Jaap Van Hierden on the UN in Mongolia

Since joining the United Nations in 1961, Mongolia has been an active member of the body, reaching major milestones in contribution to the U.N. missions. Mongolia will be hosting the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties to the U.N. Convention to Combat Desertification (COP17) in 2026, which also coincide with the United Nation’s 80th anniversary.

In recognition of the robust Mongolia-U.N. relations as the United Nations celebrates its 80th year, Bolor Lkhaajav spoke to Jaap Van Hierden, the U.N. resident coordinator in Mongolia, on climate change, climate financing, U.N. reforms, and Mongolia’s progress in implementing U.N.-led projects.

The United Nations has been one of the main pillars of the post-World War II international system and Mongolia is proud to be an active U.N. member that ratifies and engage with many of its goals. Considering the U.N.’s 80th anniversary and possible reform, what are some of the things Mongolia must focus on, particularly in the face of erosion of democracy and increase in authoritarian governance? How can Mongolia utilize this reformative space to strengthen its democratic institutions both at home and on the international stage? 

As the U.N. approaches its 80th anniversary, Mongolia has a timely opportunity to contribute to global reform while reinforcing its democratic institutions. Strengthening judicial independence and the rule of law remains essential, and Mongolia can benefit from U.N. technical assistance to improve legal frameworks and anti-corruption efforts. Expanding civic education and youth engagement through U.N.-supported programs will help foster inclusive governance, especially with the use of digital tools for citizen participation.

Media freedom and digital governance are also key areas for Mongolia to lead by example. Collaborating with U.N. agencies to protect independent media and develop transparent digital governance frameworks will enhance democratic resilience. 

Internationally, Mongolia can continue its strong peacekeeping contributions and take on leadership roles in promoting democracy and human rights through U.N. platforms. By leveraging its “third neighbor” policy, Mongolia can build regional coalitions and host dialogues that advance democratic cooperation and innovation.

Mongolia stands as a neutral bridge in Northeast Asia, championing peace through dialogue. The Ulaanbaatar Dialogue is its signature platform that is uniting nations, fostering trust, and advancing regional stability. From peacekeeping missions to policy dialogues, Mongolia is weaving gender equality into its peace and security agenda. In doing so, it ensures that women’s voices help shape the future of conflict resolution and sustainable peace.

Mongolia and the U.N. signed “The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF 2023-2027).” How do you assess Mongolia’s implementation of these goals? What are some of the hurdles that are preventing Mongolia from fully implementing this framework? 

Mongolia’s implementation of the UNSDCF 2023–2027 has shown momentum, especially in 2023 and 2024, with over $90 million delivered by 24 U.N. agencies. However, the projected delivery for 2025 drops to around $40 million, which signals a potential slowdown unless additional resources are mobilized. Funding from key partners like the Green Climate Fund, the Adaptation Fund, the Global Environment Facility, the World Bank, the European Union, and bilateral donors such as Canada, China, Japan, Luxembourg, the Republic of Korea, and the U.K. has been instrumental in advancing UNSDCF priorities. Their role has become even more critical following the discontinuation of USAID’s operations in Mongolia.

Unfortunately, significant challenges persist. Poverty continues to affect more than a quarter of Mongolia’s population, while deep-rooted income inequality, particularly between urban and rural communities, remains a major barrier to inclusive development.

Corruption, while being addressed, continues to erode trust and efficiency in governance. Budget credibility issues like lack of transparency are also limiting the impact of public services.

Climate shocks like the 2023–2024 dzud have strained resources, especially in rural areas where digital infrastructure and service access are limited. Mongolia’s classification as an upper-middle-income country is also shifting donor priorities away from it, as seen in reduced commitments from traditional partners.

To meet UNSDCF goals, Mongolia needs to strengthen co-financing mechanisms and improve budget execution. U.N. agencies must also work together to help close the financing gap, which remains significant.

Mongolia recently released the official logo for COP17 next year in Ulaanbaatar. What tangible outcomes should we expect from Mongolia’s hosting of such a large, timely event?

Mongolia will host the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the U.N. Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Ulaanbaatar from August 17 to 28, 2026. This major global event will bring together delegates from 197 Parties, including heads of state, ministers, scientists, civil society, and the private sector, to address the pressing challenges of desertification, land degradation, and drought. It will serve as a platform for science-policy dialogue, innovation, and financing, while fostering knowledge exchange and capacity-building.

