The 2025 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting took place in Davos, Switzerland from January 20-25. To Mongolia, this year’s theme – “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age” – aligns with its digitalization, technological, and investment goals. On the sidelines of Davos, Mongolia signed multiple Memorandum of Understandings (MOU) and agreements to expand and diversify Ulaanbaatar’s economic and business partnerships particularly in the fields of digitalization, artificial intelligence (AI), and renewable energy.

Today in many industries, the development and utilization of AI is almost unavoidable. As leading tech industries in both developed and developing countries pour millions in investment into the global AI race, private and public entities have grown exponentially in this specific space and are seeking major investments. What could this mean to developing countries like Mongolia is that the development and the assimilation of AI is coming more quickly than policymakers can formulate policies to support, manage, and mitigate these newer innovations.

At Davos, Mongolia showed the world that it is not getting left behind. According to the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Communications, “Mongolia will officially announce its ‘National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence’ to the world in February.”

From government services and businesses, Mongolia’s tech-savvy young generation demands constant innovation, keeping pace with the rapidly changing tech world, and digitalization.

According to Oxford Insight’s 2024 Government AI Readiness Index, Mongolia ranked 98th out of 188 countries – advancing 11 positions in comparison to the previous year. In the last five years, Mongolia has made tremendous efforts in technological advancement in AI, digitalization, and even launching its own satellite station with global partners.

The emergence of the AI sector itself has become an important element in Mongolia’s economic and third-neighbor partnerships. As Ulaanbaatar promotes and expands AI and space related partnerships, Mongolia is seeking investments and reliable partnerships to develop its critical minerals and become a player in the global supply chain for these industries.

While developing and exporting critical minerals will still keep Mongolia’s economy dependent on the mining sector, learning to maximize use of AI and creating global partnerships that can invest in human capital are more important. Bolor-Erdene Battsengel, the former vice minister of digital development who recently founded the AI Academy Asia, highlighted the need to educate and train the younger generation in AI. Bolor-Erdene told CNN that her academy “aims to train 500 teachers to provide AI education to rural communities in Mongolia.”

In addition to expanding partnerships in AI, on the sidelines of Davos, Mongolia signed an MOU with Envision Energy, a global renewable energy already contracted to operate in Ulaanbaatar. In November 2024, Envision Energy was contracted to build Ulaanbaatar’s first battery storage station, using domestic capital. An expanded MOU will help accelerate Mongolia’s energy transition, decarbonization, and green workforce development.

At Davos, Mongolia was represented by Dorjkhand Togmid, the deputy prime minister, who is also the chairman of the National Committee on Energy Reforms. Dorjkhand told reporters attending Davos that Mongolia is committed to the energy transition and is willing to partner with global technology leaders in pursuing climate investment projects. Highlighting Mongolia’s partnership with Envision, he said, “Envision’s track record and solutions will enable us to maximize the potential of Mongolia’s renewable resources and build a sustainable energy infrastructure that benefits the region.”

Also at Davos, Mongolia and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) signed a collaboration agreement that see them cooperate on solar, wind, and energy storage projects. Key initiatives under the deal include technical support, feasibility studies, and comprehensive environmental assessments for hydroelectric powerplants. The goal is to construct and commencement of up to 300 megawatt (MW) of solar power plants and 200 MW of wind power plants with energy storage, including transmission infrastructure, by 2028. In 2024, the EBRD provided 264 million euros for projects in Mongolia.

The Mongolian government’s goal to achieve “sustainable economic growth, energy security, and development of green industries” is a long-term ambition, but leaders are starting now with the assistance of Mongolia’s global partners, who can provide both funding and know-how.

At the 2025 World Economic Forum, Mongolia’s delegation pursued opportunities to attract investment in all things AI, including education, training, and the development of AI in businesses and government services. But it remains a challenge to attract and allocate investments toward Mongolia’s digital sector and reduce the digital divide. The successful implementation of these newer initiatives and AI-related engagements will no doubt diversify Mongolia’s mining-dependent economy and will have immense impact on its human capital.

