By Julian Dierkes
As the second speaker in the afternoon session of the UN General Assembly, Pres. Khurelsukh had a prominent speaking spot at the annual diplomatic get-together.
The biggest news in the speech is that Mongolia will be a candidate for election by the Asia-Pacific group for the UN Security Council term 2028-29.
Wait, what? Khurelukh announcing candidacy for non-permanent #UNSC seat for 2048/49? Long-range plan or could this be 2028/29?
Foreign Minister Batseteg looking on.
#MGLfp— Mongolia Focus (@mongoliafocus.bsky.social) September 22, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Otherwise, the speech had much of the usual, lots of mentions of Mongolian UN activities, hosting of international meetings, a focus on activities related to women, and near the end, the expected and nearly-obligatory mention of Chinggis Khaan.
International Meetings as Diplomacy
In August 2026, I wrote about the 15-year history of focusing on the hosting of international meetings as a foreign policy specific strategy to engage not only Third Neighbours, but the international community at large. This has been somewhat less of a focus during the Khurelsukh presidency, compared to the high water mark of the Elbegdorj years. Gone are the days of promoting Mongolia as a possible mediator with international pariah North Korea, back – at least in rhetoric – are the days of hosting larger meetings.
Numerous meetings and activities were mentioned in this context from the Ulaanbaatar Dialogue, to the Think Tank for Landlocked Developing Countries, to various initiatives focused on women, and a highlight, COP17 of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and related programs. New in this listing, at least to me, was the announcement of a second conference focused on women peacekeepers, following on an 2022 event.
Candidacy for UN Security Council Non-Permanent Membership 2028-29
In his speech, Pres. Khurelsukh announced that Mongolia would be a candidate for election from the Asia-Pacific group for the 2028-29 term of non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council. Mongolia stands as a candidate as one of the 50+ countries who have never served on the UNSC.
Mongolia seems to have stood aside for a Japanese candidacy in 2021 previously. The explanation at the time seemed to be that Mongolia’s diplomatic service did not have the capacity for UNSC membersship.
Repeat Apperances
And here it comes, just minutes in, “800 years ago…”
#PaxMongolica— Mongolia Focus (@mongoliafocus.bsky.social) September 22, 2026 at 9:24 PM
Obviously, Chinggis Khaan turned up as well.
And yes,
Blessings of the eternal blue sky!
