Mr. Lionel Laurens has assumed office as the new Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Mongolia and presented his credentials to H.E. Battsetseg Batmunkh, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia. He will lead UNDP’s work in the country in close partnership with the Government of Mongolia, national institutions, civil society, development partners, and communities to advance inclusive, sustainable, and resilient development.

Mr. Laurens takes up his assignment as Mongolia prepares to host the seventeenth session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP17) in Ulaanbaatar from 17 to 28 August 2026. Held under the theme “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope,” COP17 will bring global attention to land restoration, drought resilience, sustainable rangeland management, and practical solutions that protect livelihoods, ecosystems, and communities closely connected to the land. 

“I am honoured to take up this role at a pivotal moment for Mongolia and to carry forward UNDP’s longstanding partnership in the country,” said Mr. Laurens. “Mongolia has made important strides in advancing sustainable development, strengthening climate resilience, and expanding opportunities for people and communities. UNDP remains committed to supporting the country as it accelerates progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals and builds a more resilient, inclusive future.”

Mr. Laurens brings extensive experience in governance, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, crisis response, resilience, and poverty reduction across Africa, the Middle East and Asia. He has held senior UNDP leadership roles in a range of development, humanitarian, and post-crisis contexts, bringing a strong focus on integrated, people-centred approaches to development. 

UNDP has partnered with Mongolia for five decades, supporting national priorities across democratic governance, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, inclusive growth, digital transformation, gender equality, and sustainable financing. Under Mr. Laurens’ leadership, UNDP Mongolia will continue working with partners to support innovative solutions that respond to Mongolia’s development priorities and deliver lasting benefits for people and planet. 

Published Date:2026-08-06