BY Bolor Lkhaajav

Bolor Lkhaajav is a researcher specializing in Mongolia, China, Russia, Japan, East Asia, and the Americas. She holds an M.A. in Asia-Pacific Studies from the University of San Francisco.

Mongolia’s rangelands occupy 70% of the country's territory and are vital for climate mitigation through carbon storage. Research highlights the importance of sustainable grazing practices and collective herder management to restore degraded rangelands and maintain their ecological functions.

Spanning more than 110 million hectares across 70% of Mongolia’s land territory, and renowned as one of the last remaining natural steppe ecosystems, Mongolian rangelands have a crucial role to play in the country’s climate mitigation efforts.

If well managed, rangelands can serve as more stable carbon stores than forests, as they are more resilient to environmental stresses such as drought and fire.

Effective management practices can boost soil carbon stocks by increasing organic matter input or reducing carbon losses. Through photosynthesis, plants absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. As grasses grow, their dry and dead leaves and stems fall to the ground and decompose.

Roots, which often have more biomass below ground than above, also grow, and some die and decompose each year. Soil microorganisms aid in decomposing organic matter, and carbon from these sources is incorporated into soil carbon stocks.

Current carbon estimates for rangelands often focus on the topsoil, but a substantial amount of grassland soil carbon is found in deeper subsoil layers.

When rangelands degrade, soil carbon is released into the atmosphere. Therefore, scientists advise that climate mitigation efforts should focus on protecting this irreplaceable soil carbon as its restoration is difficult once lost.

In rangeland management science, this is known as a tipping point where changes in vegetation and soil become impossible to reverse.

Are Mongolian rangelands close to a tipping point? In the past thirty years, the livestock population in Mongolia has tripled, surpassing the rangelands’ carrying capacity by three times. This has resulted in degradation of 65% of rangelands.

However, due to traditional rotational grazing practices, most of the degraded rangelands have retained their ability to recover. Research findings confirm that 85% of degraded rangelands maintain their natural regeneration capacity if the level of degradation has not passed the threshold of no recovery.

Managed carefully in accordance with the seasonal carrying capacity, rangelands can recover and maintain their carbon sequestration and storage capacity for the benefit of the people, the country, and the world’s climate.

Mongolia's first rangeland health report in May 2015 found 65% of rangelands were degraded, but 94% could still recover. By 2018, a second report showed the degraded rangelands had decreased to 57%. According to the third report released in 2022, the percentage of heavily degraded rangelands has declined from 10.2% to 6.6%.

Researchers attributed this positive trend to a high capacity for recovery of Mongolian rangelands, reduced grazing pressure, and herders’ commitment to improving rotational grazing practices.

This suggests the key to maintaining rangeland recovery capacity is resting rangelands during critical vegetation growth periods and adjusting livestock numbers based on seasonal productivity.

Mongolia’s agencies monitor rangelands at thousands of sites nationwide. Collaborating with international researchers, Mongolian scientists have developed tools like Ecological Site Descriptions and State and Transition Models to assess rangeland health. They’ve identified 22 ecological groups based on vegetation, soil, productivity, landscape, and climate, which guide site-specific grazing and stocking plans.

In cooperation with herder households, the Mongolian National Federation of Pasture User Groups has carried out several pilot projects testing the length of time different rangelands take to reach new recovery classes. Even rangelands that reached a heavy level of degradation are still able to recover if there is more than 10 years of frugal management.

The agriculture sector produces 53% of all greenhouse gas emissions, with land use and land management accounting for 34%, according to the latest Biannual Transparency Report. As the dominant ecosystem in Mongolia, rangelands have a huge role to play in the nation’s emission reduction targets.

Research trials conducted to rehabilitate heavily degraded rangelands with a range of modern technologies revealed that this is both difficult and costly. The best method is to revitalize traditional rotational grazing and resting practices. This has to be regulated through the collective control of herder households and supported by a legal framework.

