By B.Nyamsuren

Only a few days into 2026, Mongolia is preparing to host a wide range of major international and domestic events throughout the year. According to the approved national calendar, more than 140 events in the fields of culture, arts, tourism, and sports are scheduled nationwide, among them 27 large-scale international events, including cultural festivals, sporting competitions, international conferences, and exhibitions.

820th Anniversary of the Great Mongol State

The year 2026 marks the 820th anniversary of the founding of the Great Mongol State by Genghis Khan in 1206. The Government has established a working group led by Deputy Prime Minister Kh. Gankhuyag to coordinate nationwide anniversary activities. The programme will promote Mongolia’s historical heritage at home and abroad, integrate the anniversary theme into the National Naadam Festival, and organise age-inclusive educational and cultural initiatives.

COP17 to Be Hosted in Ulaanbaatar

Mongolia will host the UN Convention to Combat Desertification COP17 in August 2026. The 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification will take place in Ulaanbaatar from 17 to 28 August 2026, bringing together delegates from 197 countries, including heads of state, senior officials, scientists, and representatives from civil society and the private sector. The event will spotlight Mongolia’s leadership role in addressing land degradation and climate change, issues the Government says are progressing at nearly three times the global average within the country.

“Build Mongolia 2026” International Exhibition and Heritage Initiative

The Build Mongolia 2026 international exhibition will be held in Ulaanbaatar from 9 to 11 April 2026. Beyond its role as a platform for industry dialogue, the event is strategically aligned with Mongolia’s long-term development priorities.

“Build Mongolia 2026” focuses on construction, urban development, infrastructure, transport, renewable energy, and innovation. A central theme of the exhibition is revitalizing Mongolia’s ancient capital sites, including architectural restoration, preservation of cultural landscapes, and adaptive reuse of historic urban environments. The organizers emphasize that the exhibition will support projects aimed at strengthening heritage tourism, improving urban planning standards, and promoting sustainable development that honors Mongolia’s historical identity.

Delegates are expected from government agencies, private sector stakeholders, international partners, and development institutions to exchange best practices, showcase emerging technologies, and explore strategic investments that link Mongolia’s historical legacy with its future-oriented infrastructure.

Academic, Cultural, and Sporting Events

In addition to major political, environmental, and development-focused events, 2026 will also be marked by a rich calendar of academic, cultural, and sporting activities that reflect Mongolia’s growing international engagement and soft power outreach.

In August, Mongolia will host the International Congress of Mongolists, one of the most significant global academic forums dedicated to Mongolian studies. The congress brings together leading scholars, researchers, and experts from across the world to discuss Mongolian history, culture, language, archaeology, and contemporary social developments. Held once every few years, the congress serves as an important platform for scholarly exchange and international cooperation, reinforcing Mongolia’s role as a center for Mongolian studies.

The sporting calendar will also feature several high-profile international competitions. From 19 to 24 May, Mongolia will host the Asian Chess Championship and the Asian Taekwondo Championships, attracting athletes, coaches, and officials from across Asia. These events are expected to contribute to the development of competitive sports in Mongolia while promoting the country as a capable host of continental-level tournaments.

In June, Mongolia’s capital will once again welcome elite wrestlers from around the world for the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam, one of the most prestigious international freestyle wrestling competitions on the global ranking circuit. The tournament plays a key role in athlete qualification and ranking and has become a flagship sporting event for Mongolia, a country with a strong wrestling tradition.

The same month will also feature the Steppe Wind International Motorcycle Festival, which brings together riders and motorcycling enthusiasts from multiple countries. The festival combines motorsports with cultural programming and tourism promotion, highlighting Mongolia’s vast landscapes and positioning the country as a destination for adventure and experiential tourism.

Collectively, these academic, cultural, and sporting events are expected to strengthen Mongolia’s international profile, encourage people-to-people exchanges, and support tourism and local economic activity throughout the year.

World Horse Day and the 10,000 Horsemen Parade

One of the most distinctive cultural highlights of 2026 will be the World Horse Day International Festival, featuring a parade of 10,000 horsemen, scheduled for 20 to 23 June in Kharkhorin soum, Ovorkhangai province.

Originally initiated by Mongolian cultural advocates and heritage institutions, World Horse Day was endorsed by the United Nations as an official international observance, recognising the cultural, historical, and ecological significance of the horse across societies. The United Nations General Assembly’s decision to observe World Horse Day honours Mongolia’s deep equestrian traditions and contributions to equine culture globally.

The festival will feature showcases of traditional horsemanship, cultural performances, equestrian games, and exhibitions aimed at celebrating the horse’s role in Mongolia’s nomadic heritage. The 10,000 horsemen parade aims to attract both domestic and international visitors, strengthen cultural tourism, and support local economic development in the Ovorkhangai region.

Source: Zuuniimedee № 5 (7747) January 9, 2025

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