Ulaanbaatar, 13 November 2024 – Today, the Chingeltei District of Ulaanbaatar and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Mongolia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a partnership aimed at reducing air pollution and promoting renewable energy in Chingeltei’s ger areas.

This MoU, signed by Mr. Manduul Nyamandeleg, Governor of Chingeltei District, and Ms. Matilda Dimovska, UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia, builds on existing cooperation of Ulaanbaatar City and UNDP Mongolia, and prioritizes just energy transition, climate resilience, and improved livelihoods.

The partnership will initiate a "Coal to Solar" Facility, introducing solar energy solutions for household heating and reducing reliance on coal in the ger areas. Through this facility, up to 100 households in Chingeltei District will benefit from an efficient, solar-powered heating, with the potential to expand. Carbon credit opportunities will be leveraged to generate needed revenue for the financial viability of the project. This project is expected to reduce air pollution, create green jobs, and foster healthier communities. 

Governor Mr. Manduul Nyamandeleg highlighted the initiative’s potential, saying, “This partnership with UNDP marks an important milestone for Chingeltei District as we address one of our most pressing challenges: air pollution in the ger areas. This collaboration brings real solutions to Chingeltei’s families, reducing pollution and providing cleaner energy options that benefit both the environment and our residents.”

Ms. Matilda Dimovska, UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia, emphasized the alignment of the initiative with UNDP’s recently launched National Human Development Paper on Just Energy Transition. She stated, “Energy lies at the heart of both the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. This collaboration is a concrete step toward a just energy transition in Ulaanbaatar and in Mongolia. . By bringing solar solutions to Chingeltei’s households, we not only reduce air pollution but also build a fairer, cleaner future for all.”

UNDP will provide technical expertise and training, while the local government will provide the funding, identify sites, and maintain the system. This collaboration represents a significant step toward a cleaner, greener future for Chingeltei and Ulaanbaatar as a whole.

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For further inquiries:

Erdenesukh Otgonbayar | Communications Analyst | UNDP in Mongolia | erdenesukh.otgonbayar@undp.org