These findings have led to the formation of pasture user groups among herder households that share customary access to the same seasonal rangelands. Group members define the boundaries of their seasonal rotational grazing areas and regulate their use.

These plans form the basis for establishing rangeland use agreements between the groups and local government, which are the means to enforce and monitor rotational grazing and rangeland-resting plans.

When rangelands show signs of degradation, herder households move to the next rangeland to let it regenerate. These are known among herders as the “4 Golden Rules”, followed to manage their grazing areas sustainably: do not exceed the carrying capacity of rangelands; do not deplete the regeneration capacity of plants; give plants time to recover; and practice pre-planned and regulated rotational grazing.

This nature-based solution offers ample opportunities to restore rangelands. Managed carefully in accordance with the seasonal carrying capacity, rangelands can recover and maintain their carbon sequestration and storage capacity for the benefit of the people, the country, and the world’s climate.

Across the globe, the rangeland ecosystem services are often undervalued, and much larger efforts are required to create awareness. Not only is it a source of livestock feed but also crucial in climate mitigation and adaptation efforts and provision of generic ecosystem services such as absorbing excess rainfall and releasing water gradually during dry periods, stabilizing soil quality to prevent erosion and desertification.

By integrating these actions into nationally determined contributions, national adaptation plans, and long-term emission strategies, we can strengthen community and ecosystem resilience and build a future ready to face a changing climate.

On January 27, 2025, Authorized Representative of the Government of Mongolia in Charge of Governing New Zuunmod City Batbayar Munkhuu provided updates on the progress of New Zuunmod City during a briefing with officials.

New Zuunmod satellite city is designated to implement the special functions of the capital city, Ulaanbaatar, and is projected to cover an area of 31,501 hectares. The key infrastructure of the satellite city will be built through public-private partnerships, including 128.5 kilometers of roads, a thermal power plant with a capacity to produce 250 MW of electricity and 465 MW of heat, and a wastewater treatment plant with a capacity to process 20,000 cubic meters of wastewater per day.

The General Development Plan for New Zuunmod City was approved by Resolution No. 143 of the Government of Mongolia in 2022. According to the Plan, the city will feature a free economic zone for trade, services, administration, transport logistics, manufacturing, an international airport, air cargo facilities, and resource management. Furthermore, the Plan includes the construction of university campuses, research and development centers, and wholesale and retail trade hubs.

Authorized Representative of the Government Batbayar Munkhuu stated, “A wastewater treatment plant, with a capacity to process 20,000 cubic meters of wastewater daily, will be built between New Zuunmod City and Zuunmod City. In the first phase, a treatment plant with a capacity of 3,000 cubic meters per day is currently being designed by the “Naran Rashaant” company, with 96 percent of the design work completed. In terms of communication infrastructure, “Mon Cable Systems” is constructing an underground fiber-optic cable network, including a 22-kilometer line with 96 cores and a 17-kilometer line with 48 cores. The construction work is approximately 50 percent complete. Furthermore, a comprehensive plan with the concept of “Zero Energy City” to develop the New Zuunmod City into a smart and sustainable city powered by renewable energy will be presented to the Government.”

Mongolian ballet students from the National Ballet School of Mongolia under the Mongolian Ballet Development Foundation successfully participated in the “World Ballet Grand Prix Tokyo” held on January 21-23, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan, earning a total of eight medals.

In the team category, the "Exotika" group, aged 6-8, led by teacher T. Enkhsuren, and the "Copellia" group, aged 9-11, led by instructors Ch. Ganchimeg and Ts. Jargalan, won gold medals. In the individual category, ballerinas Ch. Gegeen, A. Tanangoo, and Z. Anirlan each secured bronze, while M. Inguumel scored the silver medal and Ts. Amina earned an honorable mention. Notably, in the Best Artist category, A. Tanangoo won the gold medal.

