On February 7, Prime Minister of Mongolia G.Zandanshatar attended the opening ceremony of the “Thousand Camels Festival” during his working visit to Umnugovi aimag and delivered an address.

In his speech, the Prime Minister stated that Mongolia’s camel population has reached half a million. According to the 2025 national livestock census, 501,300 camels were counted. He noted that the figure has doubled over the past twenty years, rising from 254,000, and emphasized that this growth is the result of herders’ sustained efforts and is closely linked to the Camel Festival.

The “Thousand Camels Festival,” now recognized as a key winter tourism event, was first organized in 1997 in Sevrei soum of Umnugovi aimag. At the time, the camel population had significantly declined, with just over 200,000 camels recorded nationwide until 2002. The festival was initiated as part of efforts to increase camel numbers and promote the winter Gobi as a tourism destination, a goal that organizers say has since been achieved.

This year’s festival has brought together camel herders from more than 60 soums across four aimags, participating with over 1,000 camels. According to organizers, approximately 8,000 spectators attended the event, including more than 200 international tourists.

Festival activities included camel races in four age categories, a camel parade, a fermented camel milk celebration, a photography exhibition, and competitions recognizing the best camel pair as well as outstanding breeding male and female camels. Additional events featured camel polo and mounted archery competitions.

Several camel-related records have been set during the history of the festival. In 2016, a world record was established with a race involving 1,108 camels. In 2024, a national honorary title recognizing distinguished camel trainers was introduced. This year, President U. Khurelsukh proclaimed January 24 as the annual “Mongol Camel Day.”

Ulaanbaatar has launched the “Milk for Immunity” program to support the health and nutrition of primary school students across the capital.

Under the initiative, students in grades 1 to 5 at public schools will receive milk three times a week. The program covers more than 189,600 students from over 170 schools and is being implemented jointly by city and district authorities, in cooperation with parents and guardians.

Officials said the program aims to improve children’s intake of essential vitamins and minerals, support healthy growth and development, and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and oral health problems. All milk and dairy products provided through the program will be supplied by domestic producers.

City authorities noted that the initiative is expected to expand to include students in grades 1–12 by 2027.

According to survey data, milk and dairy consumption among Mongolian children is 2.5 times lower than the levels recommended by the World Health Organization, highlighting the need for targeted nutritional support.

On November 1, Prime Minister G.Zandanshatar inspected the ongoing construction of Mongolia’s oil refinery in Dornogovi Province, announcing significant progress on the landmark project. The refinery, which was only 20 percent complete in June, has now surpassed 50 percent completion.

Since assuming office, Prime Minister G.Zandanshatar has prioritized the refinery as a strategic economic project, accelerating work with the aim of putting the facility into operation ahead of schedule, as early as next year.

The refinery project, financed through a USD 1.7 billion loan from the Export-Import Bank of India, consists of four development packages. The first phase was completed in 2024. Remaining packages, including the construction of a thermal power plant and technological facilities, are currently underway. Meanwhile, the 527-km crude oil pipeline that will feed the plant is 89.4 percent complete.

According to the official timeline, the construction of the refinery is scheduled for completion in December 2027, with commissioning planned for 2028. However, optimism for early commissioning remains high.

The project is expected to cover 50–100 percent of Mongolia’s domestic fuel demand, marking a major step toward energy independence. Additionally, the refinery will create approximately 1,500 new jobs and contribute significantly to the country’s industrial and economic development.

Highlights from the Cabinet Meeting – October 29

Expanded Working Group Established to Improve Housing Access for Teachers and Doctors

The Cabinet has established an expanded working group, headed by Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing E. Bat-Amgalan, to study and propose measures to improve housing access for teachers and doctors.

The working group includes representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing, and the Office of the Governor of the Capital City.

Draft Revision of the Family Law to Be Submitted to Parliament

The Cabinet discussed the draft revision of the Family Law and related amendments to other laws and decided to submit the package to Parliament after incorporating suggestions from Cabinet members.

Family Law is one of the core laws governing personal legal matters. The current law, adopted in 1999, has been in effect for 26 years without major revisions. Although it has been amended eight times since its adoption, those changes primarily aligned with broader legal reforms rather than addressing emerging issues in family relations. As a result, the existing law no longer adequately reflects the evolving dynamics of modern family and social relations.

Resolution Adopted to Support Parents During Influenza Outbreak

The Cabinet approved a resolution instructing government organization to grant up to five working days of paid leave to parents caring for children under six who are diagnosed with influenza, either in hospitals or at home, from November 1, 2025, to March 1, 2026.

The measure aims to help reduce influenza transmission and prevent complications. The government also encouraged private sector and non-governmental employers to adopt the same policy.

Young children are at risk of developing pneumonia within three to five days after flu symptoms appear, and the average recovery period is around 12 days. Providing paid leave during the early stage of illness can help prevent complications and reduce the burden on hospitals.

Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan Approve Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Driving Licenses

The Cabinet approved the “Agreement between the Government of Mongolia and the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic on the Mutual Recognition and Exchange of Driving Licenses,” signed in Bishkek on July 21, 2025.

Mongolia joined the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic in 1997, which governs the mutual recognition and exchange of national driving licenses among its 87 member states. Currently, Mongolian citizens permanently residing in the Czech Republic, the Kingdom of Belgium, and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg can exchange their Mongolian licenses without additional requirements.

The Mongolia–Kyrgyzstan agreement will enter into force once both countries complete domestic legal procedures and notify each other.