Following reviews in Morocco (2022) and Mauritania (2023), the UNECE Environmental Performance Reviews (EPR) are expanding beyond the UNECE region. Mongolia has requested its second review by UNECE, building upon the first assessment in 2017.
Today, a team of 17 international experts met with 30 Mongolian officials from various environmental and sectoral authorities. Ms. Ariuntuya Dorjsuren, from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, emphasized the importance of the EPR process in shaping environmental governance in the country and achieving SDG implementation.
In addition to meetings with Mongolian officials, the experts engaged with international organizations and local NGOs. The review process will continue in Ulaanbaatar until September 25, 2024, focusing on assessing the country’s environmental performance over the past seven years.
This marks the fifth EPR conducted outside the UNECE region, offering valuable insights for Mongolia to address environmental challenges and enhance sustainability across all sectors.
The review will evaluate Mongolia’s progress and challenges in areas such as air quality, water management, biodiversity, waste management, and climate change actions. It will also assess the country’s legal framework, environmental data systems, and integration of environmental considerations into economic sectors.
Furthermore, the review will examine Mongolia’s alignment with Sustainable Development Goals, identifying gaps, obstacles, and achievements. Recommendations will be made to improve environmental performance, with implementation expected within the next 5 to 10 years.
The review involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including businesses, civil society, and government institutions. Financial and in-kind support from multiple countries and organizations enables the second review of Mongolia to take place.
This review process will culminate with the adoption of recommendations by the UNECE Committee on Environmental Policy in 2025, reflecting a commitment to environmental progress in Mongolia.
Media Contact: APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).