LocationsUNDP and partners strengthen sustainable cashmere, wool, and leather supply chains in Mongolia
June 18, 2026
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Mongolia, in partnership with the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry, organized a three-day hybrid workshop on 10, 11, and 12 June 2026, titled “White Gold National Movement and Sustainable Development of the Light Industry Sector” under the project “Elimination of Hazardous Chemicals from Supply Chains in Mongolia” funded by the Global Environment Facility.
The workshop brought together officials from Food and Agriculture Departments across all 21 provinces, along with more than 90 representatives from government agencies, the private sector, financial institutions, and industry associations. It provided a platform for dialogue on cashmere, wool, and leather supply chains, while strengthening coordination among key sector stakeholders.
Participants discussed financing and support mechanisms, raw material preparation, traceability systems, veterinary services, standards, international requirements, and chemical use in the sector, while sharing practical insights on sector priorities.
In her opening remarks, Ms. B. Javkhlan, Advisor to the President of Mongolia, emphasized that fully realizing the vast resources and potential of Mongolia’s livestock-based products by integrating them into economic circulation and developing value-added production remains a key priority of state policy. Ms. Lin Cao, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Mongolia, underscored that local specialists are the critical bridge between policy and implementation, and their leadership is essential to advancing more sustainable cashmere, wool, and leather supply chains with reduced chemical risks.
The workshop combined technical sessions with visits to leading factories and professional associations in the cashmere, wool, and leather sectors, offering first-hand insights into the value chain from raw material preparation to final products. The visits showed how proper raw material preparation, starting from herders, directly affects product quality, competitiveness, and value addition.
By the end of the three-day workshop, local decision-makers and specialists had gained a clearer understanding of sector realities, supply chain dynamics and production requirements. Participants underlined the need to improve livestock quality, strengthen preventive veterinary measures, and enhance cooperation with producers and industry associations.
About GEF
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is the world’s largest multilateral fund for the environment. Its family of funds work together to address the planet's most pressing challenges in an integrated way. Its financing helps developing countries address complex challenges and work towards meeting international environmental goals.
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 and territories, we help nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.
About the project
The “Elimination of Hazardous Chemicals from Supply Chains in Mongolia” project is funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry with support from UNDP. Running from 2025 to 2030, it aims to reduce hazardous chemical use in the cashmere, wool, and leather sectors while promoting environmentally friendly, resource-efficient, and circular economy-based production.
Contact
Khulan Bayarsaikhan | Communications Analyst | khulan.bayarsaikhan@undp.org | 976-99096434
