Lionel Laurens assumes office as UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia www.undp.org

 Mr. Lionel Laurens has assumed office as the new Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Mongolia and presented his credentials to H.E. Battsetseg Batmunkh, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia. He will lead UNDP’s work in the country in close partnership with the Government of Mongolia, national institutions, civil society, development partners, and communities to advance inclusive, sustainable, and resilient development.

Mr. Laurens takes up his assignment as Mongolia prepares to host the seventeenth session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP17) in Ulaanbaatar from 17 to 28 August 2026. Held under the theme “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope,” COP17 will bring global attention to land restoration, drought resilience, sustainable rangeland management, and practical solutions that protect livelihoods, ecosystems, and communities closely connected to the land. 

“I am honoured to take up this role at a pivotal moment for Mongolia and to carry forward UNDP’s longstanding partnership in the country,” said Mr. Laurens. “Mongolia has made important strides in advancing sustainable development, strengthening climate resilience, and expanding opportunities for people and communities. UNDP remains committed to supporting the country as it accelerates progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals and builds a more resilient, inclusive future.”

Mr. Laurens brings extensive experience in governance, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, crisis response, resilience, and poverty reduction across Africa, the Middle East and Asia. He has held senior UNDP leadership roles in a range of development, humanitarian, and post-crisis contexts, bringing a strong focus on integrated, people-centred approaches to development. 

UNDP has partnered with Mongolia for five decades, supporting national priorities across democratic governance, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, inclusive growth, digital transformation, gender equality, and sustainable financing. Under Mr. Laurens’ leadership, UNDP Mongolia will continue working with partners to support innovative solutions that respond to Mongolia’s development priorities and deliver lasting benefits for people and planet. 

Fuel sales capped at 50,000 MNT under plate rule www.ubpost.mn

Mongolia is temporarily limiting fuel sales as it faces growing pressure from global energy supply disruptions, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources G.Damdinnyam announced on August 3. Due to the challenging external environment, the Ministry has introduced temporary restrictions on fuel purchases starting August 4. Under the new arrangement, fuel purchases will be limited to no more than 50,000 MNT per vehicle, with access determined by the even-odd license plate system. For example, vehicles with odd-numbered plates will be eligible to purchase gasoline on August 5.  

The minister said that despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, Russia had previously maintained a relatively stable fuel supply. However, global energy markets have recently faced severe disruptions due to geopolitical conflicts, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following tensions between the US and Iran, which affected international oil transportation and refined petroleum product supplies.

According to G.Damdinnyam, the global energy situation has reached an unprecedented level, with the World Energy Organization warning of a major oil and energy crisis. He added that continued drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure have contributed to fuel shortages in Russia, where some regions are experiencing supply difficulties and restrictions have been introduced for consumers. Russia has decided to suspend gasoline exports until January 1, 2027, while diesel fuel exports have also been temporarily restricted. At the same time, Russia has begun importing jet fuel from other countries to meet domestic demand.

Minister G.Damdinnyam also noted that the country’s petroleum consumption has been increasing by approximately 14 percent annually, largely due to rapid growth in the mining sector. In 2025, the nation consumed around three million tonnes of petroleum products annually, while in the first seven months of 2026, consumption reached approximately 1.8 million tonnes. AI-92 gasoline accounts for about 30 percent of total fuel consumption, while diesel fuel makes up 63.5 percent. 

The government is currently negotiating with multiple countries to secure additional fuel supplies. Discussions have been held with Kazakhstan, although transportation and logistics challenges have prevented immediate supply arrangements. Negotiations are now underway with China and Singapore. 

G.Damdinnyam emphasized that Mongolia has long discussed the need to establish strategic fuel reserves but failed to implement the plan for two decades. He said that after taking office in June 2025, the Government renewed efforts to address the issue. The budget for the construction of a large-scale fuel storage facility was approved on December 30, 2025, and construction began in March. The facility will have a total storage capacity of 300,000 tonnes. A 150,000-tonne storage unit is expected to become operational within this year. According to the Minister, maintaining a three-month fuel reserve would allow the country to withstand a temporary supply disruption of up to 40 percent without major difficulties.

