The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Rio Tinto LLC jointly launched the Project “Promoting Sustainable Tourism through UNESCO Culture and Geo-Heritage” on September 16, 2024.

The joint project on sustainable tourism aims to preserve cultural heritage sites, promote sustainable tourism practices, and enhance the livelihoods of local communities. Within the framework of this cooperation, sides will use their experience and resources to establish the first geopark in Mongolia, whilst supporting geological science.

The event was attended by high-profile speakers and stakeholders, including H.E. Ms. Battsetseg Batmunkh, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairperson of the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO, Professor Shahbaz Khan, Director and Representative of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, Mr. Tapan Mishra, UN Resident Coordinator in Mongolia and Ms. Amarjargal Khenchbish, Chief Executive Officer of Rio Tinto Mongolia LLC.

UNESCO and Rio Tinto Mongolia LLC signed a long-term partnership Memorandum of Understanding to foster sustainable development initiatives in Mongolia on December 4, 2023.