From devastating floods in South Sudan to environmental emergencies around the world, climate change is contributing to conflict and instability. Addressing these challenges requires not only concrete action but also sustained international cooperation to build resilience and invest in peace.
For Mongolia, the links between climate action and conflict prevention are more than a topic of international discussion. From hosting the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in the country's capital Ulaanbaatar in August 2026, to supporting flood-affected communities in South Sudan, the country is helping turn global commitments into tangible action on the ground.
“Healthy land gives people something fundamental: the ability to build a future where they already belong and can thrive. COP17 can put that future within reach by matching national ambition with finance and trusting the people who steward the land to lead” said Deputy Secretary-General Amina J Mohammed during her trip to Mongolia where she attended COP17.
Across South Sudan, conflict, displacement and climate-related disasters, a central theme of discussions at COP17, continue to threaten stability and people's lives. Mongolian peacekeepers have played a vital role in protecting civilians across the frontlines.
Working alongside Pakistani engineering units, Mongolian peacekeepers have played a critical role in supporting the protection of communities from the devastating floods in South Sudan, particularly in and around Bentiu. There, peacekeepers conduct boat patrols to monitor water levels along the Nile and inspect protective dykes for signs of damage that could increase flood risks.
“Despite operating with reduced personnel and in a complex operating environment, Mongolian peacekeepers have continued to conduct security patrols and respond quickly to evolving threats,”said Colonel Norov Bat-Erdene, Commanding Officer of the Mongolian contingent in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
During an outbreak of violence in Abiemnhom, South Sudan, in March 2026, Mongolian peacekeepers rapidly responded to protect civilians and provided emergency medical assistance.
"You took active and effective action, establishing emergency shelter for displaced families, providing urgent medical support, and ensuring continuous protection for women, children, and older people," said UNMISS Force Commander Major General Junhui Wu at a ceremony honouring the Mongolian contingent’s work safeguarding civilians.
Since joining UN Peacekeeping in 2002, Mongolia has emerged as a leader in advancing women's participation in peacekeeping, and the country honoured its pledge made at the 2025 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial to increase the deployment of women peacekeepers to 15 per cent.
As part of this progress, women are taking on increasingly important roles in peacekeeping. Among them is Mongolian peacekeeper Captain Enkhoyun Ulaankhuu, serving with UNMISS. Her work highlights the vital role women peacekeepers play in building more effective, inclusive and responsive peace operations.
As of 31 May 2026, Mongolia deploys 545 personnel across seven UN peacekeeping missions, ranking 24th among 116 troop-and police-contributing countries, underscoring its longstanding commitment to UN peace operations and international cooperation.
Learn more about Mongolia’s commitment to UN peacekeeping: Service and Sacrifice: Mongolia continues to strengthen its contribution to UN Peacekeeping | UN News