The minister also reported that negotiations are underway to secure crude oil supplies for the oil refinery currently being constructed in Dornogovi Province with a concessional loan from the Government of India. He said Kazakhstan could potentially supply up to one million tonnes of crude oil annually if transportation and logistics issues are resolved.

On top of that, State Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources B.Dashpurev reported on August 4 that 49 railway tank cars carrying AI-92 gasoline arrived overnight and were unloaded at Darkhan and Ulaanbaatar railway stations. Fuel distribution will continue around the clock, while an additional 20 tank cars are currently being transported. Authorities said customs clearance procedures will be accelerated to ensure the fuel reaches consumers as quickly as possible. B.Dashpurev noted that Ulaanbaatar normally has around 700,000 vehicles participating in daily traffic, while the current number has decreased to approximately 350,000 vehicles. He said traffic congestion has not increased despite the fuel supply concerns. 

Public Input to Be Incorporated into 2027 Education Sector Budget www.montsame.mn

A public discussion on the draft 2027 education sector budget was held, bringing together citizens, non-governmental organizations, teachers' trade unions, and representatives of teachers and parents to share their views and proposals.

During the discussion, participants emphasized the need to include funding for variable costs, school lunch accessibility, school psychological services, and equal learning opportunities for children with developmental differences in next year’s budget.

Furthermore, citizens can review the 2027 education sector budget projections via the website www.ebudget.edu.mn and submit their proposals and requests online until August 10.

Looking at the budget indicators of the education sector in recent years, the sector's budget accounted for 4.0-5.2% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 12.6-16.4% of the total unified budget expenditures between 2022 and 2026. The approved budget for 2026 stands at 16.4% of the total unified budget expenditures. According to preliminary estimates, the education sector budget for 2027 is projected to reach 7.61% of the GDP, marking an increase of 2.94 percentage points from the 2026 level.

The public discussion aims to increase civic participation in the drafting and approval of the education sector budget and to refine the draft budget so that it aligns with actual needs and requirements.

Historical Breakthrough: Mongolia and China Unite Energy Networks for the First Time www.open.kg

A new open distribution substation (ODS) 220 kV "Zes-Oyu" has been launched in Mongolia, marking an important step towards diversifying energy resources. The project was fully funded by the "Oyu Tolgoi" company. This substation includes six inputs and a 3-kilometer overhead power line, allowing for the import of electricity from Inner Mongolia (China) during peak winter loads. Thus, Mongolia is ending its half-century dependence on a single electricity supplier.

Construction Achievements and Safety

The scale of the work on the construction of the substation is impressive: the project was implemented with the participation of more than 20 local companies and 2000 Mongolian engineers. The total labor input amounted to over 600,000 man-hours. All construction work was completed without a single case of injury, which demonstrates high safety standards.

Significance for the Energy System

The opening ceremony was attended by key figures in the energy sector, including Mongolia's Minister of Energy Naidalaa Badrah. He emphasized the importance of the new distribution complex for the country, noting that it will enable the import of up to 80 MW of power and enhance the reliability of energy supply in the South Gobi region. This is a historic moment, as Mongolia and China are connecting their energy systems directly for the first time.

Key facts about the project include:

Safety and scale: More than 20 national companies and over 2000 Mongolian specialists are working on the project, completing it without accidents.

Technical specifications: The substation includes six inputs and a 3 km overhead power line.

Relief for the Central Energy System: The imported capacity of 80 MW will reduce the load on the country's energy system.

The commissioning of the ODS "Zes-Oyu" and its connection to the energy system of Inner Mongolia opens new horizons for international cooperation. For the past five decades, Mongolia has been exclusively linked to Russia and is now gaining the opportunity to diversify its energy sources.

Emergency weather warning: Mongolia to be hit by abnormal heat, thunderstorms, and a sharp rise in river water levels www.open.kg

The National Agency for Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring of Mongolia has issued an emergency warning for citizens, tourists, and herders. In the coming days, most of the country is expected to experience intense heat, accompanied in the northern regions by heavy thunderstorms, gusty winds, and hail. Meteorologists point to a high risk of a sharp rise in river water levels and possible flooding.

