The Secretary-General also visited a nomadic family in Mongolia and learned about their way of life.
Over the past six decades, the country has become an increasingly important contributor to the UN’s work, he said.
No more nuclear weapons
Secretary-General António Guterres meets with the nomadic people of Mongolia.
Mr. Guterres stressed how “nature is striking back” with storms, desertification, floods and disasters, which are making life very difficult for many people around the world and causing many victims.
He stated that in a world with dramatic geopolitical divides, and where conflicts proliferate everywhere, Mongolia – as an area free of nuclear weapons – is an example for other countries to follow.
They discussed the geopolitical situation in the region, the challenges Mongolia faces as a landlocked country, and national efforts to tackle climate change.
Mongolia has shown its commitment to non-proliferation & disarmament by declaring itself a nuclear-weapon-free zone.
‘Make peace with nature’
Mr. Guterres was speaking to journalists at a press conference in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, following a meeting with the Foreign Minister, Battsetseg Batmunkh.
“My generation was very stupid. My generation declared war on nature – with climate change with the loss of biodiversity, with pollution,” he said.
I hope many other countries will follow this example. pic.twitter.com/wmdI4Cgfag
Mr. Guterres expressed gratitude to Mongolian peacekeepers serving at UN peace operations, “often in the most challenging settings and with courage in the way they protect civilians where unfortunately, there’s sometimes no peace to keep”.
He also met a group of beneficiaries from UN projects, including women entrepreneurs and youth activists.
My gratitude to President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa & the people of Mongolia for their generous hospitality.