The World Ballet Grand Prix, organized by the International Federation of Ballet Competitions (FIBC) of UNESCO and the international ballet organization “Shoryu,” aims at promoting ballet development. In addition to participating in the competition, students also took part in a joint training program. The competition saw the participation of young ballet dancers from more than 20 countries, competing in four age categories.

Mongolia saw a rise in drug-related crimes in 2024, with the total number of registered cases increasing by 13 percent compared to the previous year, local media reported on Monday, citing the country's State General Prosecutor's Office.

The Asian nation, with a population of 3.5 million, documented 405 drug-related crimes last year, according to the prosecutor's office.

The majority of the 228 individuals involved in these cases were young adults aged 18 to 30, making up 69.4 percent. In terms of gender, 86 percent of those implicated were male, and 63.6 percent of offenders were reported as unemployed.

The country's National Police Agency attributed the rise in drug-related crimes to factors including lack of public knowledge about drugs, curiosity, attempts to make easy money and weak law enforcement.

Under Mongolian law, individuals convicted of drug trafficking face a minimum prison sentence of two years.

The rising prevalence of drug-related offenses highlights the urgent need for enhanced preventive measures, public awareness campaigns, and law enforcement efforts to tackle the issue and safeguard vulnerable groups, particularly unemployed youth.

The 2025 Hatsu Basho, Grand Sumo Tournament, concluded at Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Arena after 15 days of fierce competition. Mongolian sumo wrestler Ozeki Hoshoryu Byambasuren Sugarragchaa emerged victorious, clinching his second Emperor’s Cup with a 12–3 record.

On the final day, Hoshoryu squared off in two additional bouts, defeating Kazakhstan’s Kinbozan and Ōhō Kōnosuke, the grandson of legendary Yokozuna Taihō, sealing his triumph. This victory marks the 103rd championship captured by Mongolian sumo wrestlers in the 23 years since they entered professional sumo and is Hoshoryu’s first as an Ozeki.

Following his outstanding performance, Hoshoryu Byambasuren’s promotion to the Yokozuna title will be deliberated by the Japan Sumo Association and the Yokozuna Deliberation Council. If approved, Hoshoryu Byambasuren will become the 74th Yokozuna in professional sumo history and the sixth Yokozuna from Mongolia.

In the history of professional sumo, Grand Champion Hakuho Davaajargal holds a record 45 championships, followed by Asashoryu Dagvadorj 25, Yokozuna Terunofuji Gan-Erdene 10, Harumafuji Byambadorj 9, and Kakuryu Anand with six championships. Hoshoryu Byambasuren is now a two-time champion, joining Maegashira Tamawashi Munkh-Orgil and Kirishima Lkhagvasuren, who also hold two championship titles each. Kyokutenho Tsevegnyam and Ichinojo Ichinnorov have each won one championship.

Kirishima Lkhagvasuren made an impressive comeback after three straight losses at the start of the tournament, ultimately finishing with 11 wins and earning the Kanto-Sho or the Fighting Spirit Prize. He is set to compete at the rank of Komusubi in the Spring Basho. Meanwhile, 40-year-old Tamawashi Munkh-Orgil posted nine wins, while Oshoma Delgerbayar finished with eight, Tamashoho Erdenebileg six, Onokatsu Choijilsuren seven, and Chiyoshoma Munkhsaikhan nine wins.

Of the 19 Mongolian wrestlers who competed in the Hatsu Basho, one secured the championship title, while 11 achieved kachikoshi, finishing with more wins than losses. Additionally, Yokozuna Terunofuji Gan-Erdene, the 73rd Grand Champion, withdrew from the tournament midway through and announced his retirement.

The Ulaanbaatar Electricity Distribution Network (UEDN) reported on January 24 that households can potentially reduce their electricity bills by switching from two-tariff meters to three-tariff meters. They also highlighted that adjusting electricity usage during peak hours, particularly between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., can lower bills by 20 percent or more.

