By B.Nyamsuren
The Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), Yasmine Fouad, is paying an official visit to Mongolia as the country steps up preparations to host the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) in 2026.
On the first day of her visit, Ms. Fouad met with Mongolia’s Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar, who briefed her on the progress of organizational and policy preparations for COP17, scheduled to take place in Mongolia from August 17 to 28, 2026. The Prime Minister noted that the Government of Mongolia is working closely with the UNCCD Secretariat and international partners to ensure the conference is conducted at a high level.
Prime Minister G.Zandanshatar also highlighted that, at Mongolia’s initiative, the United Nations has declared 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, emphasizing that the designation aligns closely with the agenda, priorities, and expected outcomes of COP17.
Ms. Fouad welcomed Mongolia’s active and responsible approach as host country and expressed appreciation for the progress made so far. She reaffirmed that the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and the UNCCD Secretariat will provide full policy and organizational support and continue close cooperation with the Mongolian Government.
On the second day of her visit, Ms. Fouad was received by the Speaker of the State Great Khural, N.Uchral. The Speaker underscored Mongolia’s long-standing commitment to the objectives of the UNCCD, noting that the country’s nomadic pastoral traditions make it particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, desertification, and land degradation. He confirmed that Parliament will provide the necessary legislative and institutional support for hosting COP17 and ensure coordination among relevant bodies.
Speaker N.Uchral also noted that he had been appointed President of COP17 in July 2025 while serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Development. As he has since assumed the position of Speaker of Parliament, the Government will decide on the appointment of the next COP17 President in the near future.
Ms. Fouad commended Mongolia’s leadership and balanced foreign policy, expressing confidence that COP17 will serve as a constructive, trust-based platform to bring participating parties closer together and promote consensus on addressing desertification, drought, and land degradation.
She further stressed the importance of inclusivity, noting that efforts are being made to ensure COP17 delivers tangible benefits for both Mongolian citizens and the global community. Particular attention, she said, will be given to expanding parliamentary cooperation and ensuring meaningful participation by women and young people.
As part of her visit, Ms. Fouad is holding meetings and discussions with representatives of government institutions, the private sector, international organizations, development partners, researchers, civil society, and youth groups to explore ways to strengthen cooperation and broaden engagement in efforts to combat desertification.
An open dialogue between UNCCD leadership and Mongolian youth and civil society representatives was also held, jointly organized by the United Nations Development Programme and Mongolia’s National Committee for Organizing COP17. The discussion focused on increasing the participation of rural and herder youth and ensuring broad-based engagement during the preparatory phase ahead of COP17. The event forms part of the opening activities of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.
Source: Zuuniimedee № 25 (7767) February 6, 2026
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