LocationsGreen, Inclusive Cities Project Launched in Darkhan-Uul and Orkhon aimags
September 24, 2026
24 September 2026 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has officially launched the Green, Inclusive Cities in Mongolia project in Darkhan and Erdenet and signed Memoranda of Understanding with the Governor’s Offices of the Provinces. The project, implemented in Darkhan, Erdenet and Ulaanbaatar, supports Mongolia’s cities to grow in a greener, more inclusive and climate-resilient way.
Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), with co-financing from national and sub-national governments, the five-year project is implemented by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change with support from UNDP. It will help participating cities align local development priorities with green city indicators, climate adaptation, biodiversity protection, and inclusive services. In Darkhan and Erdenet, the project responds to growing urban pressures, including expanding ger areas, increasing demand for basic services, pollution, waste management and water security challenges.
In Darkhan, planned support will focus on flood risk management, restoration of riparian zones along the Kharaa River, greywater reuse, improved water services in ger areas, waste management and food security. The project will also support Darkhan’s role as a peer-learning city for cold-climate urban sustainability.
Darkhan MoU Signing Ceremony
In Erdenet, the project will focus on integrated spatial planning, water management, circular economy approaches and nature-based solutions, including constructed wetlands for cold-climate water treatment. Building on earlier clean energy and urban development efforts, the partnership will also explore opportunities to advance green energy, resilience and blended financing.
Erdenet MoU Signing Ceremony
“Mongolia’s cities are central to the country’s climate and sustainable development ambitions. In Darkhan and Erdenet, this partnership is about turning local priorities into integrated, practical solutions that improve services, strengthen resilience and create healthier urban environments for communities. UNDP is pleased to work with the Government, local authorities, communities and partners to support cities that are greener, more inclusive and better prepared for the future,” said Lionel Laurens, UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia.
Mr. Lionel Laurens, UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia
As part of the GEF-8 Sustainable Cities Integrated Programme, the project connects Mongolia’s target cities with a global network of cities working to make urban development more sustainable, inclusive and resilient. By testing practical solutions in Mongolia’s cold-climate and rapidly urbanizing context, the project will help generate models that can inform urban planning, investment and climate action across the country, while contributing lessons for cities facing similar challenges around the world.
About GEF
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is the world’s family of funds for the environment. As the financial mechanism for six multilateral conventions, it supports countries’ efforts to tackle the root causes of environmental degradation and advance global goals for nature, climate and pollution. Over the past three decades, the GEF has been the largest public funder for the environment, providing financing primarily as grants and mobilizing resources for country-driven priority projects.
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 build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.
Contact
Khulan Bayarsaikhan | Communications Analyst, UNDP Mongolia | khulan.bayarsaikhan@undp.org | 976-99096434