China shares desertification-control expertise at UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia www.globaltimes.cn

A Chinese delegation proposed establishing an International Grassland Day at the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which opened in Ulan Bator of Mongolia on Monday. China also pledged to share its expertise and experience in combating desertification with other countries during the event.

China shared its experience in science-based desertification control, grassland restoration, technological innovation and livelihood development at the event, while highlighting regional achievements under China-Arab States, China-Mongolia and China-Central Asia cooperation mechanisms on desertification control, the Global Times learned from China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration (NFGA).

China has contributed about 25 percent of the world's newly added green areas and taken the lead in achieving zero growth in land degradation. 

Held under the theme "Restoring Land, Restoring Hope," COP17 brings together representatives from 197 parties, as well as UN agencies, international organizations, research institutions and businesses, to discuss issues including the restoration of degraded land, sustainable land management, drought resilience and grassland conservation.

The conference will also feature plenary sessions, implementation review meetings and high-level ministerial dialogues, with a focus on innovative financing, drought resilience, grassland restoration and pastoralists' well-being. Interactive forums on water resources, food systems and other topics will also be held.

Hosting COP17 in Ulan Bator is expected to place an international spotlight on Mongolia's land restoration priorities, including approaches that safeguard livelihoods, strengthen food security and protect ecosystems in dryland regions.

The conference is also taking place during the United Nations International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026 (IYRP 2026), declared by the UN General Assembly and championed by Mongolia. The year provides an important opportunity to advance the sustainable management, restoration and conservation of rangelands and to highlight the needs of pastoralist communities whose livelihoods depend directly on these ecosystems, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Desertified land accounts for about one-quarter of China's total land area. After more than half a century of sustained efforts, China has achieved a historic shift from "advancing sands and retreating people" to "expanding greenery and retreating deserts," with both desertified and sandy land areas continuing to decline, according to the NFGA.

China has become the first country in the world to achieve zero growth in land degradation, with 53 percent of its treatable sandy land effectively restored.

Over the past five years, China has completed 36.6 million hectares of land greening, raising its forest coverage rate to more than 25 percent and contributing about 25 percent of the world's newly added green areas, statistics from the NFGA show. 

Moreover, China attaches great importance to international cooperation on desertification control. It has established the China-Mongolia Desertification Prevention and Control Cooperation Center, the China-Arab International Research Center for Drought, Desertification, and Land Degradation, and the China-Central Asia Desertification Prevention and Control Cooperation Center, providing Chinese solutions and expertise to the global fight against desertification, according to China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

For example, hundreds of wells drilled by Chinese teams have turned sandy areas into farmland in Egypt, supporting desert reclamation. China has supplied drought-resistant saplings to Mongolia's "Billion Trees" campaign. Africa's own "Great Green Wall" initiative, inspired by China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration, has also gained support from China, Xinhua reported last year.

UNCCD COP17 opens in Mongolia's capital www.xinhuanet.com

The 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) officially opened in Ulan Bator, capital of Mongolia, on Monday.

Held under the theme "Restoring Land, Restoring Hope", COP17 brings together 12,000 representatives from the UNCCD's 197 Parties at a pivotal global forum aimed at accelerating action to combat desertification, land degradation and drought.

In his opening remarks, Mongolian Prime Minister Nyam-Osor Uchral said the world was entering a new era of collective decision-making on how to protect and restore the planet's land resources and what kind of world to leave for future generations.

"It is now widely recognized that desertification, land degradation and drought are challenges that transcend national borders and require a collective response from humanity," Uchral said.

"We need greater efforts now to turn commitments to combat desertification and land degradation into concrete action, supported by adequate financing, technology and institutional frameworks. Therefore, COP17 should not be a conference that simply repeats decisions and declarations from previous meetings, but one that accelerates their implementation," he noted.

The high-level segment of COP17 will feature ministerial dialogues, while the broader program includes multistakeholder forums and thematic discussions on science-policy integration, innovation and solutions, tools and technologies, and financing. The program also features four thematic days focusing on finance, water, land and people, and food systems and soil health.

Beyond formal negotiations, COP17 is expected to mobilize collective action on rangelands and pastoralists, drought resilience, water security, food systems and soil health. The conference will also seek to strengthen partnerships and promote practical, scalable solutions for restoring degraded land and building resilient communities and economies.

According to the UNCCD, land degradation is affecting a significant share of the world's land, with far-reaching consequences for food production, water availability, livelihoods and economic stability.

Mongolia, with a vast territory spanning 1.56 million square kilometers, is among the countries most affected by desertification and land degradation. At least 81.9 percent of Mongolia's total territory has been affected by desertification and land degradation to some extent, according to a recent national assessment released by the country's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.

