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STATEMENT BY H.E. MR. SUKHBOLD SUKHEE, AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY AND PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MONGOLIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS, AT THE INTERNATIONAL DECADE FOR ACTION "WATER FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT" 2018-2028

Thursday, 22 March 2018
Presenter: 
Sukhbold Sukhee
Location: 
UNHQ

Mr. President,

First, I would like to congratulate you for conducting this important event to launch the International Decade for Action "Water for Sustainable Development", 2018-2028.

I would also like to thank His Excellency, the President of the Republic Tajikistan for initiating this Water Action Decade.

My delegation associates itself with the statements delivered by the distinguished representatives of Egypt on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, and Paraguay on behalf of the Group of the LLDCs.

Mr. President,

The Government of Mongolia attaches great importance to the Launch of the International Decade for Action "Water for Sustainable Development", 2018- 2028, which focuses on the sustainable development and integrated management of water resources, as well as on continued cooperation and partnership at all levels.

To create favorable legal environment on water, the Parliament of Mongolia has approved the "Mongolia Sustainable Development Vision 2030" in 2016, the "Green Development Policy" in 2014, the "Law of Mongolia on Water" in 2012 and the "Water National Program" in 2010.

Mr. President,

Water is essential for life and for all human activities but also for preserving the environment and its resources. The rapidly growing population, intensification of agriculture, industrialization, urbanization and climatic factors are the main reasons for water scarcity conditions in many parts of the world.

Mongolia's total water consumption is more than 500 million m3 a year, over 80 percent of the total water consumption is abstracted from the groundwater which is approximately 1.9 percent of the total water resources.

The climate change intensity in Mongolia is much higher than global average because of its geographical locations, climate and weather specific features. The melting permafrost and glaciers, surface water shortages and droughts have been identified as particular challenges faced by Mongolia because of climate change and affects of human activities. Around 346 lakes, 774 springs and 263 rivers have been drought out by 2016.

The Ministry of Environment and Tourism had been submitted the amendment on water pollution fee law proposal to the Parliament in February 2018. As a result, legal environment for implementation of efficient water use technology and reuse of treated waste water actions will be promoted in Mongolia.

Mr. President,

In conclusion, my delegation expresses its willingness to cooperate with international communities to contribute to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6 and urge all stakeholders to take necessary actions now.

Thank you for your attention.