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Ulaanbaatar, 21 March 2025— The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) convened a multi-stakeholder workshop on Future-Fit Policymaking: Foresight for Mongolia’s Green Transition, bringing together government officials, civil society leaders, academics, and private sector representatives. The event marked the official launch of the Mongolia Green Transition Futures Scenario Report, a forward-looking publication offering strategic foresight for the country’s shift toward a greener, more inclusive economy.
As Mongolia advances its sustainable development goals, the report provides an essential recommendations and insights for policymakers, businesses, and communities to navigate the complexities of a green transition. It emphasizes that success will require not only investments in technology and infrastructure, but also in human capital—particularly through education, skills training, and effective knowledge transfer across generations and sectors.
Mongolia is experiencing climate change at a speed more than twice the global average while contending with rapid urbanization, water scarcity, and widening urban-rural disparities. At the same time, Mongolia is uniquely positioned to lead in the global green economy, with abundant renewable energy resources, critical mineral reserves, and a long-standing tradition of ecological stewardship.
UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia, Ms. Matilda Dimovska, highlighted both the urgency and promise of this moment during her opening remarks. “Mongolia has the potential to become a key player in the global green transition. But it must also answer a fundamental question: how to turn economic growth into human development gains while safeguarding the health of its people, ecosystems, and economy. The answer lies in forward-looking, inclusive, and resilient policy choices.”
The Green Transition Futures Scenario Report presents a set of alternative development pathways that reflect Mongolia’s diverse choices for a sustainable future. It highlights the need to rethink energy, agriculture, and urban systems while centering people—through green jobs, youth engagement, AI-integrated learning, and inclusive planning processes. It also recognizes the value of traditional ecological knowledge as a vital asset in designing context-appropriate solutions.
Mr. Erdenebat, Director General of the Ministry of Economy and Development, delivered a keynote presentation, outlining "Future-Fit Policymaking for Mongolia's Green Transition." He emphasized the government's commitment to integrating strategic foresight into policy development and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to achieve a sustainable and inclusive green transition.
The workshop, led by international foresight expert Dr. John Sweeney, introduced participants to practical tools for strategic foresight and scenario planning. Through hands-on exercises, attendees explored uncertainties shaping Mongolia’s green transition and stress-tested policy approaches under multiple future scenarios. Discussions focused on aligning clean energy strategies, green technology adoption, and human capital development under adaptive, future-ready governance.
The workshop drew particular attention to the need for cross-sector collaboration and inclusive decision-making, recognizing that sustainable transitions cannot be led by government alone. Private sector innovation, civil society engagement, and grassroots wisdom will all play essential roles in shaping Mongolia’s future.
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About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.
For further inquiries:
Erdenesukh Otgonbayar | Communications Analyst | UNDP in Mongolia | erdenesukh.otgonbayar@undp.org