Hosting COP17 in Ulan Bator is expected to place an international spotlight on Mongolia's land restoration priorities, including approaches that safeguard livelihoods, strengthen food security and protect ecosystems in dryland regions.

The conference is also taking place during the United Nations International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026 (IYRP 2026), declared by the UN General Assembly and championed by Mongolia. The year provides an important opportunity to advance the sustainable management, restoration and conservation of rangelands and to highlight the needs of pastoralist communities whose livelihoods depend directly on these ecosystems.

"Mongolia is one of the world's last remaining nomadic countries. Nomadic pastoralism represents a way of living in harmony with nature rather than against it," Uchral said.

He stressed the importance of promoting the sustainable use of rangelands and land to strengthen food systems and pastoralists' livelihoods, protect biodiversity and soil and water resources, and build resilience to climate change.

Uchral noted that the UN General Assembly's declaration of 2026 as the IYRP, at Mongolia's initiative, had created a historic opportunity to elevate rangelands and nomadic pastoralism on the global policy agenda.

He said linking the IYRP with COP17 would help Mongolia demonstrate that rangelands should not be viewed merely as degraded land, but as vital ecosystems that create economic value, require investment, and connect food systems, nature and the livelihoods of pastoralist communities.

COP17 will continue in Ulan Bator through Aug. 28, with governments and stakeholders expected to work toward concrete decisions and partnerships to accelerate land restoration and strengthen resilience to drought and other environmental challenges

Billionaire Bill Gates arrives in Mongolia to visit Bayan-Ulgii, Dundgovi, and Dornod provinces www.gogo.mn

Microsoft co-founder and billionaire Bill Gates arrived in Mongolia last Sunday, August 9, landing at Buyant-Ukhaa Airport aboard his private aircraft, according to official sources.

Bill Gates arrived with a small group and is currently traveling in Bayan-Ulgii province. He is expected to leave Bayan-Ulgii soon and continue his trip to Dundgovi and Dornod provinces.

The exact purpose of his visit to Mongolia and the date of his departure have not yet been disclosed.

Green Charging Station Capable of Charging 10 EVs Launched in Ulaanbaatar www.montsame.mn

 Under the framework of COP17 and the Government’s “Let’s Liberate” national initiative, Monnis Group has launched a “Green Station” at the parking area of the National Garden Park, capable of charging 10 electric vehicles simultaneously. Prime Minister Uchral Nyam-Osor, members of the Cabinet and representatives of the capital city attended the opening ceremony.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Uchral said that 36 green charging stations would be put into operation in the near future, before September. He added that the government plans to establish a nationwide network with 500 charging stations and would provide comprehensive support to the private sector.

He said the green transition under the “Let’s Liberate” initiative is aimed at reducing dependence on fuel and energy. He also noted that households using renewable energy have generated more than MNT 400 million in income by supplying surplus electricity to the state.

Chuluunbaatar Baz, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Monnis Group, said that electric vehicles can reduce spending on fuel by up to 90 percent. He also expressed the group’s commitment to taking a leading role in developing additional green charging stations.

The first “Green Station” under the “Let’s Liberate” national initiative was opened in Bulgan aimag in May. In addition, from August 7 to 9, the private sector conducted a pilot operation using a fully electric heavy-duty vehicle to transport cargo along the approximately 1,400-kilometer Ulaanbaatar–Zamiin-Uud–Ulaanbaatar route.

As part of its efforts to address fuel supply issues, the government is focusing on the following measures:

First, addressing fuel supply and storage capacity;
Second, getting the long-delayed oil refinery project back on track and bringing it into operation in 2028;
Third, promoting the green transition in the transport and mining sectors.

For example, the government is working to reduce interest rates on green loans for individuals and businesses purchasing electric vehicles by 4–6 percentage points and extend loan terms to up to 60 months. It has also begun implementing regulations to issue green license plates to fully electric vehicles and exempt them from vehicle license plate restrictions.

Fuel supply to return to normal, restrictions on license plates and purchase limits lifted www.gogo.mn

Due to an increase in fuel imports from Russia, importing companies have been instructed to urgently step up the supply of AI-92 gasoline to filling stations in Ulaanbaatar and local areas.

As of August 14, a total of 74 railcars carrying AI-92 gasoline had arrived in Ulaanbaatar over the previous 48 hours. At 2:30 PM, another 19 railcars arrived.

The Transport Police Service is paying particular attention to ensuring the smooth movement of fuel tankers on the roads, while customs authorities are expediting the clearance of imported petroleum products.

