Distinguished Delegates,

Executive Secretary,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Over the past two weeks, we have gathered in the National Park of Ulaanbaatar cradled in the valley of Tuul River and Bogd Khan mountains - an oldest protected area in Mongolia.

Those who protected this natural treasure were looking beyond themselves. And that call of our ancestors found a tangible reflection when over three decades ago, the world community came together to combat desertification under the UN Convention.

Since then, our governments have gathered seventeen times to renew their collective resolve and determination to protect our land, take effective national actions, support international cooperation towards sustainable development.

This Conference demonstrated once again the strong commitment of the Parties the mandate of the Convention.

Distinguished Delegates,

COP17 has delivered an important political outcome through the adoption of the Ulaanbaatar Declaration, reaffirming Parties’ commitment to land degradation neutrality, stronger implementation, improved policy coherence, international cooperation and greater access to finance.

The Conference also concluded decisions on rangelands, private-sector engagement, sand and dust storms, the Science-Policy Interface, the future strategic framework of the Convention through the IWG, and drought. Taken together, these outcomes strengthen the policy and institutional foundation for implementation, while placing people, livelihoods and country-led action more clearly at the centre of land restoration, rangeland management, soil and water conservation, and resilience.

At the same time, COP17 demonstrated that implementation must be backed by real projects, partnerships and investment. The Conference helped assemble a portfolio of 45 land restoration, rangeland and drought-resilience projects across 23 countries, valued at about 1.3 billion USD, including the Rangelands Flagship Initiative and Business4Land Hub of Mongolia.

These developments have helped elevate rangelands and pastoralists within the global land agenda and strengthen the connection between policy ambition, finance, private-sector engagement and delivery on the ground. The task now is to carry this momentum forward and ensure that the decisions, partnerships and investments advanced in Ulaanbaatar translate into healthier land, stronger livelihoods and measurable benefits for people and communities.

Distinguished Delegates,

Negotiations were not easy, but this is what makes our success even more satisfying. As a result of hard work, long days and deprived sleeps, we have ensured collective outcomes that represent our common priorities.

Despite the differences of views on several items, Parties were able to make an important progress on negotiations through sustained dialogue, flexibility and a shared commitment to the Convention.

These outcomes are close to our hearts. Building on the momentum generated by the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, we will remain committed to the advancement of the sustainable rangeland management, conservation and restoration, and inclusive rangeland governance.

I am encouraged by the adoption of the decision on the final report of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Future Strategic Framework of the Convention, the decision on drought and other important decisions. This demonstrates that consensus remains possible even on the most difficult issues thanks to the Parties’ engagement, good faith and a spirit of compromise.

Distinguished Delegates,

As we leave Ulaanbaatar, I hope that the spirit of solidarity and multilateral cooperation demonstrated during COP17 will continue to guide the implementation of the Convention and our collective efforts beyond this Conference.

As Presidency of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UNCCD, we look forward to working with all of you over the next two years to continue strengthening this Convention, enhancing multilateral action, and obtaining results on the ground.

On behalf of the Government of Mongolia and the COP17 Presidency, I would like to express our deep gratitude to all Parties and regional groups that demonstrated flexibility, patience and political will in helping us bridge differences and reach consensus.

On behalf of the COP17 Presidency, we convey our profound appreciation to the Secretariat of the UNCCD and all those who contributed to making this Conference a success.

I extend my sincere gratitude to the President, the Speaker of the State Great Khural and the Prime Minister of Mongolia for their invaluable support and contribution to the successful organization of COP17.

My appreciation also goes to the National Preparatory Committee led by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, COP17 Preparatory Office, and all civil servants of ministries and government agencies for their close cooperation, dedication and commitment throughout the preparation and conduct of this Conference.

I would equally like to recognize the contribution of international organizations, civil society organizations, the private sector, academia, youth, volunteers, interpreters, technicians, service personnel and everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

It has been a great honour and privilege for me to welcome you all to Ulaanbaatar.

I wish you safe journey home.

I thank you.