AGP Executive Report

UNCCD COP17 Opens in Ulaanbaatar: Delegates from 197 countries gathered for the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, with Mongolia’s PM Uchral Nyam-Osor urging faster implementation and measurable results, spotlighting rangeland restoration, the “Billion Trees” campaign, and pastoral knowledge. Civil Society at COP17: Representatives from five regions presented priorities, stressing that local groups help turn land-restoration goals into real support for farmers and communities. Pastoralists Demand Space: Coverage highlights pastoralists pushing for room to move, survive, and restore as drought and degraded rangelands threaten livelihoods. India’s Grasslands Guide: India launched a first-ever guide focused on grasslands and open natural ecosystems, arguing these treeless landscapes still hold biodiversity and sustain pastoral communities. Global Land Agenda Momentum: UNCCD COP17 is framed as a moment to accelerate investment and practical drought and rangeland solutions. Cultural Exchange Beyond Borders: Qatar’s “Years of Culture” reports a summer of exhibitions across Mexico, Chile, and China, using film, football, and heritage to build long-term intercultural dialogue. Mongolia in the Spotlight via Media: The historical anime “Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia” released Episode 7, adding fresh attention to Mongol-era storytelling. Kharkhorum Bazaar Returns: The open-air Kharkhorum Bazaar (Aug 11–20) brings crafts, heritage, food, and live entertainment to Naadam Stadium grounds.

COP17 in Ulaanbaatar: Mongolia’s PM Uchral Nyam-Osor opened UNCCD COP17 on Aug. 17, urging faster action and measurable results on desertification, while highlighting rangeland management, the “Billion Trees” push, and pastoral knowledge as global solutions. Green Zone culture & access: Organizers say the Green Zone will host 480+ public activities, with provinces sharing local projects, films, and cultural performances—plus daily voices from herders. National Museum goes digital: The National Museum of Mongolia added QR audio guides and multilingual exhibit notes (Mongolian, English, Korean), aiming to make heritage easier for visitors. Pastoralism spotlight: UNESCO framed pastoralist know-how as a practical lesson for COP17, linking land care to soil, drought, and climate resilience. Global youth exchange: World Youth Forum gathered 700+ students from 20+ countries in Hong Kong for a Future Economics Leadership Summit, including Mongolian participants. Herder-to-world dairy dreams: At the World Congress of Herder in Ulaanbaatar, Kenyan herder Gabriella Iorere praised Mongolian milk processing and called for eco-friendly Mongolian dairy products worldwide. Ancient Buddhism finds: New Mongolian archaeology points to early Buddhism reaching the region during the Hunnu era, with an Inget-Tolgoi temple dated to 416–538 AD.

World Nomad Games & Science: A Sept 3 international scientific conference in Kyrgyzstan’s Issyk-Kul will gather researchers from about 30 countries to discuss nomadic heritage, nomadology, and cross-border academic cooperation tied to the VI World Nomad Games. Kharkhorum Bazaar: “Kharkhorum Bazaar” runs Aug 11–20 outside Naadam Stadium, free daily (10:00–23:30), with 70+ businesses and four zones blending crafts, food, experiences, and live entertainment—plus on-site demos of blacksmithing, silverwork, felt-making, calligraphy, and painting. COP17 in Ulaanbaatar: UNCCD COP17 starts Aug 17–28 with 10,000+ participants; the Green Zone will host 480+ public activities, while Mongolia frames its “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope” push through rangeland restoration and a “Steppe Action Agenda.” National Museum upgrades: The National Museum of Mongolia added QR audio guides in English and multilingual exhibit descriptions (Mongolian/English/Korean), with internet access across halls for visitors. Youth & city cleanup: Over 200 volunteers joined “Tsembeger Ulaanbaatar” to clean Ulaanbaatar’s main square ahead of COP17, urging civic responsibility during the international spotlight. Mongolia–Belarus ties: Mongolia’s FM met Belarus’ ambassador to expand cooperation in agriculture, light industry, forestry, health, sports, and education.

