COP17 Countdown: Mongolia is preparing to host UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar starting Aug. 17, with confidence-building calls from Germany and a public-facing “Green Zone” packed with 480+ activities, 180 projects, and nearly 1,500 presentations. Pastoralism & Land Restoration: The Global Pastoralist Gathering and Conference opened in Ulaanbaatar as President Khurelsukh pushed Mongolia’s “Steppe Action” priorities—rangelands, land-water links, and nature-based solutions—to protect herders’ rights and restore degraded land. Fuel Supply Stabilizes: A Rapid Response Headquarters says nationwide AI-92 fuel distribution will normalize from Monday, with railcar unloading underway and more shipments en route from Russia, plus aviation fuel expected from China. Economy Watch: Mongolia’s current account posted a USD 207.2 million surplus in H1 2026, driven by a much larger goods trade surplus even as services and primary income stayed in deficit. Culture & Music: Mongolia confirmed it will join Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 in Bangkok, with its official selection branded “Mongolia’s Chosen One.” Sports: Mongolia’s Ulaanbaatar Amazons set to lead seedings in Singapore’s Women’s 3x3 series.