AGP Executive Report

UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar: UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said Africa’s Great Green Wall has restored 20m+ hectares, linking land restoration to food, jobs and livelihoods, while warning conflict and insecurity still pressure communities. Rangelands & pastoralists: India urged community-led, science-based rangeland restoration with pastoralists as custodians, echoing FAO’s push to treat “what grows” as the core of Land Degradation Neutrality. Drought policy: Egypt called for a legally binding global drought protocol and earlier preparedness, while Sri Lanka stressed early-warning and predictable finance for developing countries. Trade & logistics reform: Mongolia’s draft Trade Law aims to replace a fragmented web of trade rules, with business groups urging faster privatization and limits on state market participation. Border infrastructure funding: The ADB is preparing up to $400m for modernizing border crossing points across CAREC, including digital customs and “single window” systems, with Mongolia in scope. Digital payments leadership: Visa named Kunal Chatterjee president for Korea and Mongolia, as Mongolia is highlighted in global rankings for digital payment usage. Energy & investment: Mongolia’s clean-energy strategy targets 53.4% renewables by 2050; separately, TMK Energy plans new drilling at its Gurvantes XXXV coal seam gas project to boost Mongolian gas flows.

UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar: Kuwait is sending a delegation to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, stressing sustainable land management and cooperation on drought and sand-and-dust storms. Pastoralist Rights: Pastoralists at COP17 are pushing for stronger protections for Indigenous grazing traditions, more funding, and official recognition of Indigenous adaptation knowledge. Drought Policy Shift: India’s Bhupender Yadav argues drought must move from reactive relief to proactive, technology-enabled resilience, citing early warning, satellite monitoring, and watershed restoration. Finance for Land: The UN’s deputy chief warns land degradation costs far more than restoration, while UN officials highlight a major financing gap for national drought plans. Mongolia Green Deals: The EIB and Mongolia signed a Letter of Intent toward up to EUR 200M for forestry and conservation, aiming to protect forests, restore degraded land, and support local jobs. Mongolia Data Centers Push: Mongolia is pitching itself as an Asia data center hub, offering incentives like tax relief and cheap energy to attract at least $2B for AI/green data centers. Green Urban Tech: BYD Battery signed an MoU with Ulaanbaatar to cooperate on electric transport, charging networks, and battery storage for greener city development. Markets Watch: Mongolia’s stock market saw mixed performance, with the TOP-20 index up and trading led by MGL Aqua, Invescore, Khan Bank, APU and Tavantolgoi.

UNCCD COP17 Finance Push: Mongolia is hosting UN desertification talks as countries press for more predictable, diversified international funding for land restoration and drought resilience, with India urging a shift from reactive relief to proactive, tech-enabled preparedness and highlighting early warning, satellite monitoring and watershed recovery. Mongolia-EU Forestry Deal: The European Investment Bank and Mongolia signed a Letter of Intent for up to EUR 200M to protect forests, restore degraded land and support local jobs, with EU grants and concessional lending. GEF Drought Program: The Global Environment Facility unveiled a $140M drylands and drought management initiative (2026-2030), aiming to move nations toward proactive drought planning. ADB Land Restoration Funding: The Asian Development Bank launched the FIELD initiative to attract at least $2B by 2035 for land restoration and drought resilience across Asia-Pacific. Mongolian Markets Update: Mongolia’s stock market saw mixed performance in Aug 17–23, with the TOP-20 index up and trading led by MGL Aqua, Invescore NBFI, Khan Bank and APU. Local Talent Policy (Regional): South Korea plans to overhaul its metropolitan visa system from 2027 to better match regional labor needs—relevant for regional hiring strategies. Mongolian Fintech Win: Mandal Khurimtlal was named WealthTech of the Year at the Asia Fintech Awards 2026, expanding access to capital markets for Mongolian savers.

