World Bank Expresses Commitment to Supporting the UNCCD COP17 Conference

Ulaanbaatar, April 18, 2026 /MONTSAME/. The World Bank expressed its commitment to fully supporting Mongolia’s initiative to establish the “International Land and Pasture Alliance for the Future” in conjunction with the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, which will be held in 2026.

As part of this initiative, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Mongolia Odontuya Saldan held a meeting with representatives of the World Bank to discuss the joint development of a targeted investment program. During the meeting, the parties also discussed collaborative efforts to reduce air pollution, address climate change, and implement joint projects within the framework of COP17.

Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Mongolia Odontuya Saldan held a meeting with representatives of the World Bank to discuss the joint development of a targeted investment program. At the meeting, the two sides also discussed collaborative efforts to reduce air pollution, address climate change, and implement joint projects under the COP17.

The World Bank is currently supporting Mongolia in strengthening its climate change legislation by assisting in the formulation of a draft Law on Climate Change and accompanying regulations for the carbon market. The World Bank is also working with Mongolia on developing the “Long-Term Strategy for Low-Carbon Development (LT-LEDS).” Minister Odontuya expressed gratitude for this cooperation and noted that the two sides agreed to enhance collaboration and implementation of the LT-LEDS.

Minister Odontuya also introduced the activities of the National Committee for Air Pollution Reduction and presented a proposal to co-finance the replacement of 173 coal-fired heating boilers in Ulaanbaatar City with environmentally friendly and low-emission alternatives. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change requested support through joint green loans and other financial instruments, emphasizing the importance of private sector involvement to ensure cost-effective and sustainable solutions.

Furthermore, the two sides exchanged views on showcasing the outcomes of Mongolia’s ongoing environmental projects and technical assistance during COP17, and on involving international financial institutions in the event.

_{Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.}