For households with two-tariff meters, electricity tariffs are structured based on consumption levels. For consumption between 0 and 150 kWh, the tariff is 182 MNT during the day and 147 MNT at night. For consumption between 150 and 300 kWh, the tariff is 225 MNT during the day and 160 MNT at night. For consumption exceeding 300 kWh, the tariff is 265 MNT during the day and 160 MNT at night.

Electricity bills increase significantly as consumption rises. For households using more than 300 kWh, the bill increases by more than 60 percent, while for those consuming over 150 kWh, the bill increases by less than 30 percent. Therefore, the UEDN advises consumers to optimize their electricity usage patterns and consider switching to three-tariff meters to save on energy costs.

Energy Project Manager in the Capital City R.Dagdan also shared an update on the current state of the energy system. This winter, the total energy load on the system has reached 1,500 to 1,600 MW. Ulaanbaatar, which accounts for over 60 percent of the country’s total energy consumption, has an average load of 1,245 MW. Notably, Ulaanbaatar has successfully addressed the energy deficit it faced during the 2023-2024 winter. The city has managed to make up for the 200 MW capacity shortage it experienced last year. This was achieved with the addition of the 150 MW Buuruljuut power plant and the 50 MW Baganuur battery storage plant, both of which began supplying energy to the central system in December 2024. These new sources have played a crucial role in stabilizing the energy supply and meeting the city’s growing demand, he said.

The 12th meeting of the Mongolia-Laos Intergovernmental Commission is currently taking place in Laos, with a delegation led by Mongolia's Minister of Road and Transport Development, B. Delgersaikhan, in attendance.

Laotian entrepreneurs have expressed interest in importing leather, meat products, and Mongolian vodka into their market. According to Ambassador Khoungeun Souvannalath, these products could also be distributed to ASEAN countries through the Lao market.

Meanwhile, Laos is ready to export coffee, tea, rice, and fruits to the Mongolian market.

B. Saruul, Secretary-General of the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI), is participating in the meeting, along with L. Turod, President of the MNCCI. They aim to strengthen cooperation between the chambers of the two countries and explore business opportunities by meeting with relevant officials.

MBD (Mongolian Business Database) is opening a full time permanent operation in Thailand in order to strengthen bilateral trade ties and promote B2B (Business to Business) communication between Mongolia and Thailand.

Dashnyam Jargalsaikhan (Mr) who appointed as a Director of “MBD Thailand” is an experienced executive with over 9 years of expertise in driving business growth through data-driven digital marketing strategies. He specializes in crafting tailored marketing plans that enhance online presence, optimize conversions, and foster long-term customer relationships. With a strong background in leading cross-functional teams and executing high-impact campaigns, Dashnyam has consistently exceeded targets, boosting ROI and maximizing sales performance.

He has successfully led digital marketing initiatives in various roles, including as a Digital Marketing Executive at Pinecone Coding Academy (USA), Chief Executive Officer at TenGer Systems, Chief Marketing Officer at Ard Financial Group, and Digital Marketing Executive at AND Global (AND Solutions) where he played a pivotal role in scaling operations and increasing user engagement.

Dashnyam's leadership and innovative strategies have also contributed to the growth of fintech solutions at Ard Financial Group, where he drove successful digital campaigns, increased user engagement, and significantly grew the active user base. He co-founded and led BZP Digital & Inbound, a digital marketing agency that pioneered conversion rate optimization services locally, and has extensive experience in SEO, paid media, content strategy, lead generation, and analytics tools.

Known for his strategic thinking, decision-making, and ability to navigate complex challenges, Dashnyam continues to stay ahead of industry trends, leveraging emerging technologies to drive sustained business success. Notably, Dashnyam was recognized as the official regional winner of Apprentice Season 2, the franchise of the Donald Trump-led show.

Please feel free to contact Dashnyam.J Director of MBD Thailand at dashnyam@mongolianbusinessdatabase.com e mail or 66 080 438 8554 mobile number for the related inquiries.