AGP Executive Report

Mongolia’s COP17 push: The UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar has surged to 4,127 registered participants, up by more than 1,000 in a week, with hundreds of ministers and senior officials already confirmed. Disaster readiness: Mongolia is moving to modernize emergency management and build an INSARAG-compliant urban search-and-rescue team, with legal reforms and capacity upgrades in focus. Sports & youth: The 8th National Sports Festival kicked off in Khui Doloon Khudag, while SP Falcons’ U13 teams won top honors at an international youth football tournament in Hohhot. Heritage & culture: MONTSAME’s 105th anniversary is being marked through preservation of its historic first news dispatch site in Altanbulag, Selenge. Markets: A weekly MONTSAME/MICC stock review reported mixed performance on the Mongolian Stock Exchange, with MSE trading totaling MNT 10.8 billion. International spotlight: Mongolia’s Xiongnu noble tombs and other sites were among UNESCO’s latest World Heritage additions.

COP17 in Mongolia: Mongolia’s UNCCD COP17 is drawing big attention, with 4,127 delegates registered at the UNCCD Secretariat—up by more than 1,000 in a week—showing the conference is ramping up fast. Flood Watch: Authorities issued a flood warning as river levels rise across Mongolia, urging people to avoid riverbanks and keep children under close watch. Disaster Response Upgrade: Deputy Prime Minister Nomtoibayar Nyamtaishir met an international disaster preparedness consultant to discuss legal reforms and plans to build an INSARAG-compliant urban search and rescue team. World Heritage & Culture: Mongolia’s youth promoted steppe heritage at an international “Future of the Silk Road” exchange in Beijing and Xiamen, building new partnerships. Sports & Heritage: The 8th National Sports Festival kicked off in Khui Doloon Khudag, with 1,672 athletes competing to preserve traditional sports. MONTSAME at 105: MONTSAME’s historic first-news dispatch site in Selenge is being preserved as part of the agency’s 105th anniversary. Markets: Mongolia’s stock exchange saw MNT 10.8 billion traded last week, with mixed index performance.

COP17 Coverage: MONTSAME opened a COP17 media center in Ulaanbaatar, promising twice-weekly briefings for the UNCCD desertification talks Mongolia hosts Aug. 17–28, with international media expected to report from the site. Flood Risk: Authorities issued a flood warning as river levels across Mongolia rose 10–55 cm after rainfall, with more increases forecast for July 29; people near riverbanks are urged not to camp or enter rivers. World Heritage Boost: Mongolia’s “Tombs of the Xiongnu Ruling Elite” was named a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlighting growing international recognition of Mongolian history. Education & Cooperation: The Royal Academy of Cambodia and Mongolia’s Volunteer Center signed an MoU to expand research, education, volunteerism, and cultural exchanges. Health & Safety: A suspected bubonic plague case was confirmed in Mongolia, with public warnings against consuming marmots.

Mongolia Tourism Boost: Mongolia welcomed 417.6k tourists in the first half of 2026, up 27.2% year-on-year, with Russia leading arrivals (154.8k). Flood Watch: Authorities warned of rising river levels, with some rivers already above dangerous marks; residents near the Selenge, Tuul and other waterways were urged not to camp or swim. Education Updates: The 2026-2027 general education school calendar was approved (Sep 1–Jun 15, 34–37 weeks total), and COP17-related disruptions will shift registration and some preparations online for 73 kindergartens and 60 schools. UNESCO Milestone: Mongolia secured its 7th UNESCO World Heritage Site as Xiongnu noble funerary complexes were added. Culture & Cooperation: The Royal Academy of Cambodia and Mongolia’s Volunteer Center signed an MoU in Ulaanbaatar to expand research, education, volunteerism and cultural exchange. Archaeology: A China-Mongolia team found new runic inscriptions in Bayankhongor, adding to ancient Turkic records.