As host, Mongolia will be able to showcase its national initiatives such as the “One Billion Trees” campaign, the “White Gold” livestock movement, and the “Food Revolution” as models of sustainable land management and climate resilience. With 2026 also marking the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, COP17 will further highlight Mongolia’s leadership in rangeland management and environmental diplomacy.

The Youth4Land Forum held in Dundgobi earlier this year has set a strong precedent by empowering young people and communities to co-create land restoration solutions.

Economically, COP17 is expected to benefit local businesses through increased demand in hospitality, transport, and services, with over 10,000 participants anticipated. It will also promote Mongolia as a unique tourist destination, generate employment across sectors, and potentially lead to lasting improvements in urban infrastructure and digital connectivity.

The successful hosting of COP17 will enhance Mongolia’s global image as a proactive and responsible environmental actor, opening doors for stronger trade, investment, and diplomatic engagement.

When discussing climate pledges, climate financing is extremely important. How are Mongolia’s leadership and institutions navigating climate financing, and how do you assess the Mongolian government’s own commitment to climate financing?

Mongolia has integrated climate finance into its Vision 2050 national strategy, committing at least 1 percent of GDP annually to climate and desertification efforts, including the “One Billion Trees” campaign. It is strengthening institutions and regulatory frameworks to support climate finance flows and actively promotes private sector engagement through incentives and capacity building.

The National Sustainable Finance Roadmap, led by the Ministry of Finance and Bank of Mongolia, aims to raise green loans to 10 percent of total banking sector lending by 2030, with strategic actions to align financial flows with climate goals. A Green Finance Policy Division has been established to coordinate efforts, and climate-related financial disclosure guidelines have been issued to improve transparency and attract investment.

Mongolia collaborates with partners like the U.N., Green Climate Fund, ADB [Asian Development Bank], and World Bank to mobilize climate finance and technical support. Projects such as the Carbon Market Readiness initiative and the ENSURE project reflect strong political will and long-term financial planning for climate resilience.

In Mongolia, climate change is a multilayered issue that is intertwined with air pollution, energy, as well as efforts to transition to renewable energy. What are some notable U.N. projects and initiatives designed to help Mongolia to combat this complex challenge? 

To tackle the interconnected challenges of climate change, air pollution, and energy transition, the U.N. has launched several strategic initiatives in Mongolia.

A flagship effort is the Joint Program for a Just Energy Transition. It supports Mongolia’s climate goals through a national framework that integrates inclusive planning and financing, especially in health and education sectors, ensuring no one is left behind.

The Solar Facility Project in Chingeltei District replaces coal heating in ger areas with solar systems and smart meters. It supports households, tracks carbon savings, and promotes gender-responsive training and employment, thereby paving the way for market-based clean energy expansion.

In rural areas, the ADAPT Project strengthens herders’ resilience to desertification, drought, and dzud (a climate hazard unique to Mongolia) by enhancing the use of climate data, improving land and water management, and expanding market access for sustainable livestock products. These efforts directly support the objectives of the upcoming COP17 on desertification.

U.N. Mongolia also coordinated a humanitarian response to the 2023-2024 dzud, supporting people and conducting impact assessments to inform future resilience strategies. Together, these and other initiatives reflect the U.N.’s commitment to a just, inclusive, and sustainable future for all Mongolians, urban and rural alike.

You are originally from the Netherlands, where wind and solar power accounted for half of electricity generation in 2024. What can Mongolia learn from the Netherlands, particularly in its efforts to transition to renewable energy?

The Netherlands’ success in generating almost half of its electricity from (offshore) wind and solar in 2024 offers valuable lessons for Mongolia’s renewable energy transition. Mongolia can scale up onshore wind development, leverage its vast steppes and strong wind corridors, and explore regional energy export opportunities. Dutch households and business widely adopted rooftop solar supported by subsidies and net metering. Expanding decentralized solar systems with smart meters, especially in ger districts and rural areas, would reduce coal dependency and improve energy access. In doing so, it would reduce the very serious air pollution in Ulaanbaatar and other cities.

To support this growth, Mongolia must invest in modernizing its grid infrastructure to handle variable renewables and reduce energy curtailment. Aligning renewable energy with industrial decarbonization, particularly in mining and processing, can also attract green investment. Long-term scenario planning, as practiced in the Netherlands, would help Mongolia prioritize infrastructure and policy decisions. Finally, fostering a stable investment environment and promoting community-based energy projects will be key to building public support and accelerating the clean energy transition.

Interview by Bolor Lkhaajav