National forum
Youth Taking Action Against Desertification
As part of the preparations for COP17 of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, which will be hosted by the Mongolian government in 2026, a national youth forum was held on June 16 and 17 in Dundgovi Province under the theme “Youth Participation in the Fight Against Desertification.” The event was jointly organized by the UN Mongolia office and the provincial government of Dundgovi.
Young voices in the spotlight
At the ceremonial opening, N. Chimguundari, head of the COP17 Preparatory Committee and special envoy, emphasized the central role of the younger generation in the fight against desertification. She highlighted the importance of active youth participation in this major international event taking place next year.
In his speech, the Governor of Dundgovi Province, S. Munchchuluun, emphasized the serious effects of land degradation and desertification in the area. He called for the urgent creation of local solutions that consider the unique conditions of the Gobi region and urged for better regional cooperation.
Collaboration, Sharing of Knowledge, and Engagement.
The forum brought together around 120 committed young people, as well as representatives from various ministries, international organizations, and scientific institutions.
In his speech, the UN Resident Coordinator in Mongolia, Jaap van Hierden, stated:
“Mongolians possess a wealth of experience in the sustainable use and protection of land, pastures, and water. Traditional nomadic livestock herding holds valuable knowledge. COP17 offers Mongolia a unique opportunity to share this experience with the world—as a contribution to restoring degraded land and protecting our natural livelihoods.”
The forum provided a platform for young herders, female scientists, and environmental activists to exchange best practices—such as rotational grazing, sustainable livestock farming, soil management, improving soil quality, and innovative approaches to climate adaptation—during discussion rounds and presentations. The goal was to reduce land degradation, develop protection strategies for pastureland, and learn from one another.
Dr. A. Haulenbek, senior scientist at the Institute of Geography and Geoecology of the Academy of Sciences and the Center for Desert Research, emphasized in his scientific contribution:
“Effective measures against desertification must be based on scientific foundations and adapted to the natural and climatic characteristics of each region.”
Panel Discussion
The World Café group discussion enriched the forum with numerous ideas and suggestions from the participants. Based on this discussion, Ms. Bayardelger L., Secretary General, and Ms. Khishigjargal E., co-founder of UNA Mongolia, with young co-organizers, developed a recommendation titled “Youth Participation in the Fight Against Desertification – Our Promise.” This recommendation was presented to the participants and will be forwarded to the COP17 Preparatory Committee to amplify the voice of youth for a green and sustainable future.
Award Ceremony
In addition to the main event, the winners of the competition on the theme “Youth Participation in the Fight Against Desertification – Ideathon” were announced. The members of the National Youth Environmental Council won first place and presented their innovative and scalable solution approaches to reduce land degradation.
Involvement of the Hanns Seidel Foundation
Strengthening youth participation in environmental policy decision-making is one of the core areas of work of the Hanns Seidel Foundation.
Since 2023, the Foundation has been working with UNA Mongolia and this year supported the Policy Empowerment Program. The goal of this program was to further educate young members of the National Youth Environmental Council in the fields of environment and law, to strengthen their competencies, and to enable their active participation in political decision-making processes.
As part of the program, the young participants shared their knowledge with students, gathered their opinions, and developed concrete recommendations for environmentally friendly legislative initiatives, which were then forwarded to political decision-makers.
In order to promote sustainable measures against desertification and further amplify young people’s voices, representatives of the Hanns Seidel Foundation also took part in the youth forum. There, they gained insights into the impact of the participation program in the lead-up to COP17 and identified potential approaches for how young people can be specifically supported in their efforts toward a greener future.
Joint Action for a Greener Future
The second day of the forum continued with a symbolic gesture by the participants: on the occasion of the International Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, they planted trees in the city park of Mandalgobi—a joint act of commitment to greening the Gobi region and protecting natural livelihoods.