UNESCO World Heritage: Mongolia just added the Xiongnu nobility cemetery complexes to the World Heritage List, bringing the country to seven sites after the UNESCO committee meeting in Busan. Desertification & Land Use: Ahead of COP17 in Mongolia, officials say the country is using the event to push rangeland and pasture solutions as land degradation and drought threaten livelihoods. Wildlife Conservation: Mongolia is relocating Mongolian marmots after a study found pastureland around Bogd Khan’s protected area shrank by 11% while urban development rose 3%, worsening habitat fragmentation and zoonotic risks. Mongolia–Japan Ties: Mongolia and Japan plan to expand cooperation in e-governance, renewable energy, and startups, with airport expansion work also highlighted. Culture & Arts: Ulaanbaatar opened “The Last Dream / Climate Change” exhibition and a “Stars in Mongolia and Japan” fine arts show, both aimed at boosting public awareness through art. Public Health Alert: Mongolia confirmed a suspected bubonic plague case and issued guidance on avoiding marmot consumption.

Public Health Alert: Mongolia confirms a bubonic plague case in Khovd aimag after lab tests; officials warn people to avoid hunting marmots, handling meat or organs, and contact with sick/dead rodents. City Air Quality & Energy: Ulaanbaatar is converting 5,000 households in Bayangol and Chingeltei to gas heating, with gas distribution points ramping up and a plan to expand after residents adapt. UN Desertification Summit Logistics: Mongolia is preparing for COP17, expecting over 2,800 delegates, with buses on multiple routes and vehicles on standby to keep transport running smoothly. World Heritage Spotlight: UNESCO adds Mongolia’s Xiongnu noble burial complexes, including the Duurlig Nars site, after long Korea-Mongolia research. Diplomacy & Development: The World Bank Group appoints Victoria Delmon as Country Manager for Mongolia to support diversification, private investment, and jobs. Business & Energy: TMK Energy names Steve Skinner as COO to push commercialization of methane from coal seams under the Gurvantes XXXV project. Food & Culture: Mom’s Touch opens its 20th Mongolia store, aiming to reach 25 outlets by year-end.

Public Health: Mongolia confirmed a bubonic plague case in western Khovd province after lab tests, urging people to avoid hunting, handling, or eating marmots and to steer clear of sick or dead rodents. World Heritage & Culture: Mongolia’s ties with UNESCO got a boost as the World Heritage Centre and Mongolian officials discussed closer cooperation, while UNESCO also highlighted Mongolia’s Cemetery Complexes of the Xiongnu Nobility at the same committee session. Land & Climate Policy: Ahead of UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar (Aug 17–28), UN officials framed land restoration as a practical investment for food security and resilience, with a warning that a major global financing gap could stall progress. Ulaanbaatar Life & Services: Plans are moving to convert capital maternity hospitals into Mother and Child Centers for children aged 0–18, expanding maternal and pediatric care. Sports & Spotlight: Mongolian ozeki Kirishima stayed in the Nagoya Basho title hunt as the tournament’s playoff set up a dramatic finish, and The Hu released “Horsemen” alongside their album “Hun.”

Public Health Alert: Mongolia confirmed a bubonic plague case in Khovd province after lab tests came back positive; officials say the patient likely contracted it by eating marmot meat and urged people to avoid hunting, handling, or eating marmots and to steer clear of sick or dead rodents. UNESCO & Heritage: Mongolia’s Minister of Culture met UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre director in Busan, discussing Mongolia’s ongoing protection work and cooperation after Mongolia’s ratification of the 2001 underwater heritage convention. Land Restoration Focus: Ahead of UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar (Aug 17–28), UNCCD’s executive secretary said land restoration is key to food security and resilience, while warning a major financing gap could stall progress. Education & Science: Mongolia hosted the International Mathematics Competition for the first time, with over 80 students taking part and officials highlighting gains from stronger teaching and international exchange. Culture & Music: Mongolian rock band The Hu released the “Horsemen” video and new album “Hun,” with UK tour dates announced.

Public Health Alert: Mongolia confirmed a bubonic plague case in Khovd province after lab tests, linked to eating marmot meat during a visit to Ulaankhus soum; authorities urged people to avoid hunting, handling, or touching sick or dead rodents and warned plague risk rises in summer. World Heritage & Culture: UNESCO inscribed Mongolia’s “Cemetery Complexes of the Xiongnu Nobility” for discussion/advancement at the World Heritage Committee session, while separate UNESCO news highlighted India’s Sarnath listing—keeping heritage conservation in the spotlight. UN Diplomacy: UN human rights chief Volker Türk won a second term at the General Assembly despite opposition from the US, Israel and Russia, underscoring continued pressure on rights leadership. Education & Youth: Mongolia hosted the International Mathematics Competition (MIMC) for the first time in Ulaanbaatar, with over 80 Mongolian students participating. Health System Upgrade (Ulaanbaatar): Plans were discussed to transform city maternity hospitals into Mother and Child Centers serving children from birth to 18. UNCCD COP17 Build-Up: Ahead of UNCCD COP17 in August, UN officials framed land restoration as key to food security and resilience.

