BETTER TOGETHER: 80 YEARS AND BEYOND FOR PEACE, DEVELOPMENT, AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – 24 October 2025 – The United Nations in Mongolia, in close partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, has launched a week-long campaign to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. 

The commemorative events have reflected the eight decades of global progress and inspired future commitment. For Mongolia, becoming a member of the United Nations means the guarantee of its independence and sovereignty. 

Since joining the UN in 1961, Mongolia has been an active member, contributing to shaping the global agenda for peace and dialogue, with the UN serving as a trusted partner in its journey toward sustainable development.

As part of our tradition, we began the celebration with a tree planting activity. On 10 October, the UN family, together with colleagues from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, continued our legacy of supporting forest rehabilitation on Mt. Bayanzurkh—an initiative launched in 2020 and 2021 to mark the UN’s 75th anniversary and Mongolia’s 60th year of UN membership.

The first of the series of events kicked off with the high-level Stakeholders’ Dialogue: “Better Together: 80 Years and Beyond for Peace, Development, and Human Rights” at Consensus Hall, MFA Mongolia, on 20 October. 

This conference brought together key partners of the UN, including government officials, development partners, youth leaders, academics, civil society organizations, and representatives from the private sector. 

It served as an opportunity for us to reflect on the UN’s eight decades of global service and Mongolia’s unique contributions to multilateralism. The event explored future pathways for deepening UN–Mongolia cooperation in support of national priorities.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Munkhtushig Lkhanaajav, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, emphasized the country’s enduring commitment to the United Nations. 

“Mongolia has actively participated in the UN’s noble mission—supporting its goals and initiatives, and contributing meaningfully to multilateral cooperation," he said.

UN’s Resident Coordinator Jaap van Hierden underscored the important outcome of the forum. He said: 

“This dialogue is not only about reflection, but reimagining the UN’s future. As we enter our ninth decade, the UN80 Initiative urges us to evolve—deepening cooperation in Mongolia, accelerating the SDGs, and aligning with Vision 2050.”

The UN ensures youth voices are heard, giving them a seat at the table. As one of the panelists, youth representative Ms. Amar-Otgon, the Coordinator of the UN Youth Advisory Panel, called for greater inclusion of rural youth voices from Mongolia’s 21 provinces, equal opportunities for all, stronger support for youth-led climate action, and urgent efforts to close the digital divide through collaboration between the UN, government, and private sector.

Continuing the UN Week agenda, the UN in Mongolia engaged meaningfully with civil society partners to advance the core mandate of promoting and protecting human rights. In collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia, we convened a Multi-Stakeholder Meeting focused on Mongolia’s engagement with international human rights mechanisms.

The event brought together participants from civil society, government, and international organizations. Discussions centered on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), Treaty Bodies, and identifying practical solutions to strengthen implementation and accountability.

Wednesday’s UN Week engagement spotlighted the energy and vision of Mongolia’s youth, whose commitment to multilateralism led to dynamic discussions and concrete proposals, reaffirming their role as key partners in shaping inclusive and sustainable development. 

The UN in Mongolia took the “UN Week” opportunity to jumpstart the preparation for the upcoming International Year of the Rangelands and Pastoralists, an initiative by Mongolia at the UN General Assembly. 

As is tradition, the UN family gathered for the Town Hall to celebrate this milestone, reaffirming our commitment to the noble cause of serving humanity.

The UN Week was also an opportunity to showcase the impactful work of the UN in Mongolia over six decades of partnership. A month-long communications campaign spotlighted the UN as a trusted partner to Mongolians on their journey to an inclusive and progressive society. 

The highlight of UN Week was the inspiring and congratulatory messages from our UN partners and stakeholders, reaffirming our shared vision and commitment to building a better world—now and for the future. The UN family is deeply encouraged and inspired by the powerful stories and highlights of our collaborative efforts.

The UN in Mongolia extends heartfelt thanks to all partners who joined our campaign to spotlight the UN’s impact—informing the public about the impact of our partnership and inspiring future collaboration. 

From transformative stories that touched countless lives to symbolic gestures of appreciation—such as raising the UN and Mongolia flags on the State Palace and lighting the State Palace in UN blue, Golomt Bank’s congratulatory message displayed on the Ferris Wheel in Ulaanbaatar’s Amusement Park, and the Mongolian police raising the UN flag atop Mt. Bogd—each act reflected our enduring partnership and shared commitment to peace and development.

To mark the UN's 80th anniversary, Mongolia raised the National and UN Flags at the State Palace and illuminated the building in UN Blue!

Here is a short video to highlight the key moments of the UN Week in Mongolia