The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources said it is working to restore fuel supply and distribution in Ulaanbaatar and local areas to normal levels by the beginning of next week.

The temporary measures introduced to improve fuel availability, including restrictions based on even and odd license plate numbers and a MNT 50,000 limit per refueling, have produced the intended results. These measures will remain in effect through August 15, after which all filling stations will resume fuel sales without restrictions based on license plate numbers or purchase amounts.

Mongolia has requested the import of 71,000 tons of petroleum products from China per month, and relevant negotiations are underway. The Chinese side has indicated that it can supply up to 75,000 tons of petroleum products per month through three border crossings.

Mongolia's average daily consumption of AI-92 gasoline is approximately 2,000 tons.

13 criminals who were hiding abroad have been extradited to Mongolia www.open.kg

In July 2023, the Main Police Department of Mongolia successfully completed operations to return 13 citizens who were wanted internationally. All these individuals committed crimes on the territory of Mongolia and left the country to evade criminal responsibility.
As a result of joint efforts by law enforcement agencies in Mongolia and other countries, the detainees were extradited from five states: South Korea, China, Turkey, Japan, and Belarus. Currently, all returned citizens have been handed over to investigative authorities for further proceedings and accountability.

Current Account Records USD 207.2 Million Surplus www.montsame.mn

In the first half of 2026, the current account of the balance of payments recorded a surplus of USD 207.2 million, an increase of USD 2 billion compared to the same period last year.

According to the National Statistics Office, the growth in the current account surplus was driven by a USD 3.8 billion, or 6.3-fold, increase in the goods trade surplus compared to the same period of the previous year. Conversely, the services account recorded a deficit of USD 1.7 billion, up by 24.2%, or USD 340.3 million year-on-year. The primary income account ran a deficit of USD 2.7 billion, an increase of USD 1.5 billion, or 2.2 times compared to the previous year.

During this period, service trade revenue reached USD 930.4 million, an increase of 21.5%, or USD 164.6 million, from the same period last year. This growth was fueled by an 8.8% (USD 27.8 million) rise in transport service revenue, a 4.4% (USD 11.9 million) rise in travel revenue, and a 68.7% (USD 125 million) increase in other service revenue. Of the total service revenue, transport accounted for 36.8%, travel and tourism for 30.2%, and other services for 33%.

Meanwhile, service expenses reached USD 2.7 billion, up by 23.2%, or USD 505 million year-on-year. This increase was driven by an 11.2% (USD 76.3 million) rise in transport expenses, a 7.2% (USD 57.7 million) rise in travel expenses, and a 53.6% (USD 371 million) surge in other service expenses. Travel accounted for 32.1% of the total expenses, while transport and other services made up 28.2% and 39.7%, respectively.

The primary income account deficit reached USD 2.7 billion, widening by USD 1.5 billion compared to the same period last year. This was largely due to income payments to foreign investors reaching USD 1.6 billion, an increase of USD 1.5 billion from the previous year.

In the first half of the year, the financial account recorded a surplus of USD 209.3 million. This surplus decreased by 83.4%, or USD 1 billion, year-on-year, primarily due to a USD 1.3 billion increase in the deficit of other investments. However, the direct investment surplus increased by 34.5%, or USD 316.3 million, compared to the same period last year.

Overall, the balance of payments recorded a surplus of USD 566.6 million during this period, marking an increase of USD 1 billion compared to the same period last year.

Ts.Sandag-Ochir: About MNT 250 billion allocated from state budget for COP17 www.gogo.mn

Minister of Environment and Climate Change Ts.Sandag-Ochir provided information on decisions made at the regular Cabinet meeting.

He said, “The report on the state of desertification in Mongolia has been finalized based on data collected over more than 30 years. The report concluded that 81.9% of Mongolia’s total land area has been affected by desertification to some extent.

The findings of this study should serve as a basis for future government policies, including urban development planning and budget allocation. The earlier measures are taken, the more effectively desertification and land degradation can be addressed.

Preparations for the COP17 conference are 95% complete. Only minor landscaping, cleaning, and training work remains. A total of 7,800 participants have officially registered for the conference.

Approximately MNT 250 billion have been allocated from the state budget for the event, while around MNT 20 billion have been raised from the private sector.

During the conference, investment opportunities and projects will be discussed, with the aim of achieving concrete results. Therefore, we expect to recoup the full amount of the funds spent on the conference.”

