Ulaanbaatar, March 21, 2025 /MONTSAME/. Under the auspices of President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, the second National “Blue Gold” Forum was held on March 21, 2025, under the theme “Let’s Protect Our Glaciers and Ice Formations.”

The Forum was attended by 1,200 representatives from government agencies, international organizations, and civil society working in the water sector.

President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa stated, “We are currently implementing four National Movements, “Billions of Trees,” “Healthy Mongol,” “Food Revolution,” and “White Gold,” aimed at ensuring Mongolian citizens live in a healthy and safe environment. Now, it is time to implement the “Blue Gold” Program in the water sector. Any project or initiative we implement to protect Mongolia’s environment and water resources constitutes a tangible contribution to the global efforts to safeguard water resources.”

President Khurelsukh emphasized that the success of Mongolia’s goals, projects, and programs in the water sector depends on initiative, leadership, active cooperation, and mutual understanding among government agencies, the private sector, and international organizations. The Head of State called for the government and the public to work together with mutual resolve to protect the country’s environment and preserve ecological balance, meet the Sustainable Development Goals, ultimately strengthening national security, avoiding water shortages, and adapting to climate change. 

Minister of Environment and Climate Change Odontuya Saldan noted, “The year 2025 has been designated the “International Year for Glacier Preservation” by the United Nations. Out of 14 mega-projects of the Government of Mongolia, the Eg River Hydropower Plant and the Orkhon–Ongi and Kherlen-Toonot Projects are considered major historical undertakings in the country’s water sector. To implement these eco-projects, a dedicated Water Project Unit will be established to improve legal and regulatory frameworks, coordinate efforts, and foster cross-sector coordination. By carrying out these projects, Mongolia will secure a reliable water source for the population, livestock, and agriculture in the Gobi region. In addition, these mega-projects in the water sector will provide tangible support to the “Billions of Trees” National Movement initiated by the President of Mongolia by supplying water to areas lacking surface water that currently face challenges in growing trees.”

Director of the Water Department of Mongolia Batbayar Zeneemyadar remarked, “Water is not only crucial for citizens’ health but is also the driving force of any country’s social and economic development. Therefore, it is not an issue for only one person or one country. Today, due to climate change, our country’s glaciers are shrinking each year. The amount of ice that has already melted is four times our country’s underground water reserves. The key to stopping this phenomenon is storing water. Once solid ice melts, it flows. Once it flows, we must retain it. Most importantly, households need to collect snowmelt and rainwater, regardless of the amount.”

As an outcome of the Forum, a unified recommendation was established, aiming at improving water-related legislation and governance, protecting water resources from depletion and pollution, collecting precipitation and surface water, enhancing access to water supplies, and creating favorable ecosystem conditions. The recommendation also calls for the nationwide implementation of the “One-Lake,” “One Soum-333 Lakes,” and “Every Drop” initiatives, defining financing mechanisms, creation of mutually beneficial partnerships in the private sector, the expansion of human resources, and the promotion of public collaboration. 

In accordance with a 1992 UN General Assembly resolution, March 22 is observed annually as World Water Day. This year’s celebration is being held under the theme “Glacier Preservation.”