[Ulaanbaatar city, March 24, 2023] – Millennium Challenge Account - Mongolia (MCA-Mongolia) participated in the "Blue Gold" national water forum organized by the Office of the President of Mongolia, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, and the Water Department at the initiative of the President of Mongolia U. Khurelsukh on the occasion of World Water Day.

The forum aims to strengthen collaboration for protecting and appropriately managing the water resources, implementing policies to ensure a safe and sustainable water supply for the population, industries, organizations, and businesses, enhancing climate resilience, and keeping the ecosystem balanced. Over 800 people representing governmental and non-governmental water sector organizations, scientists, researchers, citizens, private enterprises, and international organizations attended the forum.

“During the state visit to the United States as the Prime Minister of Mongolia, I signed the Mongolia Water Compact with the U.S Millennium Challenge Corporation paving the road to implement a comprehensive program to increase bulk water supply in Ulaanbaatar and build the first Advanced Water Purification Plant and Water Recycling Plant in Mongolia.  Today, the two plants are under construction” the President of Mongolia U.Khurelsukh highlighted in his opening remarks.

He also expressed deep gratitude to the United States, the American people, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to Mongolia.

MCA-Mongolia CEO E.Enkhgerel presented on "Mongolia Water Compact: Implementation Status of the Bulk Water Supply Project Program and Issues for Further Consideration" at the forum.

MCA-Mongolia also participated in the exhibition organized during the forum and informed the participants about the projects under the Mongolia Water Compact.

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This $462 million project is a partnership between the American and Mongolian people made possible by $350m in MCC grant funding and the $111.76m contribution from the Government of Mongolia which demonstrates their commitment to working together to achieve economic growth and poverty reduction in Ulaanbaatar. The Mongolia Water Compact is funding major infrastructure projects, including the construction of new wellfields and two large plants - an Advanced Water Purification Plant and Wastewater Recycling Plant which will be the first of their kind in Mongolia. In addition, the Compact will invest in policy measures to create a financially and environmentally sustainable future for the water sector of Ulaanbaatar. By 2026, the water system in Ulaanbaatar will have been expanded to deliver 80% more drinking water, allowing for the city’s future expansion.