The invitation was made to Thunberg by Mongolia President Khaltmaagiin Battulga.

It followed a meeting between Battulga, former President of the Mongolian Judo Association. and the Swedish climate change activist at the World Economic Forum held at Davos in Switzerland.

Thunberg is widely credited with helping to launch a worldwide "Climate Strike Movement", which has seen children skip school to stage demonstrations encouraging politicians to take action.

She had been part of a demonstration in Lausanne last month, which coincided with the Winter Youth Olympic Games in the Swiss city.

Thunberg then travelled to Davos, where she spoke at the World Economic Forum.

Her invitation to the inaugural Green Games comes with organisers seeking to promote the voice of young people, who are using sport to highlight climate change.

The Green Games are due to take place in Mongolia’s capital city Ulaanbaatar from September 13 to 19.

The Mongolian Government are hosting the event with the support of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO and the MNOC.

The Games is aimed at hoping to encourage people to make eco-friendly choices, as well as raising awareness of the importance of preserving green spaces and educating young people through their participation.

Medals awarded at the Green Games will be made from recycled materials.

Athletes under the age of 18 will participate, with 19 sports having been included on the programme.