28/05/2026
International Business Forum on “Women’s leadership for accelerating the net-zero transition and enhancing climate action by leveraging AI” and the 14th “Women of the Year – 2026” Award Ceremony Successfully Held in Dublin.
Dublin, Ireland — 16 May 2026
On 16 May 2026, “Women’s leadership for accelerating the net-zero transition and enhancing climate action by leveraging AI” the International Business Forum was successfully held at the historic Clontarf Castle Hotel in Dublin, Ireland, alongside the 14th “Women of the Year – 2026” Award Ceremony.
The event was jointly organised by the Association for the Development of Mongolian Women in Europe (ADMWE), Global Mongolian Women Together NGO, the Embassy of Mongolia to the United Kingdom and Ireland, and the Rangeland Stewardship Council (RSC).
The forum brought together government representatives, academics, diplomats, environmental experts, business leaders, civil society organisations, and over 200 Mongolian women living and working across Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Europe.
Opening Ceremony and Social Impact Initiatives
During the opening session, ADMWE presented the outcomes and social impact of its 2025 charitable initiatives, including the “Healthy Girls – Healthy Environment” project implemented in Mongolia. The project focuses on girls’ wellbeing, psychological support, and the prevention of domestic violence.
Through this initiative, more than 1,200 girls from six secondary schools in the ger districts of Ulaanbaatar were reached. The project has created opportunities to expand its implementation to remote rural schools. The project was presented by Boldmaa Ganbold, Representative of the Sukhbaatar District Citizens Representatives Council of Ulaanbaatar City and Board Member of the Social Democratic Mongolian Women’s Party of Sukhbaatar District
The opening ceremony was conducted with full honours, including performances of the national anthems of Mongolia and Ireland. The Mongolian national anthem was performed by Tserenchimed Munkhbat, member of the Khuur ensemble and traditional long-song singer, while the Irish national anthem was performed by Emma Kerrigan, a student from Grammar School near St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin.
Strategic Vision and Key Messages
The forum was officially opened by Enkhjargal Danzanbaljir, President of Global Mongolian Women Together NGO and Honorary President of ADMWE. Her remarks framed the forum around four key questions: Why Dublin? Why climate change? Why artificial intelligence? Why women’s leadership now?
She highlighted the severe challenges facing Mongolia, including desertification, drought, land degradation, and climate change, which pose significant risks to food security, economic stability, nomadic civilisation, and traditional livelihoods. She also emphasised the importance of Mongolia hosting COP17 of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification in Ulaanbaatar in 2026.
The forum was positioned as an important international platform contributing to dialogue and cooperation ahead of COP17, addressing climate change, desertification, artificial intelligence, green development, and women’s leadership.
High-Level Greetings
Greetings were delivered by a video message from Battsetseg B, Member of Parliament and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, emphasised Mongolia’s active engagement with the international community in combating climate change and desertification, as well as the importance of strengthening global cooperation in the lead-up to COP17.
Remarks were also delivered by Emma Blain, former Lord Mayor of Dublin and current Acting Lord Mayor, member of Dublin City Council and the European Committee of the Regions. Her remarks focused on Mongolia–Ireland relations, women’s leadership, international cooperation on climate action, and the positive contribution of Mongolians living and working in Ireland.
Keynote Address
Una Jones, Founder of the Sustainable Fibre Alliance, highlighted the urgent global importance of protecting rangelands and supporting pastoralist communities, noting that 2026 marks the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists and that Mongolia will host UNCCD COP17 in August 2026.
She emphasised that the world has already exceeded seven of the nine planetary boundaries, making collective and large-scale action essential. Through the Sustainable Fibre Alliance and the Rangeland Stewardship Council (RSC), efforts are underway to develop the Global Rangelands Standard to recognise, verify, and promote responsible rangeland stewardship and restoration.
Speaking on artificial intelligence, Una Jones noted that AI presents important opportunities for climate adaptation and sustainable land management, including drought early-warning systems, optimised grazing informed by traditional knowledge, and improved market access for women herders.
At the same time, she cautioned against potential risks such as the exclusion of local knowledge, high energy consumption, and violations of data sovereignty. She stressed that AI must be developed responsibly through community collaboration, protection of data rights, and stronger women’s leadership to help restore ecosystems, strengthen local communities, and safeguard future generations.
A video presentation by Munkhtamir B, Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Mongolia, outlined Mongolia’s environmental policies, the “Billion Trees” National Movement, green development strategies, and preparations for COP17.
Panel Discussions
The first panel discussion, “Women’s leadership and contribution to the Net Zero and combating climate change,” was moderated by John Grogan, former UK Member of Parliament and Chair of the British-Mongolian Chamber of Commerce.
Panellists included Oonagh Buckley, Secretary General of the Irish Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment; Bayarmaa B, Executive Director of the Billion Trees Fund; Temuulen M, Researcher at the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, Japan; and Gangamurun G, Director of Ulaanbaatar Investment Management Company’s Green fund.
The discussion highlighted women’s critical role in advancing the green economy, environmental policy, sustainable finance, and practical climate solutions, while exploring new opportunities for collaboration between governments, the private sector, and international organisations.
The second panel, “Sustainable initiatives on reducing carbon emissions using latest technologies and AI solutions” was moderated by Namuuun Ch, President of ADMWE.
Panellists included Yvonne Abba-Opoku, Director of Governance and Operations at King Charles III’s Charitable Fund; Aishvaria Panneerselvam, Head of Women in Energy at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland; Enkhjargal D., Member of the Supervisory Board of the Bank of Mongolia; and Elchmaa I, fintech and technology specialist.
Speakers stressed that AI-based solutions must be supported by good governance, transparency, stakeholder participation, accurate data, and human oversight. The importance of empowering women and young people with AI skills was also highlighted as a foundation for sustainable development.
The third panel, “Cultural Heritage and Earth Savers” was moderated by Catherine Heaney, Honorary Consul of Mongolia in Ireland.
Panellists included Lynn Scarff, Chief Executive of the Royal Irish Academy; Mart.B, documentary filmmaker; Dr Pete Hommel, Senior Lecturer in Archaeological Materials at the University of Liverpool; and Unurmaa J, Cultural Envoy of Mongolia.
The discussion explored the connection between cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and environmental protection in Mongolia and Ireland. Documentary filmmaker Mart.B presented excerpts from a new documentary on Mongolian horse herders and nomadic life, highlighting the importance of preserving traditional livelihoods and culture amid climate change.
Closing Reflections and Fundraising Activities
Participants underlined the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges and expressed confidence that the discussions held in Dublin would strengthen bilateral and international partnerships, foster innovative solutions, and build long-term cooperation.
As part of the forum, a fundraising initiative was organised to support projects combating domestic violence and promoting the wellbeing of girls and women in Mongolia, raising a total of 45 million MNT.
Даян Дэлхийн Монгол Эмэгтэйчүүд Хамтдаа ( ДДМЭХ)-Global Mongolian Women To
Данзанбалжирын Энхжаргал Еnkhjargal Danzanbaljir
Санхүү Банкны Эмэгтэйчүүд
Batmunkh Battsetseg Батмөнхийн Батцэцэг
Данзанбалжир Энхжаргал
Yvonne Abba-opoku
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