The United States and Mongolia Collaborate on Conservation of Golden Stupa and Temple Complex at Erdene Zuu Monastery www.mn.usembassy.gov

Kharkhorin, Uvurkhangai province – On May 22, 2026, representatives of the U.S. Embassy, led by Ambassador Richard L. Buangan, together with the representatives of the Arts Council of Mongolia (ACM), the World Monument Fund (WMF), and Erdene Zuu Monastery launched a two-year project called “Conservation of the Golden Stupa and Temple Complex of the Erdene Zuu Monastery.” The initiative, funded by the U.S. State Department’s Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, aims to protect Mongolia’s invaluable cultural heritage and strengthen Mongolia’s capacity for cultural preservation.

The project, which is expected to finish in May 2028, will restore the iconic Golden Stupa, the spiritual core of Erdene Zuu Monastery. The grant will support the formation of an expert consulting team; comprehensive documentation and condition assessment; procurement of supplies and materials; site preparation and physical restoration of the Golden Stupa; and capacity-building training for local professionals to strengthen conservation skills and foster public engagement and awareness.

“Helping to preserve this temple is a testament to the enormous respect and admiration that America has towards Mongolia” U.S. Ambassador Richard L. Buangan said during remarks at the Erdene Zuu Monastery. “Together, we will safeguard this invaluable cultural treasure for future generations. This project also symbolizes the importance both of our countries place on religious freedom and the role that Buddhism has played in shaping the history, identity, and culture of Mongolia. This collaboration will harness the power of international cooperation and expertise in preserving Mongolia’s historical monasteries and religious artifacts, many of which were nearly destroyed in religious purges of the late 1930s.”

The site was included on the 2025 World Monuments Watch to galvanize support for its preservation. Located within Erdene Zuu—Mongolia’s oldest Buddhist monastery, founded in 1586 by descendants of Chinggis Khaan on the ruins of Kharkhorin, the Mongol empire’s ancient capital—the Golden Stupa anchors a complex that embodies the legacy of the Mongol Empire and Mongolia’s Buddhist heritage through its distinctive blend of Mongolian, Chinese, and Tibetan architectural styles.

The completion of the project will ensure the long-term preservation of one of Mongolia’s most important cultural heritage sites and will establish the national capacity for heritage conservation and management.

This partnership highlights U.S. respect for Mongolia’s rich history, culture, and literary heritage while showcasing American leadership in technological innovation for preserving world heritage.

The U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation supports diverse projects categorized into tangible historical sites, museum collections, and intangible cultural expressions. It has funded more than 1,000 projects across 133 countries around the globe since its inception in 2001. The fund selects roughly 25 to 35 projects worldwide annually, distributing multi-million-dollar investments to protect global history. In Mongolia, 24 projects worth $2.1 million have been supported through the Fund since 2003. This year the program is celebrating 25 years since its establishment and the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States.

Mongolia's coal shipments to China surge 61% in April, overtaking Indonesia www.miningweekly.com

China's coal imports from Mongolia surged 61% in April, propelling it ahead of Indonesia, which is traditionally the world's largest coal exporter and has long been China's top supplier of the fuel.

Mongolia shipped 11.33-million metric tons of coal across the border to its neighbour China, narrowly edging out Indonesia which sold 11.12-million tons, down 22% on the year, according to data from China's General Administration of Customs on Wednesday.

Over the first four months of the year, Indonesian shipments were down 8% but retained their lead over Mongolia at 61.43-million tons to 39.37-million tons, even as Mongolian shipments rose 61% from the year-earlier period.

"Higher domestic output and lower local coal prices have reduced the competitiveness of imported low-CV Indonesian cargoes in the Chinese coastal market," maritime analytics platform Signal Ocean said in a note.

More volatility for Indonesian coal shipments could be in store, after the major commodities exporter on Wednesday unveiled a sweeping plan to centralise exports of coal as well as other key commodities including palm oil under a State-owned firm. Investors were rattled by the plan, which President Prabowo Subianto said aimed to assert greater control over pricing.

China's imports from Russia and Australia, the number three and four suppliers, fell 30% and 39% respectively in April.

The declines came as China cut its overall coal imports. China's imports fell 14% year-on-year in April to 33.1 million metric tons, with year-to-date imports down 2.1% on the year at 149.4 metric tons. 

