LocationsUNDP Spotlights Future-Fit Governance for Green Economic Transition in Mongolia
August 21, 2024
Ulaanbaatar — 22 August 2024 — UNDP hosted the "Policy Dialogue on Governance of the Future for Green Economic Transition," a high-level event that brought together key stakeholders, government officials, policymakers, and international experts to explore pathways for Mongolia's green economic transition. The dialogue underscored the urgent need for Mongolia to transition to a sustainable and diversified green economy, reducing its dependency on coal and embracing a future-fit governance approach.
Mongolia currently relies on coal for approximately 90% of its electricity generation, making the country one of the highest CO2 emissions per capita and one of the world's most carbon-intensive economies. The government's ambitious goal to increase the renewable energy share to 30% by 2030 reflects a critical shift towards sustainability.
The dialogue, held at the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts in Ulaanbaatar, showcased AI-generated scenarios illustrating Mongolia's potential green futures. This was a joint effort by UNDP and the Office of the President of Mongolia. Inspired by the famous Mongolian painting "One Day in Mongolia" by B. Sharav, the scenarios presented a vision of Mongolia's sustainable future, emphasizing the importance of minimizing the carbon footprint and preserving nomadic heritage.
The scenarios provided a vivid backdrop for engaging discussions on the challenges and opportunities associated with the governance and economic reforms of a green transformation. The discussion featured key figures from the Mongolian government, the Parliament, civil society, and international organizations, who shared insights into the future of governance and green transition.
The collective impacts of climate change, fossil fuel dependence, and environmental degradation are a lethal combination that poses a severe hindrance to Mongolia’s development progress and the well-being of its people. Mongolia has experienced an average temperature increase of 2.46°C over the past 80 years, with over 70% of its land degraded. Thus, Mongolia needs a swift green transition, as it will be key for achieving development priorities and ensuring a resilient and inclusive future for its citizens.
Mr. Batkhuu Idesh, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economy and Development, stated "As Mongolia prepares for transitions towards a knowledge-based inclusive green economy, we must ensure that our governance is anticipatory, agile, adaptive, and future-fit."
"The journey towards a green economy is not just about reducing carbon emissions; it's about reshaping our economic and social drivers for change. Mongolia's commitment to a sustainable future can set a powerful example for the region and the world, and UNDP is proud to support Mongolia in building governance and economic frameworks that are fit for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow" says Ms. Kanni Wignaraja, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director o for Asia and the Pacific.
The dialogue concluded with a strong consensus on the need for future-fit governance mechanisms that align with Mongolia's aspirations for a green and inclusive economy. Participants emphasized the importance of strategic foresight and broader stakeholder engagement in development planning and financing , and critical investments in renewable energy and digitalization as key drivers of change.
***
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 the planet.
For further inquiries:
Erdenesukh Otgonbayar | Communications Analyst | UNDP in Mongolia | erdenesukh.otgonbayar@undp.org
Related
content
content