COP17 in Ulaanbaatar: The UNCCD’s COP17 runs Aug. 17–28, drawing 10,000+ participants, with Mongolia pushing a “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope” message and highlighting rangelands as a future climate solution. Green Zone culture & access: Organizers say the public can join 480+ Green Zone activities after pre-registration, with local herder-focused presentations and cultural performances alongside environmental projects. Mongolia–Belarus ties: Foreign Minister Batmunkh met Belarus Ambassador Orda to expand cooperation in agriculture, light industry, forestry, health, sports, and education, plus economic and humanitarian projects. Museum upgrades: The National Museum of Mongolia added multilingual QR audio guides across its permanent halls, including Mongolian, English, and Korean descriptions, with internet access for visitors. Global pastoralism spotlight: A Global Pastoralist Gathering opened in Ulaanbaatar, linking rangeland protection, drought resilience, and Mongolia’s “Steppe Action” priorities to international cooperation. Ulaanbaatar youth action: Over 200 volunteers cleaned the city’s main square ahead of COP17, framing it as civic pride and a welcome for international guests. Sports & culture: Nepal’s taekwondo referee Bablu Shiwakoti was appointed an International Technical Official for the 20th Asian Games in Japan. Caregiving debate in Korea: South Korea’s caregiver shortage is driving foreign-worker pathways, but experts warn that without better pay and conditions the crisis won’t be solved.

Museum Digital Upgrade: Mongolia’s National Museum has rolled out QR guides across all nine halls, adding English audio intros and Mongolian/English/Korean descriptions for key exhibits, with internet access inside galleries to deepen visitor-friendly storytelling. COP17 Culture in Action: With COP17 nearing, Ulaanbaatar’s “Green Zone” is set to host 480+ public activities, including local province showcases and cultural performances that highlight traditional herding knowledge and nomadic culture. Global Pastoralist Spotlight: Mongolia kicked off the Global Pastoralist Gathering and Conference, framing rangeland protection and herders’ rights as urgent solutions tied to UNCCD goals and Mongolia’s “Steppe Action” priorities. Youth & City Pride: Over 200 volunteers cleaned Ulaanbaatar’s main square ahead of COP-17, turning civic service into a cultural message of hospitality for incoming delegates. Academic Exchange: The 13th International Congress of Mongolists opened in Ulaanbaatar, bringing 570 scholars from 30 countries to discuss Mongolian language, history, archaeology, culture, and traditional knowledge. Cross-border Heritage Talk: A Chinggis Khaan National Museum roundtable explored ethnocultural factors in Mongolian-Russian relations, including long-running joint research traditions.

Museum Tech Upgrade: Mongolia’s National Museum has added QR guides across all nine halls of its permanent exhibitions, with audio intros in English and highlight descriptions in Mongolian, English, and Korean—plus free internet so visitors can scan and listen on their phones. Global Culture & Identity: The Central Tibetan Administration marked India’s 80th Independence Day in Dharamshala, with CTA President Sikyong Penpa Tsering linking India’s freedom to Tibetans’ lack of basic freedoms under Chinese rule. Mongolia’s International Spotlight: Ulaanbaatar kicked off the Global Pastoralist Gathering and Conference, with President Khurelsukh stressing Mongolia’s role in the UN’s International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists and outlining a “Steppe Action” agenda ahead of COP17. Civic Life in the Capital: Over 200 volunteers cleaned Ulaanbaatar’s main square ahead of COP17, framing it as a shared duty to present Mongolia positively to international visitors. Academic Culture: The 13th International Congress of Mongolists opened in Ulaanbaatar, bringing together about 570 scholars from 30 countries for sessions on language, history, culture, art, ethnography, and modern society.

COP17 Countdown in Ulaanbaatar: With just three days left, the COP17 Blue Zone will host about 350 meetings, while the Green Zone opens to the public with 480+ activities, 180 environmental projects, 110 panels, nearly 1,500 presentations, and cultural performances highlighting nomadic culture and herders’ knowledge. Global Pastoralist Gathering: The Global Pastoralist Gathering and Conference kicked off in Ulaanbaatar, with President Khurelsukh stressing Mongolia’s role in pushing the UN’s 2026 International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists and outlining a “Steppe Action” plan tied to rangelands, land–water links, and nature-based solutions. Education & Daily Life: Mongolia relaunched a school food production and service management project with the Ministry of Education, JICA, and Darkhan-Uul, aiming for better procurement, distribution, and nationwide evaluation from 2027. AI for the Future: The Cabinet resolved to establish a National AI Council to coordinate AI and big-data initiatives across sectors, with the prime minister leading and key ministries as vice chairs. Culture & Research: A Chinggis Khaan National Museum roundtable focused on ethnocultural factors in Mongolian–Russian relations, including long-running joint research traditions. Youth in Action: Over 200 volunteers cleaned Ulaanbaatar’s main square ahead of COP17, turning civic responsibility into a visible welcome for international visitors.