Public Health Alert: Mongolia confirmed a suspected bubonic plague case in Khovd province after lab testing, linked to eating marmot meat; authorities urged people not to hunt, handle, or touch dead or sick rodents, noting 17 provinces are considered plague-risk areas. Healthcare Reform in Ulaanbaatar: Plans are underway to convert city maternity hospitals into Mother and Child Centers covering care from birth to age 18, with officials assessing facilities and preparing budgets. Education & Culture: Mongolia hosted the International Mathematical Olympiad MIMC 2026 in Ulaanbaatar for the first time, drawing teams from 33 countries/territories and featuring Mongolian performances including The Hu. Global Human Rights: UN human rights chief Volker Türk won a second term despite opposition from the US, Russia and Israel, after a General Assembly vote of 144-10. Arts & Spotlight: Inner Mongolian folk-rockers Hanggai returned to New York’s Lincoln Center as part of Chinese Arts Week, blending throat singing and traditional instruments with modern rock.

Ulaanbaatar Health Overhaul: Ulaanbaatar officials are assessing three maternity hospitals (Urguu, Khuree, Amgalan) to transform them into Mother and Child Centers, expanding care for children aged 0–18 alongside maternal services, with investment plans to be submitted to the city council. Mongolia in Global Institutions: Mongolia’s new Permanent Representative to FAO has assumed duties, while Mongolia’s UNESCAP envoy presented credentials and discussed preparations for COP17 on desertification in Ulaanbaatar (Aug 17–28). Climate Finance: The Bank of Mongolia and the IFC signed an MoU to strengthen banking supervision and resilience to climate-related risks. Livestock & Pasture Outlook: Mongolia’s 2025 livestock census counted 58.09 million head (115.7 million sheep units), with severe winter conditions in parts of the center and west and an estimate of about 78 million head grazing this summer and autumn. Infrastructure Pressure: Work is being intensified on the “Tuul-1” wastewater collector after peak-hour loads hit full capacity, to support urban development.

Livestock Update: Mongolia’s 2025 census counted 58.09 million head of livestock, with 115.7 million sheep-units surviving winter and spring; with 17 million breeding females delivering 16.8 million offspring, officials now expect about 78 million head to graze this summer and autumn. Water & Infrastructure: Ulaanbaatar is pushing to intensify the “Tuul-1” wastewater collector after main pipelines hit full capacity during peak hours, with relocation and protection of overlapping engineering networks flagged as urgent. UNESCO Heritage: Mongolia showcased its World Heritage work at the UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan, including plans for its first-ever preliminary assessment under the World Heritage framework. Climate Finance: The Bank of Mongolia and IFC signed an MoU to strengthen climate risk management in banking, aiming to improve supervisory rules, data reporting, and integration of climate risk into oversight. Diplomatic Moves: Mongolia’s new Permanent Representative to FAO assumed duties, while Mongolia’s UNESCAP representative presented credentials and discussed preparations for COP17 in Ulaanbaatar. Trade & Sanctions Watch: The EU adopted its 21st Russia sanctions package, including a new “full third-country ban” tool for crypto-asset services that could affect jurisdictions named in the listing, with Mongolia appearing among countries featured.

UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar: Mongolia will host UNCCD COP17 from Aug. 17–28, with over 2,000 delegates already registered, under the theme “Restoring Land. Restoring Hope,” as drought and land degradation threaten livelihoods and food security. Public health alert: A suspected bubonic plague case in Khovd’s Jargalant soum is in serious but stable condition; 12 close contacts are quarantined and monitored while lab confirmation is expected within 72 hours. Border travel surge: Mongolia saw a 25.7% jump in foreign arrivals in the first half of 2026, with 4.0866 million border crossings recorded overall. Ulaanbaatar infrastructure: The city’s cable car project is 85% complete, with testing planned to begin Sept. 19, 2026. National security capacity: Construction has started on Mongolia’s first independent Institute for International Studies under the National Defense University. Culture and heritage: A Japanese citizen donated a 40-meter replica of the “Mongol Invasion Scroll” to the Kharakhorum Museum for research and public display.