Russia Positions Trans-Siberian and Asian Rail Routes for Slow Tourism Growth www.nomadlawyer.org

Russia is leveraging its vast national rail network to expand long-distance passenger travel, positioning the Trans-Siberian Railway and cross-border Asian corridors as premier destinations for slow tourism. By connecting remote Siberian landscapes with historical trading centers in Central Asia, China, and the Global South, the initiative aims to revive Silk Road overland journeys.

The Trans-Siberian Railway as an Overland Tourism Asset
Stretching across the vast territory of the Russian Federation, the Trans-Siberian Railway remains the centerpiece of Eurasian rail travel. Connecting Moscow with the Pacific port of Vladivostok, the route offers travelers a unique vantage point to witness the gradual transition of culture and geography. As the train moves past the Ural Mountains and deep into the Siberian wilderness, travelers experience a slow journey that stands in stark contrast to rapid air travel.Travel & Transportation

The main Trans-Siberian line runs across seven time zones, making the journey an exercise in temporal adjustment. To help passengers adjust, onboard schedules and dining car operations are kept on a regular cycle, while carriage attendants maintain quiet hours during the night. For many travelers, this slow tempo becomes a form of digital detox, allowing them to disconnect from online networks and focus on reading, writing, and contemplation. A highlight of the Trans-Siberian route is the Lake Baikal region, the world's deepest freshwater lake and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stopping near the lake allows travelers to explore remote lakeside villages, interact with local Buryat communities, and experience the natural scenery of the Siberian taiga. The railway serves as a mobile community, where passengers from diverse backgrounds share meals and stories in the dining car, making the journey itself the primary destination.

The Russia-Mongolia-China Cross-Border Corridor
The railway links between Russia, Mongolia, and China represent one of the most culturally diverse long-distance routes in the world. Following the path of ancient trade routes, this corridor takes travelers from Moscow, through the Siberian city of Irkutsk, across the open grasslands of Mongolia, and into the historic center of Beijing. This multi-country journey highlights the cultural transition from European Russia to nomadic Mongolian traditions and China's dynastic heritage.

Additionally, the border crossing at Naushki involves rigorous customs inspections by both Russian and Mongolian officers, which can take up to four hours. During this wait, passengers are encouraged to remain in their compartments while passports are checked. This slow border protocol, though time-consuming, is considered an authentic part of the old-world overland travel experience, giving travelers time to write in their journals or chat with neighbors. The appeal of this route lies in its ability to show the historical connections between these neighboring nations. Travelers can explore the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, stay in traditional nomadic yurts in the Mongolian steppe, and visit ancient monuments in Beijing. By integrating international rail schedules, this corridor offers an authentic slow-travel experience, allowing passengers to appreciate the vast scale of the Eurasian continent at a relaxed pace.

Central Asian Gates and the Southward Expansion Vision
Central Asia serves as a critical gateway in the expansion of Eurasian rail tourism. The railway networks of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan connect northern Eurasia with southern markets, serving as a historic bridge between East and West. The region contains many ancient cities along the Silk Road, including Samarkand and Bukhara, which offer rich architectural and historical treasures for cultural travelers.Tourist Destinations

Additionally, the long-term vision of a passenger rail corridor connecting Russia with India via Central Asia and Iran represents an ambitious infrastructure goal. While currently focused on freight transit, developing this corridor for passenger travel would create a historic overland route crossing diverse geographical zones. Such a corridor would allow travelers to experience the deserts of Turkmenistan, the ancient historic sites of Iran, and the vibrant cultural heritage of India in a single, continuous journey, though implementing it requires substantial coordination between border control agencies.

Premium Rail Concepts and Regional Economic Growth
The growth of premium and luxury rail  travel is transforming how travelers experience long-distance train journeys. Luxury trains, such as the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express, offer private en-suite cabins, fine dining cars, and guided excursions at key stops. This premium travel model appeals to international visitors seeking comfort and deep cultural immersion, shifting the focus of the holiday from reaching a destination to enjoying the slow movement of the train.Travel & Transportation

This style of  tourism also supports the economic development of remote communities situated along the rail lines. When passenger trains stop at regional stations, visitor spending is distributed to local vendors, craft cooperatives, and family-owned restaurants. Spreading tourism revenue away from major metropolitan centers to smaller Siberian and Central Asian towns promotes sustainable economic growth, helping local residents participate directly in the global visitor economy.
Traveling along the Trans-Siberian and Asian rail routes requires preparation regarding onboard traditions, local dining options, and international border procedures. By observing these guidelines, travelers can ensure a comfortable and respectful journey.