Record Participation Marks Ulaanbaatar Marathon 2026 www.montsame.mn

The “Ulaanbaatar Marathon 2026” international race drew record-breaking participation this year, with more than 46,000 runners and athletes joining the event across all categories. The 5-kilometer race saw the biggest growth compared to previous years, attracting around 23,000 runners alone.

The marathon featured several race categories: full Marathon (42 km) – more than 700 runners; half Marathon (21 km) – thousands of participants, including elite local and international athletes; 10 km Sports Run – strong participation from amateur and professional runners; 5 km Health Run – around 23,000 runners; and 1.5 km Family Run – families and children joined in large numbers. A total of 17,000 people have participated in the 21km and 10km races. 

Notable athletes competing in the 21 km half marathon included Mongolia’s Honored Athlete Ser-Od B., international master runners Sarangua B., Munkhbayar N., Bat-Erdene G., and Natsagdorj O. International participants included Japanese runners Higuchi Daisuke and Ishikawa Ryuga, British runner James Drakeford, Russian athlete Vdovina Aleksandra Mikhailovna, and Chinese runner Cui Wei Kang.

Organized annually to promote running sports and encourage healthy, active lifestyles, the Ulaanbaatar Marathon has become one of Mongolia’s largest sporting events. 

The growing number of participants reflects the rising popularity of running and fitness culture in Mongolia, as thousands gathered in the capital city to celebrate health, endurance, and unity.

T.Davaadalai investigated over alleged misuse of bid funds; MNT 30 million for cosmetics www.gogo.mn

Former First Deputy Governor of the Capital T.Davaadalai resigned on April 29, 2026.

Police are investigating him on suspicion of money laundering related to the tender selection processes for the Tuul Highway, First Ring Road, and Second Ring Road projects.

According to the Independent Authority Against Corruption, T.Davaadalai allegedly spent MNT 30 million from bid funds on personal cosmetic expenses.

The investigation found that T.Davaadalai allegedly: transferred MNT 5.6 billion to a company established by a family member identified as "A"; transferred MNT 709 million to a company owned by A's friend; transferred MNT 47.9 million to a company 50% owned by A; bringing the total amount to MNT 6.6 billion, while reporting the work as if it had been completed.

As a result, a criminal case has been opened against him under Article 22.1 of the Criminal Code, and the investigation is ongoing.

Semi-coke fuel drives up to 54% drop in Ulaanbaatar air pollution www.gogo.mn

The Scientific Council under the National Committee for Air Pollution Reduction recently convened to evaluate the environmental impact of semi-coke fuel usage among capital residents during the 2025–2026 winter heating season.

During the session, D.Onurbat, a senior air quality specialist at the Meteorological and Environmental Monitoring Department, revealed that key atmospheric pollutants dropped by up to 54% compared to the previous year's winter season.

Official metrics indicate significant reductions across all major monitored pollutants: Sulfur dioxide (SO2): Decreased by 36 µg/m³ (54% reduction). Particulate matter (PM10): Decreased by 23 µg/m³ (21% reduction). Fine particulate matter (PM2.5): Decreased by 9 µg/m³ (17% reduction). Nitrogen dioxide (NO2): Decreased by 2 µg/m³ (4% reduction).

Throughout the 2025–2026 heating season, 436.7 thousand tons of solid fuel were supplied to ger district households across 425 localized distribution points. Semi-coke fuel comprised the vast majority of this supply, totaling 333.3 thousand tons.

Government Approves Baidrag Hydropower Plant Project Under PPP Framework www.montsame.mn

The Government of Mongolia, during its regular session on May 20, decided to implement the Baidrag Hydropower Plant Project under a public-private partnership framework through a build-operate-transfer agreement that includes project design, detailed environmental impact assessment, construction, operation, and transfer phases.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Development Enkhbayar Jadamba and Minister of Energy Naidalaa Badrakh were instructed to organize the selection process for the private-sector partner in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

According to the project’s feasibility study, construction is planned for 2026–2030, while operation and routine maintenance will be carried out from 2030 to 2055 under a 25-year agreement, before the facility is transferred to the state.

Once implemented, the project is expected to increase the installed capacity and electricity generation of Mongolia’s central energy system.

