Female Foreign Ministers’ Meeting commenced in June 29th at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
This inaugural meeting, initiated by Minister of Foreign Affairs B. Battsetseg, has garnered support from Germany and France, who are jointly organizing the event. The respective Foreign Ministers of both countries are actively participating in the meeting. In addition, distinguished representatives from various regions across the globe, including Burkina Faso, Indonesia, Liechtenstein, and South Africa, as well as Special Envoys for Gender Affairs from Australia and Mozambique, alongside delegates from the United Nations, other international organizations, and over 10 participating countries’ Foreign Ministers are actively engaging in the meeting through online platforms.
Opening the Female Foreign Ministers’ meeting, the president of Mongolia U.Khurelsukh said:
“Honorable Ministers of Foreign Affairs,
Esteemed guests and delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I extend my warm welcome to each and every one of you gathered here today to participate in this esteemed international meeting of women foreign ministers. Good morning to all.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our third country neighbor, the Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany, Mrs. Annalena Berbock, and Mrs. Catherine Colonna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of France, who are co-organizing this meeting.
It is recorded in historical sources that eight centuries ago, in the ancient capital of Mongolia, Kharkhorum, ambassadors and representatives of the East and the West gathered to discuss the strengthening of relations between nations, the promotion of inter-religious understanding, and the expansion of free trade and commerce.”
Similarly, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all the esteemed female foreign ministers and distinguished guests who have gathered here from various corners of the globe to engage in discussions on critical global issues encompassing peace, security, climate change, and food security, as well as matters pertaining to international relations.
In the 13th century, the visionary Emperor Genghis Khan founded the Great Mongol Empire, unifying the East and the West under a system of law and order, establishing what came to be known as the “Great Peace of Mongolia” across the vast expanse of Eurasia.
Throughout the period of the “Great Peace of Mongolia,” paramount importance was given to the establishment of a robust rule of law, enabling nations to coexist peacefully without warfare and fostering an environment conducive to peaceful living.
The significant role played by Mongolian queens and women during this historical era has been well-documented by esteemed scholars, including Jack Weatherford, a renowned American scholar and authority on the Order of Genghis Khan.
Hence, the role and leadership of women leaders in countries across the world hold immense significance in safeguarding global peace and security, as well as in achieving the objectives of sustainable development.
Despite more than half of the implementation period of the Sustainable Development Goals having elapsed, progress towards achieving Goal 5, which focuses on gender equality, remains insufficient.
Gender statistics reveal that key challenges faced by women include enhancing their participation in decision-making processes, promoting their employment opportunities, and improving their economic empowerment.
Research has consistently demonstrated that as the representation of women in a country’s parliament increases, the likelihood of violence, human rights violations, wars, and conflicts decreases significantly.
Therefore, our shared objective is to create a world free from gender inequality, and it is our collective duty and responsibility to work together in pursuit of this goal.
Recognizing the crucial role of women leaders, their partnership is indispensable for achieving meaningful gender equality.
We hold firm confidence that this gathering of women ministers of foreign affairs will contribute significantly to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of gender equality, women’s leadership, and their active involvement in addressing global challenges. By transforming their political will and leadership into tangible action, we can make a lasting impact.
Dear esteemed guests and delegates,
Research has consistently shown that increased participation of women in political and managerial roles creates better opportunities for resolving inter-state misunderstandings, fostering trust, and mitigating conflicts through peaceful dialogue. Furthermore, peace agreements and accords are more likely to be effectively implemented and endure over time.
In the case of Mongolia, we have steadfastly pursued an open, multi-pillared, and independent foreign policy that prioritizes the values of peace. We strive to actively contribute to strengthening international peace and security while safeguarding and upholding the principles of peace.
Mongolia currently holds the 17th position globally in terms of the number of female peacekeepers among more than 120 countries that contribute military and police personnel to United Nations peacekeeping operations. Notably, Mongolia is the leading nation in the Northeast and Central Asia regions in this regard.
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Mongolia’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations, an international conference on “Participation of Female Military Personnel in UN Peacekeeping Operations” was successfully initiated and was held in Ulaanbaatar in 2022.
During the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the President of Mongolia announced that Mongolia has made the decision to organize this international conference every five years.
We firmly believe that this decision will significantly contribute to the implementation and promotion of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on “Women, Peace and Security,” emphasizing the crucial importance of enhancing the representation of women in the peace process.
Therefore, I would like to emphasize the importance of your cooperation, courage, determination and efforts to increase the leadership and participation of women in the challenges facing the world, strengthening international peace and security, and solving tensions through peace and dialogue.
