The administration of Zandanshatar became one of the founders of the new body, while the democratic allies of the United States decided not to participate.
At the World Economic Forum in 2026, held in Davos, Switzerland, Prime Minister of Mongolia Zandanshatar Gombojav officially announced the country's accession to the Council of Peace, established at the initiative of the United States, becoming one of its first members. The speed with which Mongolia made the decision to join this new international organization raised some doubts; however, the government assures that this decision aligns with Ulaanbaatar's multi-vector foreign policy and serves to protect its national interests.
On January 22 in Davos, U.S. President Donald Trump established the Council of Peace, which was initially intended to monitor the implementation of a 20-point peace plan in Gaza but later became a platform for resolving international conflicts. Mongolia signed the Charter of the Council, becoming one of the founding countries.
After signing the Charter, the press release from Zandanshatar's administration emphasized that "the Council of Peace is not a military alliance, but a platform for cooperation based on respect for national sovereignty, which fully corresponds to Mongolia's independent and peaceful foreign policy."
The Office of the Prime Minister informed researcher Bolor Lkhaajav that "Mongolia's accession to the Council of Peace demonstrates the independent mechanism of the country's foreign policy."
In the official government statement, three key aspects justifying Mongolia's accession to the Council of Peace were highlighted:
"Mongolia, as a responsible and peacekeeping country, will support a new, flexible, and effective peace mechanism, which will strengthen Mongolia's international position and allow it to better assert its interests, as well as enhance the country's security and independence through political and diplomatic means within the framework of international law."
Mongolia has experience in peacekeeping operations. The Council is not a military alliance but represents a platform for voluntary cooperation and respect for sovereignty, which aligns with Mongolia's independent and peacebuilding policy.
The threshold of 1 billion dollars specified in the Charter pertains to the extension of membership for 3 years and is not a mandatory requirement for Mongolia. It can participate as a regular member on a voluntary basis for 3 years, considering its capabilities and interests.
U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia Richard Buangan, in his congratulatory message, noted: "Congratulations to Prime Minister Zandanshatar and thank you for Mongolia being one of the founders of the Council of Peace." He emphasized that this initiative, implemented under President Trump's leadership, aims to achieve peace in Gaza.
Some experts note that Ulaanbaatar hastened to join new global initiatives, while other countries are still studying the workings of the Council of Peace. Among Mongolia's strategic partners, such as Japan, South Korea, and Poland, there is a cautious assessment of the Charter and its potential functions.
From the perspective of bilateral relations with the United States, Mongolia's accession to the Council of Peace strengthens the strategic partnership established during Trump's first term in 2019.
Deputy Head of the Mongolian Diplomatic Mission in the U.S. Battushig Zanabazar stated: "Participation in this initiative at an early stage will give Mongolia a strategic advantage." He added that this supports a key initiative of the Trump administration to promote peace and stability, sending a positive signal to Washington. According to him, this will enhance trust between Mongolia and the U.S. in the context of the "third neighbor" concept.
On the international stage, since 1961, when Mongolia became a member of the UN, its presence and contribution have been recognized and continue to grow. However, in the past, the country faced difficulties in attempting to gain UN membership, complicating its foreign policy activity.
Thus, Mongolia's decision to join the Council of Peace refers back to historical choices the country made at key moments, such as after World War II.
Today, the world faces similar challenges, and this step by Mongolia may become an important historical moment when the country's leaders choose a path that promotes the protection of its independence and sovereignty.
In recent decades, Mongolia has expanded its membership in international organizations, from observer status to participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and temporary membership in the EAEU. According to Zandanshatar's administration, joining the Council of Peace could strengthen economic ties with other states, especially with Gulf countries such as the UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. These strategies should not be overlooked when it comes to the benefits of participating in the Council.
Nevertheless, it is important for Mongolia to conduct its foreign policy in accordance with other international commitments. Membership in the Council of Peace should not contradict its obligations to the UN, which remains an important channel for diplomatic negotiations. Despite potential premature steps, the decision to join does not represent a revision of Mongolia's foreign policy strategy.
Future agreements and cooperation mechanisms will require discussion at the legislative level to ensure they align with Mongolia's democratic principles and its commitment to maintaining peace and security both regionally and globally.
Author: Bolor Lkhaajav — a researcher specializing in Mongolia, China, Russia, Japan, East Asia, and America. She holds a Master's degree in Asian-Pacific Studies from the University of San Francisco.
Translation: Tatar S.Maidar
Source: The Diplomat