According to the Government’s Media and Public Relations Department, hydropower plants, as a source of renewable energy, do not pose adverse impacts on public health and society. The project is also expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help create a healthier and safer living environment through clean energy production.

In the Gobi region, construction has begun on Mongolia's first high-capacity road with a thickness of 80 cm www.open.kg

Roads with a foundation and surface thickness of 80 cm are designed for challenging geological conditions and can withstand high transportation loads. These capital structures will provide reliable transportation routes in Mongolia, which is especially important for a country where over 20% of exports and about 80% of imports pass through new highways. The opening of the road will allow cargo from southern and third countries to reach their destinations without hindrance, which, in turn, will improve the living conditions of the local population.

On May 17, a ceremony was held in the Govisumber aimag to inaugurate a 435.6 km road for heavy cargo, connecting the city of Choir and the Zamyn-Uud border point. This road will become a key transit corridor for freight transport in the region.

The Chinese company Zhongshan Urban Construction Investment Group Co., Ltd. has been selected as the investor for the construction of this highway, which will become an important artery for Mongolia's exports and imports. The contractor for the project will be the Chinese state-owned company China Construction Sixth Engineering Bureau Co., Ltd. Specialized equipment has already begun to be delivered to the construction site, and work on the construction of the two-lane road for heavy cargo will start towards the Khoshig Valley.

The technical and economic justification, as well as the design, have been carried out by the company "RCSC" at the request of "Mongolian Special Purpose Road". After the project was approved by the relevant authorities, the route of the road was officially sanctioned.
The following facilities are planned to be built along the route:

Temporary parking every 50 km

Service complexes every 100 km

4 toll booths

470 drainage structures

16 bridges

Animal crossings

The project includes the construction of special structures to prevent flooding and ensure the migration of wild animals, which is of great importance for the ecology of the region.

The road surface structure includes:

4 cm of colored asphalt concrete

4 cm of base asphalt concrete

12 cm of black asphalt

30 cm of cement-stabilized gravel

Total thickness of 80 cm

Roads in the Gobi, such as in the Tavan Tolgoi and Oyu Tolgoi areas, will withstand high loads from heavy machinery, which is particularly relevant in the extreme climate conditions of the country. This highway will be an important step for Mongolia, opening new opportunities for transit and trade.

Mongolia Launches Nationwide Campaign Against Online Fraud www.montsame.mn

The Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Communications, in cooperation with the General Police Department, the Communications Regulatory Commission, the Mongolian Bankers Association, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has launched a month-long campaign titled “Let’s Prevent Online Fraud.”

The campaign aims to raise public awareness about various forms and methods of online fraud, provide guidance and advice to citizens, improve public knowledge of digital security, and encourage safer online practices such as protecting personal information and not sharing banking credentials or passwords with others. Organizers said the initiative is intended to help citizens better understand cyber fraud crimes and strengthen preventive measures.

Myagmarnaran B., State Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Communications, said the ministry has been implementing cybersecurity projects and programs with international organizations and partner countries, while also focusing on experience sharing and capacity building for human resources.

As an example, he noted that the ministry is jointly implementing the “Cybersecurity Human Resource Capacity Building Program 2024–2026” with JICA to improve public knowledge of digital usage and online safety and to help prevent cyber fraud.

According to him, studies show that 83% of the population — or four out of every five people — use digital platforms. Therefore, the campaign will also focus on developing citizens’ digital skills and conducting public awareness activities to help people protect themselves and their families from online scams and false information circulating on social media.

Nationwide, the number of online fraud-related crimes increased from 11,711 cases in 2024 to 12,233 cases in 2025, marking an increase of 522 cases or 4.5%.

Mongolian Climbers Reach Summit of Mount Everest www.montsame.mn

 On May 19, Mongolian climbers Nergui B. and Munkhuu M. successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak standing at 8,848 meters above sea level.

With this achievement, they become the 18th and 19th Mongolians to stand atop Everest. The two climbers began their ascent together last week and reached the summit one day apart. The first Mongolian to reach the “roof of the world” was Honored Athlete Usukhbayar G., who summited Everest 21 years ago. In 2011, Honored Athlete Gangaamaa B. became the first Mongolian woman to climb Everest, securing her place in history.

