Mongolia Forum 2026

June 19-24, 2026

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About this event

Northeast Asia is home to nearly one fifth of the world’s population and accounts for roughly one quarter of global GDP. At the same time, the region continues to grapple with historical and territorial disputes, a lack of confidence among states, and the absence of inclusive multilateral mechanisms capable of addressing common regional challenges. These challenges include rising tensions and an arms buildup on and around the Korean Peninsula, increasing great-power rivalry and its impact on regional security policies, and the emergence of Cold War-like security structures in East Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

For these reasons, civil society organizations and policy experts across the region have sought to promote dialogue, cooperation, and confidence-building measures that can contribute to regional peace and stability. Promoting inter-Korean dialogue and cooperation and preparing the conditions for the peaceful reunification of Korea, remain important elements of this effort. At the same time, discussions on the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Northeast Asia, particularly on and around the Korean Peninsula, have gained renewed attention as the logical alternative for reducing nuclear risks and strengthening regional security.

Mongolia has long played a constructive role in encouraging dialogue on regional peace and security. Its internationally recognized Nuclear-Weapon-Free Status and its policy of maintaining friendly relations with all countries in the region including both Koreas enabled it to serve as a neutral venue for dialogue and confidence-building initiatives.

In 2026, Mongolia will host UNCCD COP17 under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, bringing international attention to issues of environmental sustainability, land restoration, and cooperative responses to desertification and climate challenges. This global gathering will further highlight Mongolia’s role as a venue for constructive international dialogue.

Building on this tradition, the Mongolia Forum brings together policymakers, experts, and civil society representatives from across Northeast Asia for open and candid discussions on regional challenges and opportunities. The Forum consists of an informal off-the-record retreat followed by a public policy forum in Ulaanbaatar. Through dialogue and exchange of views, the Forum contributes to confidence-building among regional actors and to explore practical pathways toward greater peace, cooperation, and stability in Northeast Asia, including advancing discussion of creating a nuclear-weapon-free zone cantered on or around the Korean Peninsula.

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