Politics
Court Suspends Ulaanbaatar Metro Project Director for Six Months
Published: 2026-08-18
A district court has temporarily suspended T. Munkhdalai, director of the Ulaanbaatar Metro project, from performing his official duties for six months. The decision is linked to an investigation involving his brother, former Ulaanbaatar deputy governor T. Davaadalai, who is accused of bribery and money laundering. The Anti-Corruption Agency has completed its investigation and sent the case to prosecutors with a recommendation that it proceed to court. The allegations concern a MNT 16.9 billion tender for a preliminary feasibility study and design work on the New Ring Road project, involving a foreign joint venture. Investigators allege that project specifications were altered to create an unlawful advantage. Munkhdalai is charged as an accomplice; he was released in July under travel and contact restrictions.
Coverage:
Published: 2026-08-18
Prosecutors have referred a case involving B. Nasantogtokh, State Secretary at the Ministry of Road and Transport, and others to a district-level criminal and civil court for expedited proceedings. Nasantogtokh was arrested in January 2026 over allegations dating from his earlier roles as State Secretary and department head at the Ministry of Energy. Investigators allege he gave MCS International LLC an economic advantage connected to power-supply infrastructure for the Bayankhundii gold mine processing plant in Bayankhongor Province, then obtained benefits through NRG Development LLC, wholly owned by his wife Ch. Altantungalag. Prosecutors allege abuse of office, bribery, illicit enrichment and money laundering. Authorities say the investigation concerns alleged bribes totaling MNT 5.5 billion and alleged unexplained asset growth of MNT 3 billion between May 2019 and January 2026.
Coverage:
Defense Ministry Orders Force-Wide Safety Reviews and Suspends High-Risk Drills
Published: 2026-08-18
The Ministry of Defense has ordered comprehensive risk assessments and safety inspections across all Armed Forces units and organizations after a ministerial council meeting on August 17. Under the decisions, all exercises considered high-risk or requiring intensive mobilization will be cancelled or postponed through the end of 2026. When service members are assigned within the law to autumn harvesting or other work, contracts must prohibit them from operating high-risk machinery and equipment and require strict safety procedures. The ministry also ordered faster implementation of its “Free Military Service from Risk” reform and work to amend the Military Service Law to improve the alternative-service system. Schools are to prepare a pilot patriotic and basic military-knowledge course for this autumn. Officials were additionally instructed to accelerate equipment purchases for projects supporting service members’ family incomes and household production.
Coverage:
Only Seven Ministries Publish Draft 2027 Budgets for Public Review
Published: 2026-08-18
An assessment by the Mongolian Youth Alliance found that only seven of 16 ministries had publicly posted their draft 2027 budgets. It examined the openness of the drafts in the context of Budget Law requirements for state-investment projects and programmes. The Defence; Environment and Climate Change; Industry and Mineral Resources; Economy and Development; Road and Transport Development; Family, Labour and Social Protection; and Health ministries published drafts, while nine did not. The assessment separately found that opportunities for citizens to review budgets and submit comments were inadequate. It cited cases in which ministries created comment links without publishing draft budgets or identifying the projects and measures concerned, and cases where information was not shared through commonly used online channels. The NGO submitted recommendations to the Ministry of Finance.
Coverage:
Prosecutors Advance Corruption Cases Involving Customs, Energy and State-Owned Bodies
Published: 2026-08-18
Mongolian prosecutors and the Independent Authority Against Corruption reported several corruption cases involving public officials and state-owned entities. The anti-corruption agency reported allegations that a state-owned company executive abused office to provide MNT 6.5 billion in financing to a named company, creating an economic advantage. It also completed an investigation into allegations that an administrative official required work from a subordinate’s affiliated company and accepted an alleged MNT 162.4 million bribe. Separately, prosecutors filed indictments and transferred to court cases involving alleged bribes at Chinggis Khaan International Airport and Zamiin-Uud, procurement-related abuse, and alleged environmental-inspection bribes. An Energy Ministry department head was indicted over allegations including abuse of office, bribery, unjust enrichment and money laundering. The court cases are allegations, not verdicts.