UNCCD COP17 Finance Push: Finance Day at COP17 in Ulaanbaatar backed a new $1.3bn package for land restoration and drought resilience, with $644.5m new money and $216.4m already confirmed toward implementation, as delegates warn global funding still falls far short of needs. Mongolia’s Ecological Diplomacy: Mongolia opened COP17’s high-level segment by framing land restoration as a coordinated, long-term global task, positioning the conference as a strategic platform for its foreign policy and economic branding. ADB FIELD Initiative: The Asian Development Bank launched the FIELD initiative to attract at least $2bn by 2035 across Asia-Pacific, aiming to restore lands, strengthen drought resilience, and mobilize private capital through blended finance and derisking tools. Green Stations for EV Charging: Ulaanbaatar’s Chamber of Commerce and partners opened a high-capacity “Green Station” EV charger near 32 Circle, with policy support tied to a 1% corporate tax investment model and customs/VAT exemptions for equipment. Mongolia Mining Update: Jade Gas filed its development plan for the Tavan Tolgoi Coal Bed Methane project, moving it toward long-term production rights via a proposed 502km² production licence area. Inner Mongolia Green Computing: Inner Mongolia signed 12 green computing projects worth 186.46bn yuan and broke ground on a platform to sell Chinese AI services abroad, highlighting rural data-centre growth powered by renewables.

Land & Drought Finance: The ADB launched the FIELD initiative to attract $2bn by 2035 for land restoration and drought resilience across Asia-Pacific, aiming to put 1 million hectares under sustainable management. Mongolia’s Rural Push: ADB also backed Mongolia’s Green Inclusive Regional Agribusiness Fund (GIRAF) with $92.6m from the Green Climate Fund, plus expected bank funding, to support rangeland management, livestock production and rural green businesses. COP17 in Ulaanbaatar: UNCCD COP17’s final stretch is underway, with ministers and partners focused on turning land restoration pledges into investable plans under “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope.” Health & Animal Disease: UNEP and Mongolia will run a $2m study project on infectious animal diseases to reduce outbreaks. Education Funding Stress: Mongolia’s Educational Loan Fund says it faced a funding shortage after heavy first-half disbursements, raising concerns for the 2026-27 academic year. Financial Supervision: Mongolia’s Financial Regulatory Commission met Canada’s Toronto Centre to expand supervisory training and align Mongolia’s regulation with international best practices. Environment Diplomacy: Mongolia’s environment minister met Germany’s state secretary, discussing KfW-linked cooperation on protected areas, forestry rules and water management. Fuel Standards: Mongolia plans to restrict low-quality AI-92 in Ulaanbaatar and move toward Euro-5 fuel to cut air pollution and reduce supply dependence. Mining Outlook: Azzuro Resources set maiden JORC exploration targets at its Oval and Red Hill projects in southwest Mongolia, with drilling imminent.

UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar: Mongolia’s land-restoration push is getting more international backing, with India’s Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav arriving for COP17 talks and Kuwait joining the conference to support sustainable land management and drought resilience. GEF Drought Funding: The Global Environment Facility unveiled a new Drylands and Drought Management Integrated Program for 2026-2030, with a tentative $140m grant envelope to shift countries from crisis response to proactive drought resilience. Finance Day Focus: COP17’s agenda is turning toward money and implementation—Finance Day will test how public and private funding can make restoration plans real, treating healthy landscapes as economic infrastructure. China–Arab Desertification Plan: China and Arab states launched a five-year action plan to fight drought and land degradation, including remote sensing and early-warning systems. Green Computing in Inner Mongolia: Separate from COP17, Inner Mongolia is signing major deals to expand green AI computing and “going global” digital services, leveraging wind/solar power and cooler conditions. Mongolia Business Angle: Mongolia’s COP17 track also highlights results-based conservation financing and biodiversity offsetting tied to mining impacts.

UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar: Mongolia kicked off the desertification fight under “Restore the land, restore hope,” with Prime Minister Uchral calling for concrete action and noting 80% of Mongolia’s territory is affected by soil degradation; UNCCD chief Yasmine Fouad urged more land-protection investment to protect food, water and stability. Local green delivery: Ulaanbaatar commissioned the first 110 EDGE-certified green housing units at Sharkhad sub-center, aiming to cut energy and water use, while a COP17 panel pushed for results-based conservation financing models. Mongolia–China support: China is helping Mongolia with saplings and restoration know-how, including joint sandstorm monitoring and ecological restoration zones. Mongolian mining finance: Mongolian Mining Corporation reported 1H2026 revenue up 69% to about $586.2m, driven by higher washed coking coal sales and price, plus gold/metals gains. Regional business signals: Inner Mongolia is accelerating green computing and AI services for overseas markets, signing 12 projects worth 186.46bn yuan.

UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar: Mongolia kicked off COP17 on desertification under “Restore the land, restore hope,” with PM Uchral urging concrete action and noting 80% of Mongolia’s territory faces soil degradation. Green housing in the capital: Ulaanbaatar commissioned the first 110 green housing units at the Sharkhad sub-center, aiming to cut energy use by 25% and water demand by 20–25%, with ADB and Green Climate Fund support. Conservation finance shift: At COP17, Mongolia’s Nature’s Legacy Fund chair said banks are moving from broad sustainable finance to direct environmental funding and proposed a results-based, criteria-driven model that pays for impact. Mining earnings: Mongolian Mining Corporation reported 1H2026 revenue of about $586.2m (+69% y/y) on higher washed coking coal sales and prices, with Bayan Khundii mine starting to contribute. China-Mongolia land support: China’s Inner Mongolia shipped over 11.7m saplings to Mongolia and is helping build restoration zones and sandstorm monitoring as dust risks cross borders. Regional business angle: Hilton launched co-branded credit cards in China with Bank of Communications and Mastercard, pushing loyalty beyond hotel stays.

Mongolia Mining: Mongolian Mining Corporation reported 1H2026 revenue of about US$586.2m, up 69% year-on-year, driven by higher washed coking coal sales volume and improved average selling prices; profits turned positive as the Bayan Khundii mine began contributing, diversifying revenue. COP17 Desertification & Finance: At UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, Prime Minister Uchral urged “concrete actions” and measurable results, while Mongolia’s Nature’s Legacy Fund pushed a shift toward results-based, criteria-driven conservation financing. Urban Green Housing: Ulaanbaatar completed and commissioned the first 110 green housing units at the Sharkhad sub-center under the ADB/Green Climate Fund-backed program, targeting major cuts in energy and water use and earning EDGE certification. Biodiversity Offsets for Mining: Mongolia’s environment ministry signed an MoU to reduce mining impacts on biodiversity using science-based biodiversity offset measures and long-term sustainable financing tied to habitat outcomes. Regional Cooperation: China reiterated support for Mongolia’s land restoration at COP17, including shipping 11.7m saplings and assisting ecological restoration and sandstorm monitoring. Energy & Data Centers (Regional): A report highlighted Inner Mongolia’s fast-growing AI data center buildout in Ulanqab, helped by cheaper electricity and cold climate—an angle relevant to Mongolia’s own energy export potential.

UNCCD COP17 Opens in Ulaanbaatar: Mongolia kicked off COP17 on desertification under “Restore the land, restore hope,” with PM Uchral urging concrete action and noting most of the country is already affected by land degradation. Local Climate Governance: Ulaanbaatar’s mayoral forum at COP17 pushed city-to-city partnerships and new investment models to tackle pasture degradation and dust storms. Green Housing Rollout: The first 110 EDGE-certified green housing units were commissioned at the Sharkhad sub-center, with targets to cut energy use and water demand and plans for 4,200 more units via private-sector partnerships. Results-Based Conservation Finance: COP17 panelists highlighted a shift toward direct environmental finance and proposed results-based funding that pays for measurable conservation outcomes. Mining & Biodiversity Offsets: Mongolia signed an MoU to reduce mining impacts on biodiversity using science-based offset measures and long-term sustainable financing. Mongolian Mining Revenue: Mongolian Mining Corporation reported 1H2026 revenue up 69% to about $586.2m, driven by higher washed coking coal sales and price, plus gold and metals. Land Restoration Gap: An IUCN study said countries restored 124.3m hectares (10.4% of pledges), far short of the 2030 targets—Mongolia is among the hardest hit.