The best weather window for a Trans-Siberian journey is from May to September, when temperatures are comfortable and the Siberian wilderness is lush. Tickets can be booked directly through the official Russian Railways (RZD) portal; remember that timetables are displayed in Moscow Time, so verify local departure times carefully. Ensure you have obtained all necessary visas in advance, including Russian double-entry visas and Mongolian transit visas if taking the Trans-Mongolian route.

On board, respect the authority of the carriage attendant (provodnik or provodnitsa), who manages ticketing, cleanliness, and passenger safety. Every carriage is equipped with a samovar, a traditional hot water boiler at the end of the corridor, which is free to use for tea, coffee, or instant meals. Tea is traditionally served in a podstakannik, a classic metal glass holder designed to prevent spills while the train is in motion. Bring comfortable slip-on shoes or slippers (tapochki) to wear inside the carriage, and keep your cabin area tidy.

When dining, try local specialties sold at station platforms during longer stops. Taste Siberian Pelmeni, savory meat dumplings served with fresh sour cream, and smoked Omul, a whitefish endemic to Lake Baikal sold by local vendors. The dining car serves hot meals, but it is wise to bring dry snacks, tea bags, and fresh fruit purchased at local supermarkets before departure.

Be prepared for the bogie exchange process at the Mongolian-Chinese border. Russia and Mongolia use a broad track gauge of 1,520 mm, while China uses a standard gauge of 1,435 mm. At the border station of Erlian, the entire train is lifted on hydraulic jacks to swap the wheeled chassis under each carriage to match the Chinese tracks. This fascinating engineering process takes several hours, and passengers typically remain on board during the exchange.

Future Outlook: Rebuilding Connectivity and Overcoming Gaps
The future expansion of Eurasian railway tourism relies on addressing operational challenges, including varying border procedures, visa regulations, and infrastructure gaps. Inter-governmental cooperation is essential to streamline customs checks and improve passenger facilities at border stations.Tourist Destinations

The Russian Federal Passenger Company has announced plans to introduce new double-decker carriages on popular tourist routes to increase capacity and comfort. These modern carriages will feature improved air filtration systems, individual power outlets, and Wi-Fi connectivity where regional networks permit. By blending modern amenities with traditional train hospitality, the rail operators aim to attract a younger generation of slow travelers who value sustainability and cultural discovery. Ultimately, the long-term success of long-distance rail travel depends on preserving the cultural assets that attract travelers. By investing in heritage conservation, improving transport facilities at regional railway stations, and promoting eco-friendly travel practices, Russia and its Asian partners can preserve the historic allure of overland travel, proving that the train remains one of the most powerful connections between cultures.

Kazakhstan Presents Tokayev’s Water Initiative to Mongolia www.dknews.kz

Water diplomacy is moving to a new level. Kazakhstan and Mongolia discussed cooperation on water conservation, drinking water, drought and flood prevention, while also bringing the issue into the international agenda, DKNews.kz reports.

The matter was discussed during a meeting between Almas Seitakynov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Mongolia, and Zeneeemyadaryn Batbayar, Director of Mongolia’s Water Agency.

Kazakhstan and Mongolia Discuss Droughts, Floods and Drinking Water
The sides reviewed prospects for cooperation in water resources management and the introduction of water-saving technologies.

A separate part of the talks focused on monitoring and protecting water resources, ensuring access to quality drinking water, and preventing droughts and floods.

The agenda also included efforts to address the consequences of climate change, an issue directly linked to the resilience of both countries’ water systems.

Tokayev’s Water Initiative Presented to the Mongolian Side
Almas Seitakynov briefed his counterpart on President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s initiative to establish an International Water Organization under the auspices of the United Nations.

The proposed body is intended to strengthen international coordination in the water sector, promote the rational use of water resources, and support the development of sustainable solutions to global and regional water challenges.

For Kazakhstan, this continues a broader effort to move water issues beyond domestic infrastructure policy and into a separate track of international diplomacy.

Mongolia Invited to Kazakhstan’s COP17 Side Event
The meeting took place ahead of the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification — UNCCD COP17, which will be held in Ulaanbaatar from August 17 to 28, 2026.

Seitakynov invited Zeneeemyadaryn Batbayar to take part in a thematic side event organized by Kazakhstan during the conference.

This will give Kazakhstan an additional international platform to present its water agenda at a forum where drought, land degradation, water security, and climate risks are expected to be central issues.

Water Agencies and Researchers to Strengthen Direct Contacts
Kazakhstan and Mongolia also emphasized the importance of stronger cooperation between relevant government agencies and research institutions in the two countries.

Following the meeting, the sides agreed to maintain working contacts and further develop bilateral cooperation in the water sector.

The next major international platform for this agenda will be UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, where Kazakhstan will hold its thematic side event.