Mongolia is preparing to attract up to USD 1.5 billion in environmental financing through the upcoming COP17 conference. Environmental financing will play a central role as the country hosts the 17th session of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. The event, scheduled for August 17–28, 2026, in Ulaanbaatar, aims to showcase Mongolia’s long-term environmental initiatives and policy strategies.
To achieve this, the government has introduced targeted programs under the “Land–Water–Tree” strategy. Additionally, officials plan to use the conference to highlight Mongolia’s commitment to sustainable development. Environmental financing will support projects that improve rangeland management, water use, and nature-based infrastructure.
More than 10,000 delegates from over 190 countries are expected to attend. Furthermore, these participants will cover their own travel and accommodation expenses, providing a direct boost to local hotels, restaurants, and transport services. As a result, hosting the conference will strengthen Mongolia’s international standing and create long-term partnerships.
The STEPPE ACTION AGENDA forms the foundation for Mongolia’s initiatives. It prioritizes integrated land and water management and promotes innovative approaches to combat desertification. Experts argue that these initiatives can attract both public and private financing while ensuring measurable environmental outcomes.
Leaders from Mongolia’s Ministry of Environment and Tourism are coordinating with international organizations to finalize programs. Moreover, they aim to launch high-quality projects that demonstrate sustainable development best practices. Officials also expect bilateral and multilateral agreements to emerge, supporting both national and local initiatives.
According to analysts, Mongolia’s approach mirrors successful global efforts in environmental financing, where strategic projects attract billions in investment. Therefore, by hosting COP17, the country hopes to replicate this success while positioning itself as a regional leader in environmental innovation.
The economic impact extends beyond financing. Meanwhile, delegates’ presence will channel business into Ulaanbaatar’s service sectors, stimulating growth and creating opportunities for domestic companies. Authorities highlight that the conference also serves as an educational platform to raise public awareness about land degradation and drought challenges.
Looking ahead, Mongolia plans to monitor project implementation closely, ensuring that environmental financing translates into measurable results. Consequently, officials remain confident that COP17 will catalyze sustainable investments and reinforce Mongolia’s commitment to combating desertification.