Weather forecast by regions of the country:

In most regions of Mongolia, variable cloudiness is expected today. In some areas of the western, central, eastern, and Gobi aimags, brief rains with thunderstorms may occur. Wind speeds will be 4–9 meters per second (north — northwesterly, in other areas — westerly), but sharp gusts of wind may be observed during thunderstorms.

The air temperature in the mountain ranges of Khangai, Khuvsgul, and Khentii, at the sources of the Zavkhan River, in the vicinity of Khürenbelchir, as well as in the valleys of the Eg, Uur, Tuul, and Terelj rivers will be lower: +22…+27°C. In most other regions, the temperature will rise to +26…+31°C. The greatest warming is expected in the Basin of the Great Lakes and the southwestern part of the Gobi Desert, where temperatures may reach +32…+37°C.

Forecast for the capital (Ulaanbaatar):

In Ulaanbaatar and the districts of Baganuur and Terelj, cloudy weather with thunderstorms is expected. The wind will be from the west, at a speed of 4–9 m/s, with possible gusts during thunderstorms. The daytime temperature in the capital and Baganuur will be +26…+28°C, while in the resort area of Terelj it will be +25…+27°C.

Safety recommendations:

The Main Emergency Management Agency of Mongolia strongly urges residents and tourists to avoid resting near riverbeds and bodies of water, and not to set up camping sites in river floodplains due to the threat of sudden flooding. Drivers are advised to exercise increased caution on rural roads in conditions of reduced visibility during strong wind gusts and hail.

1,439.2 kg of Precious Metals Purchased Last Month www.montsame.mn

In July 2026, the Bank of Mongolia purchased 1,439.2 kg of precious metals, bringing the cumulative total since the beginning of the year to 8.9 tonnes.

Of this total, the central bank's branch in Darkhan-Uul aimag purchased 431.8 kg, while the branch in Bayankhongor aimag purchased 1,677.1 kg of precious metals, representing a 26.1% increase compared to the same period last year.

The Bank of Mongolia sets its purchasing prices for precious metals based on global market rates. In July of this year, the average purchase price for 1 gram of gold was MNT 469,752.63.

Mongolia to Chair COP17, Steering Global Environmental Talks www.montsame.mn

Mongolia is preparing to host and chair the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Ulaanbaatar from August 17 to 28.

As part of the preparations, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UNCCD Secretariat, and the Center for Multilateral Negotiations (CEMUNE) are jointly hosting the "UNCCD COP17 Endgame Workshop" to enhance the knowledge, negotiation skills, and leadership capabilities of the Mongolian government delegation.

Opening the workshop, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Sandag-Ochir Tsend emphasized that the presidency's role extends beyond logistics. He noted that the host nation must lead the negotiation process fairly and transparently, build trust, bridge differing positions among member states, and advance key policy decisions.

Sandag-Ochir highlighted that land degradation, drought, desertification, climate change, water security, and necessary financing have become central topics in global sustainable development discussions. Under these circumstances, he stressed the importance of Mongolia demonstrating diplomatic leadership to advance multilateral negotiations, strengthen consensus among parties, and elevate international cooperation.

Tourism Industry Associations Urge Immediate Improvement in Fuel Supply www.montsame.mn

The Mongolian Professional Tour Guides Association held a press conference urging the Government of Mongolia to take immediate action to normalize the fuel supply, which is currently in short supply, during the peak of the tourist season and ahead of the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification.

As the number of international delegates and guests will increase during the COP17 this August, the association called for an urgent meeting among the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth, the Ministry of Roads and Transport, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the Mongolian Professional Tour Guides Association, fuel importing companies, and other industry representatives.

The association requested immediate action to ensure a stable fuel supply and uninterrupted operation of air and road transport. The representatives emphasized that a fuel supply disruption could pose severe risks not only to the tourism sector but also to Mongolia's reputation.

As of July 31 of this year, Mongolia has welcomed 568,989 foreign tourists, an 18.9% increase compared to the same period last year. In July alone, the country received 150,257 tourists, marking the highest figure in the past four years.

However, representatives of tourism sector associations highlighted that the ongoing fuel shortage is disrupting the normal operations of international and domestic flights, road transport, tour itineraries, tourist camps, and hospitality services, negatively impacting the safety of tourists and the overall quality of services.