In 2012, four Mongolian climbers: Honored Athlete Tseveendash B., international masters Bat-Erdene S., Bayarsaikhan L., and Tsogzolmaa Ts. also reached the summit.

Since then, Byambasuren J. reached the summit of Everest in 2018; Gantulga B. in 2022; and Zolbookhuu O., Gankhuu S., Gerelt-Od Ts., and Ankhbayar Ts. in 2023. Last year, Battogtokh A., Batkhishig B., Ariunzul Ch., and Nergui B. also successfully reached the summit.

However, in 2024, Purevsuren L. and Usukhjargal Ts. reached the summit of Everest but tragically lost their lives during the descent.

Ministry of Energy and UNDP Convene High-Level Dialogue on Introducing a Regulatory Sandbox for Mongolia’s Energy Sector www.undp.org

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Ministry of Energy, convened a high-level workshop on “Introducing Regulatory Sandbox for Energy Sector Regulation in Mongolia” to explore adaptive and innovation-friendly regulatory approaches that can support Mongolia’s energy transition and sustainable infrastructure development. A regulatory sandbox is a framework that allows innovative solutions to be tested in a controlled, time-bound environment under regulatory oversight. It enables evidence-based learning while ensuring appropriate safeguards for consumers and the public interest. 

Organized under the Sustainable Infrastructure Programme in Asia (SIPA) in partnership with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and supported by the Government of Germany through the International Climate Initiative (IKI), the workshop brought together representatives from government institutions, regulators, development partners, financial institutions, investors, local authorities, academia, and the private sector.

The workshop discussed the opportunities, legal foundations, and implementation pathways for establishing a Regulatory Sandbox mechanism and presented the findings of a SIPA-supported study reviewing international experience and Mongolia’s regulatory environment, and proposed possible approaches for piloting innovative energy solutions. 

Mr. Naidalaa Badrakh, Minister of Energy of Mongolia, emphasized: “A Regulatory Sandbox mechanism can become an important tool for testing innovative technologies and developing a more flexible, consumer-centered, and inclusive energy system for Mongolia. The Government of Mongolia, particularly the Ministry of Energy, remains committed to advancing energy sector reforms and creating an enabling environment for clean energy innovation and investment”.

Panel discussions highlighted that Mongolia’s energy transition requires both investment and adaptive and forward-looking regulatory approaches. Participants also stressed that sandbox approaches should deliver tangible benefits for communities, including cleaner heating, improved air quality, stronger energy reliability, and greater access, particularly at the local level.

Speaker at a lectern at a conference stage with two flags and an audience.
Mr. Udo Weber, Head of Cooperation at the German Embassy in Mongolia noted: “German Government is pleased to support Mongolia’s efforts to advance practical and forward-looking approaches for clean energy transition. Achieving this will require strong cooperation between government institutions, regulators, development partners, and the private sector”.

Ms. Matilda Dimovska, UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia, noted: “For UNDP, supporting adaptive and forward-looking regulatory approaches is part of our broader partnership with Mongolia on advancing a just and green transition. A sandbox provides a practical way to test innovative energy solutions under real-world conditions while supporting evidence-based and gradual policy reform”.

Photograph of a man in a suit speaking at a UN podium during a workshop.
Mr. William Tompson, Head of Eurasia Division at the OECD, highlighted: “OECD is proud to help Mongolia explore regulatory experimentation in support of energy sector reform. International experience shows that Regulatory Sandboxes, in particular, are one of the main approaches through which governments foster a conducive regulatory environment for innovation by introducing controlled flexibility, allowing collaborative testing of new products, services and business models. As such, Regulatory Sandboxes can be an interesting tool for Mongolia to advance its energy sector reform and adjust its framework conditions for promoting cleaner and innovative energy systems”. 

The workshop identified next steps, including legal analysis, development of the technical framework, capacity-building, stakeholder consultations, and identification of pilot projects to support Mongolia’s energy transition and sustainable development objectives.

Conference room full of attendees facing a speaker at a podium with a large screen and flags.
About SIPA 

The Sustainable Infrastructure Programme in Asia (SIPA) supports countries in strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks for sustainable, climate-resilient, and low-emission infrastructure development. In Mongolia, SIPA supports efforts to advance sustainable infrastructure governance, climate-aligned planning, and clean energy transition pathways. SIPA is co-funded by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany. 

About UNDP 

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.