Coverage:
MP Kh. Gankhuyag Drafts First Bill to Regulate Noise Pollution
Published: 2026-08-18
Member of Parliament Kh. Gankhuyag has initiated and drafted an initial bill on noise pollution intended to address the issue through a comprehensive legal framework. The proposed law includes measures to prevent noise pollution, set area-based maximum permitted levels, identify noise sources and establish legal requirements for their operation. It also proposes clarifying the rights and responsibilities of individuals, legal entities and public bodies, while improving monitoring and accountability. Separately, the capital’s Traffic Police Service and National Center for Road Transport are inspecting exhaust noise from vehicles on the road under the MNS 4599:2026 standard. Vehicles found to exceed permitted noise levels have their technical inspection and diagnostic status invalidated. Excessively loud cars and motorcycles have been a recurring concern for Ulaanbaatar residents, particularly in warmer months.
Coverage:
Economy
Minimum Monthly Wage Set to Reach MNT 1 Million in 2027
Published: 2026-08-18
The National Tripartite Committee on Labor and Social Partnership has agreed to raise the monthly minimum wage from MNT 792,000 to MNT 1 million from January 1, 2027, a 26.3% increase. The hourly minimum will be MNT 5,952.3. The Mongolian Confederation of Trade Unions said the decision is intended to improve income and social protection for low-paid workers and will monitor employer compliance. The reported tax treatment differs between the accounts: one report says employees could receive a MNT 100,000 monthly personal-income-tax reduction on the first MNT 1 million of earnings, while another says the current statutory tax-exempt amount is not automatically linked to the new wage floor. Employers and commentators also note that wage-linked social-insurance contributions, fees and payroll costs may rise.
Coverage:
Trade Surplus Reaches USD 5 Billion in First Seven Months
Published: 2026-08-18
Mongolia recorded a USD 5 billion trade surplus in the first seven months of 2026, as exports reached USD 12.2 billion and imports USD 7.2 billion, according to National Statistics Office accounts. One account reported turnover of USD 19.4 billion, while another reported USD 12.4 billion despite listing the same export and import figures. The accounts said trade with 153 countries increased year on year, driven largely by a USD 2.6 billion rise in copper ore and concentrate exports and a USD 1.7 billion increase in coal exports. China accounted for 74.3% of total turnover. Coal and copper concentrate made up most exports to China, while almost all exports to Switzerland were unprocessed or semi-processed gold. Imports rose with higher diesel and gasoline purchases; petroleum products accounted for 74.7% of imports from Russia.
Coverage:
Household Purchasing Power Falls as Monthly Spending Rises
Published: 2026-08-18
National Statistics Office data showed average monthly real household income, measured at 2023 prices, fell 4.8 percent year on year in the second quarter of 2026. Several reports put it at MNT 2.8 million, down MNT 137,900, while another reported MNT 2.75 million and a fall of about MNT 140,000. Declines in household production and service income, asset income, and non-cash income were cited as contributing factors. Nominal average monthly household income rose to MNT 3.5 million, and median income reached MNT 3.1 million. Average monthly expenditure was MNT 3.3 million, up 5.8 percent. Food represented MNT 713,700, or 23.2 percent, of cash spending; non-food goods and services accounted for 72.5 percent. The lowest- and highest-income fifths averaged MNT 2.1 million and MNT 5.3 million.
Coverage:
Unemployment Rises as Labor-Force Participation Declines
Published: 2026-08-18
Mongolia’s labor-force participation rate fell 0.4 percentage points year on year to 61.5 percent in the second quarter of 2026, according to the National Statistics Office. Of 1.4 million people in the labor force aged 15 and older, 1.3 million were employed and 79,300 were unemployed, pushing the unemployment rate to 5.5 percent. Employment fell one percentage point to 58.1 percent, while the number of unemployed people increased by 13,400 and the potential labor force rose by 25,900. Services employed 714,900 people, or 52.3 percent of all workers, followed by industry and construction at 328,500 and agriculture at 324,700. Separately, a Worldostats-based comparison placed the 15-64 working-age population at 62.5 percent of the total population, ranking the country 160th among 237 countries.
Coverage:
Industrial Output Reaches MNT 42.3 Trillion in First Seven Months
Published: 2026-08-18
Preliminary National Statistics Office data put Mongolia’s industrial output at MNT 42.3 trillion in the first seven months of 2026. The source identifies mining and quarrying as the main driver of the reported growth, with metal ore and coal extraction playing a leading role. Industrial sales totaled MNT 48.4 trillion over the same period. Mining products accounted for most industrial goods sold to foreign markets, according to the source. It also says the seasonally adjusted industrial production index was higher in July than a year earlier. The report describes changes across mining and manufacturing products as uneven, without giving production quantities in the text. The preliminary figures were cited as National Statistics Office data.