Fuel Sales Restricted to Odd-Even License Plate System www.montsame.mn

The Operational Headquarters for Stabilizing Petroleum Product Supply and Distribution, established by decree of the Prime Minister and led by Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Damdinnyam Gongor, has issued a decision to limit fuel sales starting at midnight on August 3, 2026, due to nationwide fuel shortages.

Under the new measure, fuel distribution will be restricted based on odd and even license plate numbers, capped at MNT 50,000 per vehicle. The sale of fuel in loose containers has been strictly prohibited.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, this regulation, commonly implemented in many countries, aims to ensure the fair and efficient distribution of reserves, minimize waiting times at petrol stations, and preserve fuel availability for rural areas. The restriction will remain in place until August 15.

Minister Damdinnyam emphasized that the global oil crisis and transportation difficulties affecting crude oil, fuel, and finished petroleum products are directly impacting Mongolia. "In July alone, Russian oil refineries were targeted by 190 drone attacks, a tenfold increase compared to last year. These attacks rendered 16 refineries inoperable, reducing processing capacity by up to 45%," the Minister clarified.

In terms of immediate supply measures, 1,000 tons of aviation fuel arrived on August 3, 2026, at the Zamiin-Uud border port. The authorities are focusing on increasing shipments from Russia, holding talks with ministerial and industry representatives from the Republic of Korea, and overseeing initial shipments from the People’s Republic of China, comprising 2,000 tons of diesel and 6,000 tons of AI-92 petrol.

Calling for unity to navigate this challenging period, Minister Damdinnyam stated, "We are striving to resolve this issue with minimal inconvenience to citizens while managing our reserves responsibly. We are also reserving 7,000 to 10,000 tons of diesel fuel required for the upcoming autumn harvest. Our main goals are to prevent supply disruptions and avoid excessive price hikes."

Mongolia's demand for petroleum products increases by 14% annually. The country consumed 3 million tons of petroleum products last year and 1,783,000 tons in the first seven months of this year. AI-92 petrol accounts for 30% of total consumption, while diesel fuel comprises 63%. The central and Gobi regions account for 80% of total national consumption.

Korean law firms boost Mongolia pro bono with new support center www.biz.chosun.com

Domestic law firms DLG, Jipyong, and Bae, Kim & Lee (in alphabetical order) collaborated to open the Pro Bono Support Center of the Mongolian Bar Association.

According to Jipyong on the 4th, on the 31st, the Mongolian Bar Association opened the Pro Bono Support Center in the capital, Ulaanbaatar. "Pro Bono" is short for the Latin phrase Pro Bono Publico, meaning for the public good, and refers to activities in which professionals share their knowledge and skills with society without compensation.

At the opening ceremony, key Mongolian human rights and legal figures attended, including Munkhbat Munkhdorj, president of the Mongolian Bar Association; Hurelbaatar Basanzargal, a lawmaker and human rights lawyer; and Gerel Dondovdorj, a Commissioner of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. From Korea, Jipyong managing partner Lim Sung-taek and DLG attorney Kim Yong-hyuk attended and delivered congratulatory remarks.

In his congratulatory remarks, managing partner Lim Sung-taek congratulated the Mongolian legal community on taking a new step to protect the rights of the socially vulnerable and said he hopes Korea's experience will help develop Mongolia's pro bono culture.

Attorney Kim Yong-hyuk cited the proverb "If you want to go far, go together," and said he hopes the opening of this Pro Bono Support Center will be a starting point for the legal communities of Korea and Mongolia to grow and cooperate together.

Attorney Odonzav Chendjav, appointed as the inaugural head of the Pro Bono Support Center of the Mongolian Bar Association, requested Korea's continued interest and cooperation, saying, "We want to receive and share Korea's many experiences, know-how, and knowledge." DLG, Jipyong, and Bae, Kim & Lee plan to continue supporting and cooperating to strengthen the Mongolian Bar Association's capacity for public-interest activities.

With its launch, the Pro Bono Support Center of the Mongolian Bar Association set three key areas of activity—▲ children's rights ▲ rights of persons with disabilities ▲ social welfare—and designated dedicated attorneys for each field.