Prime Minister of Mongolia N. Uchral met with Ms. Yasmine Fouad, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, on April 14, 2026.

Prime Minister N. Uchral expressed appreciation for the support and cooperation provided by the Convention’s Secretariat and relevant organizations in preparing to host the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, scheduled to take place in Mongolia from August 17 to 28, 2026.

He noted that the government is working to ensure the conference is organized at a high level, successfully and effectively, and said that invitations will be extended to distinguished international guests, delegates, and stakeholders in April.

The Prime Minister also highlighted that the government is advancing its green development policy and preparing to submit a draft Law on Climate Change to parliament. He emphasized that COP17 presents an opportunity for Mongolia to showcase its green development agenda to the world and attract investment in the green economy.

Ms. Yasmine Fouad, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, expressed appreciation for Mongolia’s active and responsible efforts in preparing to host COP17. She also affirmed that the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office and the Convention’s Secretariat will provide comprehensive policy and organizational support and will work closely with the Government of Mongolia to ensure the successful organization of the conference.

Prime Minister N. Uchral has called for full transparency in the financing of the upcoming COP17 conference, stressing that budget spending must be open to the public from the outset.

Speaking at a meeting of the national committee organizing the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, Prime Minister N. Uchral said the government would prioritise preparations and ensure swift resolution of outstanding issues.

The conference is seen as a major opportunity to deepen international cooperation on land degradation, desertification, and climate change, key challenges facing Mongolia. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing green development.

The COP17 summit will be held in Mongolia from August 17–28, with participants expected from UN member states, affiliated organisations, and major financial institutions including the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. Around 8,000–10,000 delegates are expected to attend.

Preparations are underway through 12 subcommittees, with 56% of 782 planned tasks completed so far.

Highlights from the Cabinet Meeting on April 8

The Government of Mongolia has canceled 9,376 state inspections planned for 2026 as part of efforts to stimulate the economy and support businesses.

Prime Minister N. Uchral said the “Free Up” initiative is aimed at boosting economic activity rather than maintaining excessive oversight during a challenging period. He stressed the need to reduce bureaucratic pressure on businesses while ensuring that public health and safety remain protected.

Currently, 31 areas of inspection are overseen by 11 ministries, three agencies, and local administrative bodies. Across the country, 1,713 inspectors monitor compliance with 112 laws, more than 3,600 regulations, and over 4,500 standards.

Data from 2024 and 2025 show that some organizations were inspected more than 30 times annually.

Civil Servants Freed from Excessive Reporting

The government will also reduce the reporting burden on civil servants. Prime Minister N. Uchral announced that officials will no longer be required to prepare 20–30 different reports on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual basis.

Although existing law prohibits the government from asking for data it already holds, poor information-sharing between agencies has remained an issue. Officials have been instructed to improve enforcement.

Authorities will also adopt the eCabinet dashboard, a system designed to support data-driven decision-making.

Additional measures include more flexible working hours, a ban on weekend work, and the option for civil servants to work remotely one day per week.

International Tender Announced for Steel Complex

An international tender has been announced for the construction of a steel production complex. Invitations will be extended to leading global companies and investors, with the selection process set to conclude by May 27.

The facility will be built in Darkhan-Uul aimag with an annual capacity of at least one million tons and will form part of an industrial and technology park.

The project’s total investment is estimated at USD 806 million, according to a preliminary feasibility study.

Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources G. Damdinyam said the plant would enable Mongolia to meet 60–70% of its domestic steel demand. He added that it lower construction material prices, reduce reliance on imports, and create around 1,700 permanent jobs.

Emergency Funds Allocated for Disaster Preparedness

The government has also approved the allocation of reserve funds to address seasonal risks and natural disasters, including wildfires, strong winds, and storms.

The funding will cover essential supplies, fuel distribution to provinces, and transportation costs.

Since the start of 2026, Mongolia has recorded 1,282 hazardous incidents, resulting in 63 fatalities and 61 injuries.

Spring is considered a high-risk period due to snowmelt flooding, wildfires, and severe weather, all of which pose significant threats to lives and property.

Mongolia has climbed 20 places in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index, reflecting progress in gender equality, Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar said on March 6, 2026.

Speaking at the first 2026 meeting of the National Committee on Gender Equality, the Prime Minister said Mongolia moved from 85th place in 2024 to 65th in 2025. The country now ranks fifth in the East Asia and Pacific region.

Mongolia has also improved its standing in women’s representation in parliament. According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the country advanced by 30 places to rank 98th globally. The improvement follows gradual amendments to election legislation aimed at increasing women’s political participation. Thirty-two women currently serve in parliament.

Women account for 51% of Mongolia’s population but represent 62% of those outside the labor force. Women’s labor force participation rate remains 16.2 percentage points lower than that of men, while their average wages are about 19% lower.

The government is working with the private sector to launch a “Returnship” program designed to help mothers return to work after childcare leave and ensure job security during such leave, the Prime Minister said.

Committee members noted that gender policy should also address challenges faced by men. Men make up only 38% of undergraduate students, while 72% of students who have dropped out of school or are at risk of dropping out are male. Male participation is also declining in social service sectors such as healthcare and education.

S. Byambatsogt, chief of the Cabinet Secretariat and deputy chair of the committee, presented a report on population development policy and youth issues, including challenges faced by young herders and single young men.

The committee also approved its 2026 action plan, which includes more than 70 measures aimed at promoting equal economic opportunities, expanding participation, and strengthening Mongolia’s national system for ensuring gender equality.