Coverage:
End-July Credit Balances, First-Seven-Month Securities Turnover Reported
Published: 2026-08-18
Outstanding loans reached MNT 48.2 trillion at the end of July, according to National Statistics Office data. Money supply stood at MNT 53.1 trillion at the same point, while tugrik deposits totaled MNT 28.8 trillion; households accounted for 82 percent of those deposits. In the securities market, turnover in the first seven months of 2026 reached MNT 926.2 billion. Primary-market transactions drove the turnover, and corporate bonds made up most of it, the source said. Company shares, government bonds and asset-backed securities were also traded. The number of securities traded was 291.1 million. Listed companies’ combined market capitalization reached MNT 13.9 trillion. The data characterize both turnover and market capitalization as higher than a year earlier.
Coverage:
Insurance Premium Income Rises 20.9% in First Half of 2026
Published: 2026-08-18
Insurance premium income reached 296.7 billion tugriks in the first half of 2026, up 20.9 percent from the same period a year earlier, according to National Statistics Office data reported by Urug. Growth in construction and installation, motor-vehicle and property insurance premiums drove the increase. Motor-vehicle insurance accounted for the largest share of premium income, followed by accident, medical and driver-liability coverage. Insurers paid 96.9 billion tugriks in claims during the six-month period, a 9.8 percent year-on-year increase. Higher payments for accident and medical, motor-vehicle and property insurance contributed to that rise. The number of insurance contracts reached 1.3 million, up 43.9 percent, with individuals holding most contracts. Voluntary and compulsory policies made up most agreements.
Coverage:
Diplomacy
Parliament Leaders Discuss Trade, Airport Expansion and Cooperation With Japan
Published: 2026-08-18
Parliament Speaker S. Byambatsogt met Tetsuro Fukuyama, Vice President of Japan’s House of Councillors, on August 18 to discuss trade, parliamentary ties and future cooperation. Byambatsogt described Japan as a key third neighbor and special strategic partner, and highlighted planned work to expand capacity at Chinggis Khaan International Airport through Japanese official development assistance yen loans. The two sides also discussed using artificial intelligence in legislative work and exchanging experience on legal responses to disinformation. Byambatsogt said 5,700 Mongolian products can enter Japan duty-free under the 2015 trade agreement, but noted that barriers remain and exports have fallen below their 2015 level. Fukuyama thanked the public for welcoming Japan’s emperor and empress during their 2025 state visit and pointed to 2027, the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations, as an opportunity to advance long-term ties.
Coverage:
Infrastructure
Railway Speeds Fuel Deliveries as Authorities Seek to Ease Shortages
Published: 2026-08-18
Authorities are increasing fuel deliveries and transport capacity to ease the AI-92 shortage and reduce queues at fuel stations. The Industry and Mineral Resources Ministry said 1,750 tonnes of AI-92 were distributed in Ulaanbaatar and 500 tonnes in provincial areas during the previous 24 hours; it also said 90% of the capital’s stations were operating normally. The ministry said negotiations with Russian officials resulted in an agreement to obtain an additional 25,000 tonnes of motor gasoline and 5,000 tonnes of jet fuel. Ulaanbaatar Railway reported receiving and rapidly moving 28,924 tonnes of AI-92, 748 tonnes of AI-95 and 79,910 tonnes of diesel from Russia between August 1 and 17, plus diesel and jet fuel from China. Distribution has been shifted from an earlier 50:50 city-provincial allocation to 70:30 in favor of Ulaanbaatar.
Coverage:
City Considers Vehicle-Tax Relief During Odd-Even Plate Restrictions
Published: 2026-08-18
Ulaanbaatar is calculating whether to reduce vehicle tax for days when cars cannot drive under the temporary odd-even license-plate restriction, Mayor B. Purevdagva said. The measure runs from August 15 through September 12, between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., in connection with COP17 and the start of the school year. Under the four-week restriction, each vehicle will be excluded from traffic for 12 days. Purevdagva described the measure as a response to immediate congestion pressures rather than an ideal solution, saying it is intended to let traffic move on alternating days instead of bringing the city to a standstill. He said the city is assessing the tax adjustment for the restricted days; no final tax-relief decision was reported.
Coverage:
Tavantolgoi Fuel Prepares 120,000 Tonnes of Briquettes for Winter
Published: 2026-08-18
Tavantolgoi Fuel LLC has entered preparation mode to produce 120,000 tonnes of briquetted fuel for the coming winter, according to a municipal management meeting held on August 17. The company said it had completed arrangements to maintain uninterrupted supplies of improved briquettes and semi-coke fuel, and had been readying production and transport since August 15. Mongolia has also contracted to purchase 280,000 tonnes of semi-coke fuel from China for the winter season. Separately, the city is carrying out 573 projects and measures on heating networks as part of winter preparations, with 65 percent completed. The measures are intended to secure fuel availability and heating infrastructure before colder weather begins.