COP17 & Land Restoration: UNCCD COP17 is underway in Ulaanbaatar, with China backing Mongolia’s desertification fight and supplying saplings (Inner Mongolia shipped 11.7m by early June) plus monitoring and restoration know-how. Green Finance: Mongolia launched the Mongolia Green Finance Corporation during COP17, aiming to channel long-term climate and low-carbon funding via partners including the Green Climate Fund, XacBank and GGGI. Mining & Biodiversity: Mongolia’s environment ministry signed a MoU with the Chinggis Khaan Wealth Fund and the Mongolian Nature’s Legacy Foundation to fund science-based biodiversity offsets for mining impacts, focusing on measurable habitat outcomes. Mining Results: Mongolian Mining Corporation reported 1H2026 revenue of about $586.2m (+69% y/y), driven by higher washed coking coal sales and price, with Bayan Khundii mine starting to contribute. Land Restoration Gap: An IUCN study says countries restored 124.3m hectares (10.4% of pledges), with Mongolia near 77% degraded land—highlighting a major financing and delivery shortfall. Cybersecurity: Kaspersky flagged a new CoolClient variant tied to HoneyMyte APT (Mustang Panda), targeting organizations including in Mongolia. Sports Business: FIBA 3x3 Beijing Challenger 2026 includes Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy, with World Tour Zaisan 2026 spots at stake. Tourism: Mongolia hit a record 847,000 tourists in 2025, with revenue reaching $728m (+91%), as global travel rebounds.

Green Finance Push: Mongolia officially launched the Mongolia Green Finance Corporation on Aug. 20, aiming to mobilize long-term green funding via partners including the Green Climate Fund, XacBank, and GGGI—positioning it as a channel for energy-efficient tech, lower emissions, and long-term project finance during COP17. Climate Cooperation: The government also signed an agreement with the Global Green Growth Institute to strengthen legal and institutional capacity to attract climate finance and green investment, with expanded technical cooperation. Nature & Biodiversity Funding: Mongolia’s Nature’s Legacy Foundation and Khan Bank signed an MoU to develop green financing tied to sustainable pasture management, study TNFD standards, and add biodiversity risk into ESG systems. Labor Costs: Mongolia’s minimum wage will rise 26.3% to MNT 1 million per month from Jan. 1, 2027, after a Tripartite committee decision. Consumer Prices: A weekly price survey shows Ulaanbaatar staple goods prices down 1.6% week-on-week and 3.5% month-on-month, with some rural increases tied to fuel and transport costs. Mining Update: Mongolian Mining Corporation reported 1H2026 interim results, with revenue up to about USD 586.2m driven by higher washed coking coal sales and improved prices. COP17 Land Agenda: Delegates in Ulaanbaatar are debating how to turn land restoration commitments into financing and action, as land degradation is estimated to cost nearly $900bn annually.

Mining & Metals: Mongolian Mining Corporation (MMC) reported 1H2026 interim results, with revenue rising to about $586.2m (up from $346.6m) on higher washed coking coal volumes and better average selling prices; the company sold ~5.7m tonnes of washed coal and also logged first full-period gold mine contribution (Bayan Khundii) plus gold and silver sales to the Bank of Mongolia. Jobs & Living Costs: Mongolia’s minimum wage will jump 26.3% to MNT 1 million per month from Jan 1, 2027, as the Tripartite National Committee approved the new rate. Consumer Prices: The National Statistics Office said average prices of staple consumer goods in Ulaanbaatar fell 3.5% versus last month (and 1.6% week-on-week), with some meat and vegetable prices dropping while rural areas saw mixed movements. Green Finance & Conservation: Mongolia’s Nature’s Legacy Foundation and Khan Bank signed an MoU at COP17 to expand biodiversity-focused lending, develop green financing tied to pasture management, and use nature-risk tools in ESG systems. Energy & Digital Economy: Mongolia is pushing “green data centers” to attract foreign investors and use renewable power for data storage and digital exports, linking energy independence goals with AI-era demand. Diplomacy: Deputy Prime Minister N. Nomtoibayar met Japan’s ambassador to discuss disaster prevention, new fuel storage facilities, and deeper Eurasian transport/logistics cooperation. COP17 Youth & Food Systems: World Food Forum’s Mongolia youth chapter launched in the Green Zone to build youth-led input into Mongolia’s agrifood systems.

