COP17 prep in Ulaanbaatar has reached its final stages, with the city’s mayor reviewing progress on Friday ahead of the major United Nations conference. Mayor Purevdagva Byaruuzana inspected infrastructure and temporary facilities, confirming that the city has fully installed critical utilities. The 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification runs from August 17 to 28. Consequently, officials have accelerated construction and landscaping work across the venue site.
The city has fully completed the installation of electricity, water supply, sewage systems, and fiber optic connections. Meanwhile, road construction and parking facilities stand at 80 percent completion, and workers are now paving the western parking area with asphalt. Furthermore, bicycle lane construction has reached 98 percent completion. As part of landscaping, workers have relocated 100 trees and are planting 4,500 trees of nine different species. Therefore, the conference site will soon feature extensive green spaces for delegates.
In addition, contractors are erecting twelve temporary facilities for COP17 prep under a contract with France-based GL Events Live. Subcontractors NBIK and LIRI Group have completed the exterior construction work for these structures. Specifically, these buildings will host plenary sessions, official negotiations, ministerial meetings, regional committee sessions, side events, media activities, exhibitions, and catering operations. As a result, the venue will accommodate the full range of conference activities under one roof.
Mayor Purevdagva emphasized that COP17 is a high-level international forum addressing global policies on land degradation, desertification, and climate change. The conference expects approximately 8,000 to 10,000 guests and delegates from 196 countries. Moreover, COP17 prep aims to create a platform that goes beyond intergovernmental negotiations. For instance, it will serve as a comprehensive global forum bringing together science, policy, business, and civil society. Discussions will cover sustainable pasture management, water resource protection, climate change adaptation, and nature-based solutions.
Looking ahead, the mayor’s review signals that the city is on track to deliver a fully functional venue by the opening date. The successful COP17 prep effort underscores Mongolia’s commitment to hosting a landmark environmental summit. Organizers plan to complete all remaining work well before August, and they will continue to coordinate with international partners. Notably, the conference will place Ulaanbaatar at the center of global environmental diplomacy for two weeks. Ultimately, the preparation work will showcase Mongolia’s ability to host world-class international events.