Esteemed guests and delegates,
Global climate change, biodiversity loss, desertification, soil degradation, water scarcity, and drought remain formidable challenges for humanity.
Mongolia, being one of the countries most affected by climate change, faces an even greater magnitude of its impacts. Over the past 70 years, our country has experienced a climate change rate twice that of the global average, with a notable increase in average air temperature by 2.2 degrees Celsius and a decrease in precipitation by approximately 7%.
In response, we have embarked on the successful implementation of the “Billion Trees” national movement. This ambitious initiative aims to plant and nurture billions of trees, with the goal of combating global climate change, mitigating desertification, curbing dust storms, and enhancing forest and water resources.
The international community, including countries worldwide, development partners, and international organizations, are collaborating to support the “Billion Trees” national movement. I am delighted to highlight that in 2022, Mongolia became the first country in Asia to collaborate within the European Union’s “Forest Partnership” program.
Together, we can make a tangible impact in addressing the environmental challenges we face and contribute to building a more sustainable and resilient future.
Furthermore, Mongolia is committed to hosting and organizing the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention to Combat Desertification (COP17) in 2026. This important event aims to address the adverse effects of climate change and protect the environment at both the international and regional levels.
As a nation of nomads, the challenges of desertification and land degradation have a profound impact on our way of life. Approximately 77% of Mongolia’s total territory is affected by desertification and land degradation. The livelihoods of over 200 million people in countries with similar nomadic animal husbandry practices are gradually shrinking due to climate change, soil degradation, desertification, and drought.
In recognition of the importance of protecting the rights of nomadic livestock breeders, improving pasture management and utilization, maintaining ecosystem balance, and ensuring global food supply and security, Mongolia initiated a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly to declare 2026 as the “International Year of Grassland and Nomadic Livestock Breeders.” We are delighted to announce that this resolution was approved in 2022.
Climate change affects individuals and communities worldwide, but its impacts are far from uniform. Vulnerability to climate change varies based on factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic conditions. This inequality highlights the urgent need for inclusive and equitable approaches to tackle the challenges posed by climate change.
UN Environment reports indicate that approximately 80% of individuals displaced by climate change are women. Furthermore, according to analysis conducted by Carbon Brief, about 70% of studies on climate change and health highlight the greater vulnerability of women to climate change-related health impacts compared to men.
These findings emphasize the crucial importance of international cooperation in effectively implementing gender-sensitive budgeting at the international, regional, and national levels. It is imperative to ensure the meaningful participation of women in decision-making processes concerning climate change, environmental protection, and disaster risk reduction.
By incorporating a gender perspective into these realms, we can address the specific challenges faced by women, empower their voices, and create more resilient and sustainable solutions. International collaboration plays a vital role in driving gender-responsive approaches that foster inclusivity, equity, and effective responses to climate change and environmental challenges.
Esteemed guests and delegates,
According to a recent UN study, approximately one-third of the global population, amounting to 350 million people, faced the risk of food insecurity in 2021, meaning a significant increase compared to the pre-pandemic period.
Furthermore, research conducted by international organizations has projected that by 2030, approximately 8 percent of the world’s population, equivalent to 670 million individuals, will continue to endure the challenges of hunger.
In alignment with our commitment to sustainable development, promoting the consumption of healthy food within a nurturing environment, and fostering a robust living environment, Mongolia has taken decisive steps to implement national programs such as “Food Supply and Security” and “Healthy Mongolian People, ” alongside the “Billion Trees” national movement.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the international organizations and countries actively engaged in cooperating and supporting the successful implementation of these programs. Through our collective efforts, we aspire to address food insecurity, promote well-being, and establish a sustainable future for all.
Women play a crucial role in global food production, contributing to over 50% of the world’s food supply. Supporting and empowering the millions of women engaged in agriculture is key to improving food security, reducing hunger, and alleviating poverty by introducing innovation and electronic technology, we can enhance agricultural productivity and further enhance the well-being of these women and their communities.
Let us unite our efforts to create a world of peace and harmony, recognizing that gender equality and the protection of women’s rights are fundamental components of human rights and essential criteria for democracy.
It is vital to acknowledge the significant role and participation of women in fostering harmony, prosperity, and well-being within families and communities. The contributions of women and female leaders are pivotal for the security and development of humanity.
To all the remarkable women who embody the essence of life and serve as the bedrock of success, I extend my warmest wishes for your well-being and fulfillment in this world.
Welcome to our beautiful country, and may you find relaxation and joy during your time here.
Thank you for your attention and engagement.