UNCCD COP17 Finance Push: Mongolia’s COP17 in Ulaanbaatar hosted a High-Level Sustainable Finance Forum focused on scaling money for land restoration, pasture and livestock financing, water resilience and “blue finance,” with delegates from 197 countries discussing how to turn pledges into projects. Mongolia-China Energy Friction: Mongolia’s industry ministry apologized after China raised security concerns over protesters at a Chinese-invested oil exploration camp; police opened an investigation and Mongolia said it won’t tolerate interference with lawful operations. Minimum Wage Update: Mongolia’s national minimum wage will rise to 1 million MNT from Jan 1, 2027, up about 26.3%, following a tripartite committee decision. Oil Refinery Incentives: Mongolia’s cabinet approved an oil refinery project in Dornogobi’s Altanshiree soum, protected by internal troops and set up as an industrial/technology park with tax and customs benefits. Road Safety & Alcohol: Police reported a rise in crimes committed while intoxicated and highlighted alcohol-linked road accident risks, with Mongolia’s road deaths still high. Green Land in the Gobi: A Chinese-backed Gobi afforestation project is preparing large-scale planting of Haloxylon ammodendron, stressing hydrology checks and protecting native desert ecology.

UN Land Restoration Finance: UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar pushed a High-Level Sustainable Financing Forum, spotlighting funding for pastureland, livestock, water resilience and “nature-related” financial risks, with Mongolia’s leadership urging countries to honor land restoration pledges. Oil Refinery Incentives: Mongolia’s Cabinet approved security protection for the Altanshiree oil refinery construction and moved it toward an industrial/technology park model, unlocking tax and customs benefits aimed at easing project delays and funding disruptions. Central Banking & Risk: Mongolia’s central bank joined regional talks urging ASEAN-style cooperation to tackle cybersecurity and climate-related financial risks, including AI-enabled supervision and climate-risk integration. Border Trade & Logistics: Mongolia is pushing to complete a rail bypass around Ulaanbaatar, with a new 127-km line designed to route dangerous cargo away from the city and improve freight flow. Labor Costs: Mongolia’s minimum wage will rise to 1 million MNT from Jan 1, 2027, up about 26.3% under the tripartite labor committee. Energy Security Tensions: Mongolia apologized after China raised security concerns over protesters at a Chinese-invested oil camp, with police investigating detained suspects. Road Safety & Alcohol: Police data highlighted that alcohol-linked crimes and road accidents remain a major concern, with a large share of alcohol-related incidents tied to home settings.

UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar: The UN Convention to Combat Desertification opened with a push to move from pledges to implementation, as Mongolia’s PM Uchral urged measurable results and warned that 77–80% of Mongolia’s territory is degraded. EU Water Crisis: The EU said drought and water scarcity are already threatening lives, health, economies and ecosystems, calling for resilience-building rather than emergency response. Mongolia Rail Bypass: Mongolia is driving ahead with the Bagakhangai–Khushig Valley–Emeelt railway to route hazardous cargo away from Ulaanbaatar, targeting test runs in September and possible full operation by December. Mongolia Capital Markets: Capital Markets Mongolia will host “Mongolia Investment Forum: London 2026” on Sept 15, highlighting SOE reform, sovereign capital, and cross-border listings. Korea-Agriculture Link: Korea’s RDA says its overseas rice program helped Mongolia achieve a first successful domestic harvest in 2025 using the early-maturing “jinbuolbyeo” variety. Tourism Leadership: Bhutan’s Lizam Dorji was named PATA Face of the Future 2026 Grand Winner, spotlighting sustainable MICE development. China Rare Earth Supply: China Northern Rare Earth Group plans a 50% expansion of the Bayan Obo mine with a $74m investment to boost processing capacity for critical minerals.