Education & Mobility: Ulaanbaatar’s “School Bus” program has grown from 40 buses on 35 routes in 2025–26 to 296 buses serving 13,000+ students across 76 schools, and officials say plans are underway to expand coverage to grades 1–6, with route details expected soon. Museum & Research Dialogue: The Chinggis Khaan National Museum hosted a roundtable on ethnocultural factors shaping Mongolian–Russian relations, highlighting decades of joint Mongolian-Soviet research and ethnographic work. Mongol Studies in Action: The 13th International Congress of Mongolists is underway in Ulaanbaatar, bringing about 570 scholars from 30 countries to discuss language, history, archaeology, culture, art, literature, ethnography and more. Youth & Environment: Over 200 volunteers cleaned up Ulaanbaatar’s main square ahead of COP-17, aiming to present a cleaner city to international visitors. Science & Identity Claim: A new genetics-focused report argues modern Mongols are indigenous descendants of ancient steppe populations, using paleo-DNA findings from a Ulaanbaatar burial site. Arts & Popular Culture: The Hu marked 10 years with a major homecoming concert in Ulaanbaatar, celebrating “Hunnu rock” and its global reach. Education Reform: Mongolia relaunched a school food production and management project with JICA and Darkhan-Uul, targeting better procurement, distribution and nationwide evaluation systems starting in 2027. Tech Governance: Mongolia’s Cabinet approved creating a National AI Council to coordinate AI and big-data initiatives and speed up digital economy growth. Aviation & Lifestyle: China’s COMAC C919 completed its first scheduled international commercial flight to Ulaanbaatar, with passengers greeted by traditional Mongolian dance and attire.

Mongolian Education & Youth: Mongolia relaunched a school lunch management project with Japan’s JICA and Darkhan-Uul, aiming for better food production, procurement and nationwide oversight from 2027–2029. ADB & Learning Reform: The Education Ministry met the new ADB Mongolia country director, discussing reforms on quality, rural-urban gaps, teacher development, vocational training, digital transition, and protections against gender-based violence. Digital Push: Mongolia’s Cabinet approved creating a National AI Council to coordinate AI and big-data initiatives across sectors, with the PM leading. Energy & Industry: The Cabinet moved to clear legal bottlenecks for the Altanshiree oil refinery in Dornogobi, including staffing plans and a fuel storage reserve target. Culture & Scholarship: The 13th International Congress of Mongolists opened in Ulaanbaatar, bringing hundreds of scholars to discuss Mongolian language, history, culture and contemporary society. Aviation Milestone: China’s COMAC C919 completed its first scheduled international commercial flight to Ulaanbaatar, with Mongolia’s civil aviation recognizing Chinese airworthiness standards. Arts Spotlight: Mongolian rock band The Hu marked 10 years with a major homecoming concert and launched a new world tour.

Mongolian Studies Spotlight: The 13th International Congress of Mongolists opened in Ulaanbaatar (Aug. 10–13) under President U.Khurelsukh, bringing about 570 scholars from 30 countries to discuss Mongolian language, history, archaeology, culture, art, literature and more, with 530+ papers scheduled. Education & Daily Life: Mongolia relaunched a school lunch management project with the Ministry of Education, JICA and Darkhan-Uul, aiming for better food production and nationwide oversight from 2027–2029, while the ADB met Mongolia’s education leadership on reforms, teacher development and safer school environments. Tech for the Future: The Cabinet approved creating a National AI Council to coordinate AI and big-data initiatives across sectors and push digital economy growth. Culture on the Move: The Hu marked 10 years with a major homecoming concert in Ulaanbaatar, launching their 2026 world tour and celebrating “Hunnu rock” with Mongolian instruments and throat singing. Air Travel Milestone: Air China’s C919 completed its first scheduled international commercial flight to Ulaanbaatar from Beijing, with a water-cannon welcome and traditional dance—made possible through bilateral airworthiness recognition. Labor Migration Update: A new system for labor import in Mongolia adds mandatory preliminary interviews and specialized training for foreign workers before arrival. Heritage & Identity Debate: A Guardian column highlights China’s “ethnic unity” law as a cultural crackdown affecting minorities including Mongolians, alongside broader concerns about forced assimilation.

