Programm Opening
"Earth School" Program Formally Launches
This program is particularly significant as it coincides with the historic occasion of Mongolia hosting the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP17) in August 2026. The program is aimed at promoting environmental education and meaningful participation among secondary school students.
Program Objectives and Significance
The core objective of the program is to provide students with an understanding of climate change, desertification, land degradation, and environmental legal frameworks, which are among the major global challenges faced today. In addition to acquiring theoretical knowledge prepared by teachers, students will independently identify environmental issues affecting their own communities and develop and implement micro-projects aimed at solving those issues, thereby making a tangible contribution to environmental problem-solving.
Scope and Objectives
A total of 14 schools are participating in the program and will implement their projects in the following forms:
• 12 schools participating through in-person activities: Students will develop and implement innovative projects aimed at addressing climate change, desertification, land degradation, and environmental legal challenges within their local environment.
• 2 schools participating online: Students will develop and implement micro-projects tailored to the specific characteristics of their local areas and contribute to the protection of their local environment.
Opportunity for International Recognition through the UN COP17 Platform
The “Best Project” selected from among the projects developed and implemented by the students will receive the special opportunity to be presented to international delegates at the United Nations Association Pavilion during the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification Conference of the Parties (UNCCD COP17), to be held this August. This represents a rare opportunity for Mongolia’s younger generation to raise their voices and share their solutions on a global platform.
The Hanns Seidel Foundation finances initiatives aimed at increasing youth participation in sustainable development and environmental protection efforts and is cooperating through the “School of Mother Earth” program to prepare active citizens capable of responding to climate change.