Border & Tourism: Mongolia saw inbound travel jump in the first half of 2026, with 2.075 million people entering and 4.087 million border crossings recorded—up 13.7% year-on-year. Mongolian citizens made up 77.1% of arrivals, while foreign arrivals rose 25.7%, led by China and Russia. Public Health: A suspected bubonic plague case in Jargalant soum, Khovd province is in serious but stable condition; close contacts are quarantined and PCR testing is underway. National Security & Research: Mongolia broke ground on its first independent Presidential Institute of International Studies under the National Defense University, aimed at policy research and security analysis. Culture & Heritage: A Japanese donor gifted a rare 40-meter replica of the “Mongol Invasion Scroll” to the Kharakhorum Museum for research and exhibitions. Environment & Diplomacy: Mongolia will host UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar (Aug 17–28), with over 2,000 delegates registered. Infrastructure: Ulaanbaatar’s cable car project is 85% complete, with system testing planned for Sept 19, 2026. Economy Watch: Diesel prices fell in provincial centers, while some essential goods rose in Ulaanbaatar; industrial production grew 55.9% in H1.

IMF Watch: An IMF Article IV mission has left Ulaanbaatar with a clear message: growth is projected at 5.8% this year, but Mongolia faces a worsening fiscal outlook, with the overall balance shifting from a 2025 surplus to a deficit by 2026 and debt rising toward 62% of GDP by 2031. Trade & Tariffs: Mongolia and the EAEU have moved ahead with interim tariff cuts, exempting 367 product categories under agreed conditions—aimed at boosting exports, especially in agriculture and livestock. Housing Fraud Probe: Police have logged nearly 40,000 fraud cases nationwide over three years, including 1,167 “housing reservation” scams; a new working group will focus on victims who paid for apartments but never received keys. National Naadam Complex: The Cabinet has instructed a public-private partnership to build a National Naadam Complex at Khui Doloon Khudag, with a planned 30,000-seat arena and an estimated MNT 100 billion preliminary investment. Bayan Khundii Update: Erdene reports stronger Q2 gold output at the Bayan Khundii mine, with 11,709 ounces produced and improved ore grades and recoveries. Public Health Alert: A suspected bubonic plague case has been reported in western Mongolia after possible marmot meat exposure, with PCR testing underway. Education & Culture: Mongolia’s national team won medals at the International Economics Olympiad in Shenzhen, and Tajik President Rahmon visited the Chinggis Khaan National Museum during his state visit.

Public Health Alert: Mongolia’s National Center for Zoonotic Diseases says a suspected bubonic plague case may be linked to illegal marmot meat consumption in Ulaankhus soum, with PCR testing underway and 17 provinces flagged as at risk. Trade & Industry: Mongolia and EAEU states agreed to tariff cuts and exemptions covering 367 product categories, aiming to boost Mongolian exports (especially agriculture and livestock) and potentially double exports within three years. Bilateral Diplomacy: Presidents and officials from Mongolia and Tajikistan signed 11 cooperation documents and held talks, with a business forum also advancing private-sector links. Housing Fraud Crackdown: A working group has been set up to investigate housing reservation fraud cases after police reported large losses to citizens and ongoing cases. National Naadam Infrastructure: The government approved a National Naadam Complex at Khui Doloon Khudag under a public-private partnership, with a planned 30,000-seat arena and estimated MNT 100 billion preliminary investment. China Ties & Fuel Supply: Mongolia’s PM met China’s outgoing ambassador, highlighting continued efforts including AI-92 gasoline and aviation fuel supply. Sports & Youth: Mongolia won medals at the International Economics Olympiad, and Mongolian athletes are set to compete internationally in aerobic gymnastics. Travel Disruption: Ulaanbaatar universities delayed the 2026-27 academic start by 15 days to ease traffic ahead of COP17 preparations.