Mongolia–China Aviation Milestone: Air China’s CA723 completed the first scheduled international commercial passenger flight using China’s homegrown COMAC C919, landing in Ulaanbaatar with a water-cannon salute and traditional Mongolian performances—made possible through bilateral airworthiness recognition. Education & School Life: Mongolia relaunched a JICA-backed project to improve school lunch production and service management, with a Darkhan-Uul rollout planned for January 2027, while the Education Ministry also met ADB on education reforms, teacher development, and gender-based violence prevention in schools and dorms. Digital Push: The Cabinet resolved to establish a National AI Council to coordinate AI initiatives across sectors and speed up Mongolia’s digital economy growth. Energy & Jobs: Government directives aim to remove legal bottlenecks and speed Altanshiree’s oil refinery construction, including training plans for refinery personnel and a fuel reserve push. Mongol Culture Spotlight: Historian Timothy May says Mongol tactics still matter today, linking Chinggis Khaan-era strategy to modern mobility and flexibility. Music & Identity: The Hu marked 10 years of “Hunnu rock” with a major homecoming concert in Ulaanbaatar and launched their 2026 world tour. Heritage in Motion: KHARKHORUM 360° returns Aug 22–23 with digital art reimagining five eras of Mongolian history under the theme “TIME.” Youth & Civic Training: A “Student Soldier” oath ceremony honored over 2,000 university trainees from 65 institutions completing Mongolia’s civic military program. Anime Meets History: “Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia” continues to draw praise for its historical detail as its anime adaptation reaches screens in June 2026.

Aviation & Culture Exchange: China’s homegrown C919 completed its first scheduled international commercial flight to Mongolia, landing in Ulaanbaatar with a water-salute ceremony and traditional Mongolian dance welcome. Heritage & Research: At the 2026 Conference on Hongshan Culture, researchers discussed ritual architecture at Niuheliang, linking stone platform layouts and solar orientations to broader Mongolian burial traditions. National Service & Youth: Mongolia’s “Student Soldier” program held an oath-taking for over 2,000 university students from 65 institutions, expanding civic military training nationwide. Mongol Studies Spotlight: The 13th International Congress of Mongolists opened in Ulaanbaatar under “Mongolian Studies: Tradition and Modernity,” bringing 570 scholars from 30+ countries. Digital Culture Event: The KHARKHORUM 360° festival returns Aug. 22–23 with five eras of Mongolian history reimagined in digital art, plus an eco-focused “One Ticket - One Tree - One Heritage” initiative. Community Lifestyle: In Xinjiang’s Kunqi Maili community, “milk tea gatherings” help neighbors solve everyday issues and support local livelihoods through relaxed, monthly meetups.

Diplomacy: Mongolia’s Foreign Ministry received credentials from newly appointed UK Ambassador Edwin Samuel, with both sides pointing to deeper cooperation in trade, economy, and education. Civic life & youth: Over 2,000 university students across 65 institutions completed Mongolia’s “Student Soldier” military training, taking an oath as part of constitutional civic duties. Mongol studies & identity: The 13th International Congress of Mongolists opened in Ulaanbaatar under “Mongolian Studies: Tradition and Modernity,” spotlighting research on Mongolian history, language, culture, and heritage. Digital culture festival: The KHARKHORUM 360° festival returns Aug 22–23 with a “TIME” theme, using large-scale digital art and a “One Ticket - One Tree - One Heritage” eco project. Cultural debate: A Russian researcher says young Mongolians are increasingly adopting Korean culture, sparking discussion on tradition versus modern influence. Lifestyle abroad with Mongolian links: A Xinjiang community’s “milk tea gatherings” show how everyday culture can support local problem-solving, crafts, and neighborhood cohesion. Heritage & environment: Incheon’s “Forest of Hope” project will be shared at Mongolia’s UN desertification COP17, highlighting citizen-driven afforestation results.

