The 7th meeting of the Performance Monitoring Unit under the Prime Minister was held on March 15 to review the progress of key infrastructure and environmental initiatives in Ulaanbaatar. This unit, tasked with overseeing air pollution reduction and infrastructure development projects, assessed current efforts to improve the city’s living conditions.

During the meeting, participants discussed major projects including the Tuul River Expressway, the New Belt Road, the Selbe sub-center, and initiatives focused on semi-coke production. Emphasizing the need for integrated urban development, Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing Ulaanbaatar’s challenges through strategic planning.  Among the proposed infrastructure projects, the Vertical Axis Expressway, introduced by Minister of Roads and Transport B. Delgersaikhan, aims to connect the northern and southern parts of the city. This expressway is expected to intersect with both the Tuul River Expressway and the New Belt Road. Meeting participants recommended that this project be aligned with Ulaanbaatar’s overall development plan, citing studies that indicate a north-south expansion as the most efficient growth model. The Prime Minister instructed officials to incorporate expert assessments into the planning process and present the project to the Cabinet for approval.

Discussions also focused on measures to improve insulation in ger (traditional nomadic dwelling) neighborhoods and older apartment buildings located within the city’s green zones. According to the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction, and Housing, enhancing insulation in these homes could reduce heating costs significantly, by up to two or three times, contributing to lower air pollution levels.

Following the meeting, Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene visited the home of B. Tugsjargal in the Bayanzurkh district, where gas stoves have recently been introduced as part of a pilot project. B. Tugsjargal praised the convenience and cleanliness of using gas stove, noting that improved insulation would make heating even more cost-effective. Currently, over 30 households in the district have adopted gas stoves, with city authorities planning a phased rollout to additional districts.

The Prime Minister reiterated the urgency of accelerating Ulaanbaatar’s major projects, stressing that efforts to combat air pollution and traffic congestion must continue without interruption throughout the spring and summer.

Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia T. Dorjkhand is attending the 55th World Economic Forum, held in Davos, Switzerland, from January 20 to 24 under the theme “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age.”

During the forum, Deputy Prime Minister T. Dorjkhand will participate in key sessions, including “The Geoeconomics of Energy and Materials” and “Technological Solutions to Address Pollution.”

He will also sign two significant agreements: a cooperation agreement with the World Economic Forum on the Strategic Intelligence Platform project and a memorandum of understanding with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to advance renewable energy development and Mongolia’s climate goals.

For the first time, Mongolia is operating the “Mongolia House” at the forum, serving as a platform to promote the country and facilitate bilateral and multilateral meetings. Among the more than 200 participating countries, over ten nations have established similar houses.

The forum is attended by the prime ministers of Argentina, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, South Africa, the Netherlands, Kuwait, Peru, Bhutan, Liechtenstein, Chad, Ecuador, Latvia, and Finland. Leaders of major organizations, including the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, World Trade Organization, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, World Health Organization, and International Atomic Energy Agency, are also present.

Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene, leading the task force to tackle Ulaanbaatar’s air pollution and infrastructure challenges, chaired the second task force meeting on Saturday. The meeting focused on prioritizing major projects for the capital, discussing housing policies, reviewing the progress of the 5th thermal power plant, and addressing unauthorized buildings in the city.

For 2025, Ulaanbaatar plans to implement nine projects to reduce traffic congestion, five to combat air pollution, and seven mega projects in other infrastructure sectors.

As part of the meeting, the Prime Minister reviewed the Belt Road-1 project, a pivotal initiative to enhance infrastructure and alleviate traffic congestion in the capital. The 23.7-kilometer road will intersect with the Tuul River Expressway. The project’s feasibility study is nearing completion, with a tender scheduled for June and commissioning planned for 2028.

Following the meeting, the Prime Minister inspected conditions in ger districts where renewable energy initiatives are underway. Solar panels have been installed in 70 households, marking the beginning of efforts to transition ger district households to renewable energy sources. Officials reported that an additional 100 households are being connected to solar generators, which are environmentally friendly and can help reduce the city’s growing energy burden.

N.Uchral, Minister of Mongolia and Chief Cabinet Secretary had a meeting with Lee Sang-Min, Minister of Interior and Safety of the Republic of Korea today at the State Palace.  Following the meeting, the two ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on “Cooperation in the Area of Digital Government”.

This collaboration aims to improve government efficiency through technological advancements, knowledge sharing in the digitization of government, personnel training, research collaboration, and fostering ties between relevant organizations.

Minister N.Uchral emphasized the importance of the MOU, stating, “The Government of Mongolia is committed to improving the quality and accessibility of public services while undertaking reforms to establish a more effective civil service. I am confident that this memorandum will contribute to steps towards achieving these goals. “

Minister Lee Sang-Min affirmed that the Ministry of Interior and Safety of the Republic of Korea is committed to supporting the projects under the MOU and strong and successful collaboration between the two nations.

Prime Minister of Mongolia, Oyun-ErdeneLuvsannamsrai, officially welcomed Han Zheng, Vice President of the People’s Republic of China, during his visit to Mongolia at Sukhbaatar Square.

Following the playing of the national anthems of both countries, Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsraiand Vice President Han Zheng paid their respects to the white military flag as part of the State Ceremony. Vice President Han Zheng then reviewed the State Honor Guard.

After the formalities, the Prime Minister and the Vice President greeted representatives from Mongolia and China in attendance and paid tribute to the statue of Chinggis Khaan