AKIPRESS.COM - The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Mongolia Program conducted a comprehensive climate change training for local journalists, aiming to enhance their involvement in climate action, disaster risk reduction, and adaptation efforts. This marks the first session in a series of trainings designed to prepare journalists for the 2026 COP-17 on Desertification, which Mongolia will host.

The training was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). A total of 27 journalists from leading and regional media outlets, including MNB, Daily News, TV9, as well as press focal points from MECC, NEMA, and the Presidential Office, participated in the session.

The event was officially opened by H.E. Odontuya Saldan, Minister for Environment and Climate Change, and Mr. Matthieu Le Blan, GGGI Country Representative in Mongolia.

“I recently returned from COP-16 in Riyadh, where global leaders addressed the urgent crises of land degradation, drought, and desertification. Hosting COP-17 in 2026 will be a significant and challenging event for Mongolia. At Riyadh, it became clear how critical journalists are in disseminating accurate information to the public and sharing valuable knowledge with participants. Building the capacities of journalists in climate change is vital for raising awareness and educating the public on these pressing issues,” said H.E. Odontuya Saldan, Minister for Environment and Climate Change.

Mr. Matthieu Le Blan emphasized the pivotal role of journalists in three key areas: disseminating information, educating the public, and advocating for decision-makers. “Through these dedicated journalists, we can reach thousands across the country, equipping them with specialized knowledge on climate change,” he noted.

This inaugural training is part of a broader capacity-building initiative that will continue over the coming years, covering a variety of climate change topics. By 2026, 20 journalists, including 10 English-speaking professionals, will be certified by MECC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to work during COP-17.

The next training session will be co-organized with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Red Cross Mongolia, and the Press Institute of Mongolia, further broadening the scope and impact of the initiative.