Mongolia is accelerating preparations for the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), with organizers reporting that construction and landscaping works at the conference venue are progressing on schedule ahead of the major international event.

Minister of Environment and Climate Change Ts.Sandag-Ochir, Deputy Minister B.Munkhtamir, and State Secretary Sh.Batbayar recently inspected the COP17 venue construction site, including the evening shift operations, to review the latest progress.

According to officials, exterior landscaping and site improvement works are now more than 90 percent complete, while interior finishing activities have begun following the handover of the main building. Construction teams are currently working extended hours in two shifts to ensure that all remaining tasks are completed within the established timeline.

Workers at the site said they have continued operations without interruption, including during the National Naadam Festival holidays, and remain on track to complete the planned works on schedule.

A total of 12 temporary facilities are being constructed for the conference, and organizers expect the venue infrastructure, surrounding landscaping, and related improvements to be fully completed and handed over by August 6.

As part of the landscaping project, approximately 12 hectares of land have been covered with grass, while more than 4,800 shrubs and bushes have been planted to improve the surrounding environment and create a suitable setting for the international conference. Following the inspection, Minister Ts.Sandag-Ochir instructed relevant organizations to maintain strict standards in construction quality, safety, and timely completion as Mongolia prepares to welcome international delegates.

Mongolia will host the COP17 in Ulaanbaatar from August 17-28. As one of the countries most affected by desertification and climate change impacts, Mongolia is expected to use the COP17 platform to highlight its environmental initiatives, including the national "Billion Trees" movement, efforts to restore degraded land, and international cooperation on climate adaptation. The government has stated that hosting COP17 represents an important opportunity to strengthen global partnerships, promote sustainable development solutions, and demonstrate Mongolia's commitment to addressing environmental challenges.