Ceremony ·
Opening Ceremony
Welcome to the beautiful land of Mongolia — the cradle of a nomadic civilization with thousands of years of history.
Three works — a ceremonial dance, a chain of khoomei and a greeting with the khadag — and what each one means.
About this ceremony
At one time, the Mongols connected diverse nations, religions and civilizations across the vast expanses of the East and the Western world, opening new avenues of interaction in the course of world history. Today, in keeping with this enduring heritage and tradition, Mongolia welcomes friends from cultures around the world as we gather here in a spirit of solidarity for the restoration and renewal of our shared Earth.
The wisdom of unity and collective endeavor inherited from Mongolia’s statehood tradition, dating back more than 2,200 years, resonates strongly with the contemporary global vision of collective action. It offers a foundation for renewed hope, new partnerships and a shared commitment to restoring our Earth.
This tradition of statehood has not only shaped the establishment of governance and state institutions, but has also fostered the values of unity, mutual understanding, cooperation and collective action towards common goals.
Today, Mongolia seeks to connect this historic heritage and the wisdom of its nomadic culture of living in harmony with nature with the shared global responsibility for collective action. Mongolia will serve as a platform for bringing together the knowledge, experience and resources of nations to address land degradation, desertification and drought and to advance towards tangible and collective solutions.
In the programme
The Performances
ICeremonial Dance
History and Tradition
This ceremonial dance conveys, through the language of contemporary dance, the profound values of statehood, unity, respect and mutual understanding.
The performance welcomes distinguished guests who have gathered to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the world, with the honour and cultural heritage of the Mongolian state.
The Ceremonial Dance is an artistic work inspired by the court ceremonies of the Great Yuan Dynasty and the traditions of the ancient Mongolian aristocratic courts, as recorded in historical sources. It embodies the dignity and solemnity of Mongolian state traditions and serves as an expression of respect and honour to the distinguished delegates and guests of COP17, while evoking the grandeur and dignity of the state.
IIKhoomei Musical Journey
Heritage and Culture
“Khoomei Musical Journey” represents the unique cultural heritage passed down from generation to generation over centuries and embodies the intellectual and cultural resilience of Mongolia’s nomadic civilization.
Khoomei is not merely a vocal technique; it is a living heritage through which the worldview, aesthetics, philosophy and rhythm of life of the Mongolian nomadic people have been transmitted through the human voice.
The concept of a “chain” symbolises not only the bringing together of the diverse tones and melodies of Khoomei within a single artistic composition, but also the continuity of cultural heritage from ancestors to the present generation and from the present to the future.
This enduring chain — from one generation of Khoomei performers to the next, from the musical traditions of one region to another, and from traditional practices to contemporary artistic expression — reflects the continuity and vitality of Mongolia’s cultural heritage.
IIIGreeting with the Khadag
Welcoming and Uniting
“Greeting with the Khadag” is an artistic work expressed through dance, embodying the traditional Mongolian values of welcoming and honouring guests, respecting elders, upholding the traditions of statehood and social etiquette, and cherishing peace and harmony.
For Mongolians, the khadag is far more than a ceremonial object. It is a symbol of purity of heart, respect, blessings, harmony and goodwill.
To the distinguished representatives gathered at the opening ceremony of COP17 — including representatives of governments and the private sector, civil society, academia and research institutions, youth, Indigenous Peoples, herders and farmers — we respectfully extend this khadag as a gesture of welcome and goodwill.
The gesture of offering the khadag with both hands conveys the profound message: “I open my heart to you with respect.”
Welcome to the beautiful land of Mongolia.
Restoring Land · Restoring Hope
The other ceremony
High-Level Opening
— five works, carrying the ceremony from Restore to Believe, and what each one means.