MESSAGE OF HIS EXCELLENCY MR. UKHNAA KHURELSUKH,

PRESIDENT OF MONGOLIA

ADDRESSED TO THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON

TRANS-ALTAI SUSTAINABILITY DIALOGUE

Speaker of the State Great Hural,

Distinguished guests and participants,

I am delighted that the international conference on "Trans-Altai Sustainability Dialogue" is being held in Ulaanbaatar for the second year. The conference is highly important for strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation among nations that share the common roots of Altaic language, culture and history.

If the entire world is committed to peace, justice, and sustainable development, and if efforts and resources are devoted to strengthening the political, economic, environmental, and socio-cultural foundations, we will not only be able to lead peaceful lives, but also sustain a peaceful and prosperous world for future generations.

I am pleased to note that within the framework of its peace-oriented, open, and multi-pillar foreign policy, Mongolia's efforts to intensify sustainable development in the region are bolstering year by year. This is evidenced by the growing number of participating countries in advancing the initiative and the expansion of the scope of the conference.

During these challenging times of climate change, geopolitical tensions, poverty, epidemic-related difficulties, debt burden, and price increases awaiting solutions, there is a pressing demand for the intensification of the implementation of sustainable development goals. It is worth noting the significance of specifically addressing the issues of strong institutions and good governance, justice, and equality at the "Trans-Altai Sustainability Dialogue" conference.

Researchers continue to warn that the existing challenges pose a risk of further deepening inequality and worsening the economic and geopolitical situation. As the implementation period of "The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" surpasses its halfway point, it is concerning that only 12 percent of the activities have been implemented as planned, with 50 percent being poorly implemented, and 30 percent stagnating or even regressing. In these challenging times, the world is placing special emphasis on several critical issues, including enhancing the competence of systems and institutions, bolstering human resources, and drastically improving financing mechanisms.

In 1990, Mongolia embarked on a steady transition to a democratic system, adopting core international human rights instruments and establishing institutions and mechanisms to fulfill its obligations under international norms. Our country has made significant strides in its national contribution to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 16, including the abolition of the death penalty and the adoption of legislation on human rights defenders.

In addition to consolidating its achievements, Mongolia is focusing on strengthening democratic governance, increasing direct participation of citizens in government policy and decision making, combating corruption, and strengthening the system for ensuring human rights and freedom.

Mutual understanding, cooperation, participation, and leadership are the primary foundations for ensuring that no one is left behind in the implementation of sustainable development goals. I am fully confident that the valuable recommendations put forth by scholars, researchers, guests, and representatives participating in this conference will significantly contribute to the implementation of SDGs, particularly goal 16.

I extend my best wishes to the Trans-Altai Sustainability Dialogue, as well as to the scholars and policymakers attending the conference, for every success in their noble endeavors.

PRESIDENT OF MONGOLIA                                KHURELSUKH UKHNAA