinggis Khaan, eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Founder of the Ban Ki-moon Foundation For a Better Future, as well as Director of the Korea Program at Stanford University’s Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center Prof. Gi-wook Shin, Deputy State Secretary for Hungarian Communities Abroad of the Prime Minister’s Office of Hungary Péter Szilágyi, and Director of the Coordination Office of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification Muralee Thummarukudy delivered opening remarks of the Forum.

During the “Sustainability Dialogue 2025 - Climate Action: Billions of Trees” International Forum, discussions will be held focusing on four key themes, including “Climate Financing for Sustainability,” “Technical Cooperation, Social Responsibility, and Expertise Sharing,” “Partnership for Climate Resiliency and Regional Sustainability,” and “Climate Action Through Land Restoration and Conservation.”