The Role of Civil Society Organizations in Driving UNCCD and UNFCCC Synergies: A Perspective from Mongolia
This event brings together civil society, government, and international development organizations to examine the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in strengthening synergies between the UNCCD and UNFCCC processes and land-climate decisions through locally-led climate resilience, land restoration, and environmental governance. The discussion will focus on aligning the implementation of Land Degradation Neutrality targets, Nationally Determined Contributions, and National Adaptation Plans through community engagement, inclusive governance, and strengthened coordination between local and international actors.
The panel reflects a multi-stakeholder platform spanning government, multilateral and bilateral development institutions, academia, regional UNCCD CSO representation, and local CSOs engaged in COP17 preparation and climate governance processes in Mongolia.
Expected outcomes include strengthened collaboration, practical recommendations for advancing Rio Convention synergies, identification of implementation gaps and partnership opportunities, and enhanced participation of CSOs in climate and land governance processes. The event will also contribute to building momentum and partnerships from COP17 in Ulaanbaatar toward COP31 in Türkiye.
The side event is being co-organized by People in Need (lead organization); GIZ Mongolia; UNDP Mongolia; Breathe Mongolia; and the National Environmental Youth Council
Agenda
10:35-10:40 | Opening remarks
Ms. Tricia Turbold, Country Director, PIN Mongolia
10:40-10:55 | Fireside chat on the state of play of land-climate synergies
Ms. Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, President, President, Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad (AFPAT)
Ms. Marie-Claire Graf, Co-Founder & Director of Programmes, Youth Negotiators Academy
10:55-11:05 | Mongolian CSOs present their joint advocacy statement on COP17 priorities
Ms. Sukhgerel Dugersuren, Executive Director, Oyu Tolgoi Watch (OT Watch)
Ms. Ankhtuya Bayarbaatar, Founder and Chairperson, Noble Rights
11:05-11:45 | Panel discussion
Mr. Munkhtamir Batbayar, Vice-Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of Mongolia
Ms. Maamankhuu Sodnom, Board member, Mongolian Gobi Nomadic Herders’ Association
Mr. Martino Pelli, Senior Country Economist, Asian Development Bank
Ms. Erchissaran Ganbold, Executive Director, National Environmental Youth Council (NEYC)
Ms. Saruul Dolgorsuren, National Project Coordinator, UNDP Mongolia
Mr. Bastian Flury, Green Portfolio Manager, GIZ Mongolia
Ms. Enkhuun Byambadorj, Executive Director, Breathe Mongolia – Moderator
11:45-11:50 | Q&A
11:50-11:55 | Closing remarks