Accelerating Sustainable Development: UN Mongolia in 2025

The year 2025 marked significant progress for the United Nations system in Mongolia, with wide‑ranging initiatives advancing human development, strengthening national resilience, and supporting sustainable, inclusive growth. Across the country, the UN worked closely with the Government of Mongolia, civil society, the private sector, and development partners, delivering results that underscored the impact of coordinated action and shared commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Among the many achievements of 2025, a few deserve special mention.

In the Health Sector:

WHO, UNICEF, and UNFPA worked together to address key public health challenges, including the measles response and HPV vaccination, reaching over 150,000 adolescents. Mongolia now has a new Open Heart Surgery Ward, significantly improving life-saving care for newborns and strengthening long-term cardiac services. In addition, more than 640,000 children were screened for rheumatic heart disease, with tens of thousands receiving timely treatment.

In the education sector:

UNESCO and UNICEF advanced access to quality education and digital services. More than 370 children are now attending newly established Bagh Centre schools, while over 729,000 students benefited from enhanced digital services nationwide.

In supporting digital transformation, ITU strengthened Mongolia’s cybersecurity, with the country hosting a Regional Cyber Drill to boost cyber resilience across the region, while UNDP improved access to government e-services and boosted digital skills and AI readiness.

In promoting social protection and labour rights:

UNFPA, ILO, and IOM worked together to strengthen social protection systems and promote safety, including protection of children and adolescents online. As a result, the government’s funding for child protection increased to 20.6 billion Tugric, and 7,900 informal workers were engaged to support their transition to formal employment. Over 4,000 residents in Khentii and Bulgan gained skills for climate-related relocation, while 725 migrants were supported to return safely and rebuild their lives.

In building climate resilience and protecting the environment:

UNDP handed over a next-generation high-performance computing system - 16 times faster with 20 times more storage capacity - to the Government to strengthen climate modelling and disaster forecasting. They also introduced sustainable pasture management practices that reduced livestock numbers by 30 percent without affecting herders’ incomes. In Ulaanbaatar, with UN-Habitat’s support, about 1,784 households became more flood-resilient through new embankments, detention ponds, and drainage systems. 1,578 residents improved their climate adaptation capacity through 86 trainings and capacity building activities.

In contributing to economic diversification:

ESCAP boosted regional connectivity by streamlining cross-border rail and paperless trade. Through ITC’s SheTrades initiative, over 50 women-led businesses received 1 million US Dollars in technical support to expand exports. UNIDO launched a new programme to accelerate cleantech innovation and expand green jobs. FAO led the global launch of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026, highlighting the vital role of rangelands and pastoralist communities in sustainable agrifood systems, climate resilience, and biodiversity. UNDP advanced the clean energy transition, and 69 households are now using solar-powered heating systems.

In strengthening Governance, Human Rights, and Law Enforcement:

OHCHR advanced human rights in Mongolia as the country received 223 UPR recommendations charting paths toward greater equity. UNODC strengthened Mongolia’s response to transnational organized crime through upgraded training, new reality-based facilities, and enhanced interagency units at key borders. UNHCR trained staff from 25 ministries and agencies to improve protection, services, and humanitarian support for refugees.

Last but not least, 2025 marked the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. This occasion was a powerful reminder of the legacy we carry and the responsibility we share.

2025 was a year of progress, partnership, and purpose. As we step into 2026, we carry forward the same spirit of collaboration and commitment - to leave no one behind. The United Nations stands ready to support Mongolia in hosting COP17, one of the largest international conferences ever held in the country.

Together with the Government of Mongolia, communities, and development partners, the UN Country Team remains firmly committed to building a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future for Mongolians.

I wish all Mongolians a healthy, peaceful, and prosperous 2026.

Happy New Year!