Coverage:
City Negotiates Tuul Expressway Reroute to Cut MNT 2.3 Trillion
Published: 2026-08-18
Ulaanbaatar is negotiating with the contractor on a revised route for the Tuul Expressway, Mayor B. Purevdavaa said on August 18. The city is seeking to continue the project while reducing the budget by MNT 2.3 trillion. Purevdavaa said the dispute had been sent to arbitration, creating a risk that the city could be left without either the road or its funds, but that negotiations had removed that immediate danger. The arbitration process is still pending, and the route change remains at the negotiation stage rather than an approved construction plan. The mayor said the city needs the road and that money already budgeted for it should be directed toward easing congestion and used effectively. He also acknowledged problems in the earlier process and said the administration was working to correct them.
“We have entered negotiations to change the road’s route and move the project forward.” - B. Purevdavaa (isee.mn)
Coverage:
COP17 Site to Become City Property After Conference Ends
Published: 2026-08-18
Infrastructure built for COP17 on a 40-hectare site 2.4 kilometers east of the National Park will remain city property after the conference ends on August 28, according to National Park Director U. Oyunzul. The site includes a main area, pedestrian and bicycle paths, utilities, public toilets, landscaping and two 250-seat Mongolian ger tents. Most of the construction is temporary because building is prohibited in the National Park, which is Ulaanbaatar’s drinking-water source. The National Park will register the remaining items as city property. The area is intended to become an ecological setting where residents can relax, like the National Park. A 2.4-kilometer bicycle path to the COP17 site has been built, while pedestrian and running paths are expected to enter service soon.
“The National Park will register the remaining items as city property.” — U. Oyunzul (ikon.mn)
Coverage:
Society
Intermed Hospital Resumes Normal Operations After Bomb Sweep Finds No Explosives
Published: 2026-08-18
Intermed Hospital said all of its branches and units resumed normal operations after police and intelligence officers conducted an inspection and found no explosives. The search followed reports on the morning of August 17 that a bomb might have been placed at the hospital. Mongolia’s General Intelligence Agency said its inspection found no explosive or detonating substances at Intermed. Authorities are also examining circumstances involving a foreign national who was reported to have provided the initial information. The August 18 report stated that the hospital had announced normal operations across its facilities. No explosive or detonating substance was reported from the hospital premises. The matter involving the foreign national remains under examination, according to the report.
Coverage:
Police Record 409 Pickpocketing Cases So Far This Year
Published: 2026-08-18
Police have recorded 409 pickpocketing crimes so far in 2026. The General Police Department has warned that children and women account for more than 90 percent of people victimized by pickpocketing. The reported figure concerns cases registered since the start of the year. Article 17.1 of Mongolia’s Criminal Code addresses theft: secretly and unlawfully taking another person’s property without force. The provision sets penalties of 240 to 720 hours of community service or imprisonment for six months to five years. The warning highlights the group most often affected, while the legal provision separately describes sanctions for theft. The figures and penalties were reported on August 18.
Coverage:
Resident Launches Campaign Against Drinking in Children’s Playgrounds
Published: 2026-08-18
S. Munkhtulga, a resident of the First Microdistrict, has launched the “Speak Up” campaign to draw attention to alcohol consumption in children’s playgrounds, apartment shelters and other shared spaces. He says the behavior is not limited to people experiencing homelessness or addiction; he often sees employed young people drinking in such areas while children and parents are present. Munkhtulga has begun asking people to stop drinking in playgrounds and is collecting at least 1,000 signatures for a petition he plans to submit to Prime Minister N. Uchral. The petition will seek clearer oversight and accountability for drinking in shared areas, playgrounds and residential surroundings, including mechanisms for repeat violations. He argues that enforcement and prevention cannot rest solely on individual residents.