KHARKHORUM 360° Festival: Mongolia’s Bogd Khaan Palace Museum hosted a press briefing for the Aug. 22–23 KHARKHORUM 360° digital art festival, themed “TIME,” with five eras of Mongolian history reimagined on a massive 300m-by-12m 360-degree screen; organizers also unveiled “One Ticket - One Tree - One Heritage” and plans for a “Kharakhorum Grove” aligned with COP17. Mongol Studies in Ulaanbaatar: President Khurelsukh opened the 13th International Congress of Mongolists under “Mongolian Studies: Tradition and Modernity,” spotlighting research on origins, language, history, and culture. Diplomacy & education ties: Mongolia’s Deputy Foreign Minister received the UK ambassador’s credentials and discussed boosting cooperation in trade, economy, and education. Cultural media: The anime “Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia” released Episode 6 details (“The Mergen People”) with new cast additions, continuing its 13th-century Mongol Empire court-drama revenge storyline. Community & identity: Mongolia’s UN Geneva mission met the IPU Secretary General about a World Women Parliamentarians’ Conference in Ulaanbaatar (Oct. 12–13) and Mongolia’s role in COP17 (Aug. 17–28). Global heritage note: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage sites, including Mongolia’s ancient Xiongnu burial grounds.

Mongolian Studies Spotlight: The 13th International Congress of Mongolists opened in Ulaanbaatar under the theme “Mongolian Studies: Tradition and Modernity,” with President Khurelsukh urging scholars to connect Mongols worldwide through research on origins, language, culture, and heritage. Cultural TV & History: The anime “Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia” continues with Episode 6 “The Mergen People,” adding voice actors Akira Ishida, Inori Minase, and Shoya Chiba as Töregene’s past and the Merkit tribe come into focus. Pastoral & Land Stewardship: Mongolia welcomed the Silk Road Caravan ahead of COP17, with participants traveling across Dundgobi, Uvurkhangai, Arkhangai, Bulgan, and Tuv to meet herders and land-restoration projects. Heritage Diplomacy: Mongolia’s ambassador met the IPU Secretary General, discussing cooperation on parliamentary democracy, human rights, gender equality, and youth participation, including a World Women Parliamentarians’ Conference in October. Regional Sports Culture: Mongolia’s neighbors also made headlines: China’s Inner Mongolia opened the 16th regional Games in Baotou with a new focus on sport spirit over medal rankings. UNESCO & Global Memory: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage sites, including Mongolia’s ancient Xiongnu burial grounds, bringing fresh attention to Mongolian history on the world stage. Community Activism Abroad: In Chicago, community members gathered at a Mongol restaurant to call for federal help amid a surge in gun violence.

Inner Mongolia Sports: The 16th Games of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region opened in Baotou with 12,029 athletes and 2,661 coaches, featuring 37 disciplines across 860 events—and notably scrapping gold-medal rankings to spotlight sport’s spirit. Hong Kong Luxury Market: A trophy-home deal in One Stanley pushed past US$19m, underscoring how big-ticket demand still holds even as the luxury market cools. Kazakh Heritage Abroad: A Kazakh summer camp in New Hampshire keeps community ties alive for Gen Z Kazakh-American adoptees through traditional food and the “kazan” plov-making ritual. Mongolia in Global Science: Saudi Arabia hosted the International Nuclear Science Olympiad, with Mongolia among 19 participating countries—showing how education and culture travel with science. Culture & Tourism in Inner Mongolia: Bayanaobao village in Horqin Right Wing Middle Banner blends eco-tourism with agriculture and culture, drawing about 100,000 visits a year. Mongolia’s UNCCD Caravan: The Silk Road Caravan has entered Mongolia ahead of COP17, traveling through multiple aimags to meet herders and showcase rangeland restoration. Museum Rumor Denied: Kyrgyzstan’s culture ministry denied claims that museum floors were transferred to China, saying the upcoming exhibition will use temporary spaces only. Tibetan Language Pressure: Reports highlight how China’s “ethnic unity” law is reshaping language and identity—sparking protests and international backlash. Chicago Safety Call: Community members in Chicago urged federal help after multiple weekend shootings, including at least four deaths.