Coverage:
Environment
UN Desertification Conference Opens in Ulaanbaatar With Focus on Implementation
Published: 2026-08-18
The 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, COP17, opened in Ulaanbaatar on August 17 and runs through August 28. Delegates will discuss land restoration, drought resilience, water, rangelands and food systems, with formal negotiations beginning on implementation, finance and scientific evidence. Mongolia will chair the convention through 2028 after Foreign Minister B. Battsetseg assumed the COP presidency. Prime Minister N. Uchral called for implementation rather than repeated declarations. Ulaanbaatar will host a mayors’ forum on August 20-22, expected to bring representatives from about 110 cities to discuss urban forestry and regional cooperation against dust. The conference also opened a public Green Zone and Youth Forum, while a new initiative plans to link young herders, researchers, engineers and startups on rangeland resilience.
Coverage:
Rain and Thunderstorms Forecast Across Several Regions
Published: 2026-08-18
The Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring Agency forecast rain and thunderstorms for parts of western, central and eastern provinces on August 18, with rain and slightly cooler conditions expected in northern areas on August 18 and 19. Daytime temperatures were forecast at 17-22 C in the Altai, Khangai, Khuvsgul and Khentii mountains and several river valleys, 27-32 C in southern Gobi areas, and 21-26 C elsewhere. Ulaanbaatar was expected to be cloudy with afternoon rain, winds of 4-9 meters per second that could temporarily strengthen, and temperatures of 21-23 C. On August 19, heavier rain and thunderstorms were forecast for northern central provinces. Sources named Bulgan, Orkhon and Selenge; another also named Darkhan-Uul, and warned of rising river levels, flooding risks and strong gusts.
Coverage:
Published: 2026-08-18
Authorities have imposed a 28-day quarantine in Tsetserleg soum, Khuvsgul province, after laboratory testing confirmed foot-and-mouth disease in small livestock at Tsagaan-Us in Delgerkhaan bag on August 11. The outbreak has affected 63 animals in 10 households, with symptoms cleared in 23 of them, the provincial Veterinary Department said. Four control posts are operating, while disinfection has been carried out in the outbreak area and surrounding suspected zone. A veterinary working group led by the department head is vaccinating livestock and taking measures to contain the outbreak. The quarantined area borders Asgat soum in Zavkhan province; livestock movement and travel through the restricted zone are prohibited. No new cases have been detected during the past three days.
Coverage:
COP17 Green Zone Opens at National Park Through August 28
Published: 2026-08-18
COP17’s public Green Zone opened on August 18 at the National Park in Ulaanbaatar, providing a venue for residents, businesses, civil-society groups, young people and researchers to learn about environmental solutions, innovation, good practices and cooperation. The 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification began the previous day. The Green Zone is an open, participation-based space intended to bring the conference’s work to the public. Opening events were to include special cultural performances by the Morin Khuur Ensemble, traditional music and ballet. Visitors should enter through the National Park’s northeast gate, use the COP17 reception point and take a designated electric golf cart to the site. Access requires a national identity card, and the Green Zone remains open through August 28.
Coverage:
COP17 Session Calls for Stronger Digital Climate Monitoring
Published: 2026-08-18
A COP17 side event on climate change and digital monitoring is under way at the Mongolian pavilion in the conference’s Blue Zone. The event comes as land degradation and desertification affect 82 percent of Mongolia’s territory to some degree. Weather-related hazardous and disaster events occur an average of 67 times a year, and their frequency and intensity have tripled over the past decade, according to the report. Over the past 25 years, such events caused 601 deaths, the loss of about 30 million livestock and 888.9 billion tugriks in direct damage. The report identifies a need to modernize meteorological observation and monitoring using modern technology, improve impact-based forecasts and early-warning systems, and expand decision-support products and services based on agricultural weather information.
Coverage:
Innovation
Published: 2026-08-18
Mobicom said a system malfunction sent erroneous MonPay loan-repayment text messages to mobile users beginning on August 17. The notices reached both registered and unregistered MonPay users and warned that overdue loans could be referred to law-enforcement authorities and court proceedings unless paid urgently. The company said engineers were working to correct the fault and asked customers to remain patient while the error is resolved. Mobicom also said the messages were not an online fraud attempt. Separately, the company said it has more than 1.7 million telecommunications users nationwide and that the MonPay application has more than 2.1 million users. Mobicom said the loan-repayment notices sent to customers’ numbers were erroneous.
Coverage:
Schools and Kindergartens Set to Open on September 1
Published: 2026-08-18
All general education schools and kindergartens nationwide are scheduled to begin classes and educational activities on September 1, 2026, Education Minister L. Enkh-Amgalan said. Registration and preparatory work for 70 schools and 60 kindergartens in central Ulaanbaatar will be organized online, and city school and kindergarten leaders have received instructions on the arrangements. Schools and kindergartens located in areas hosting COP17 events are also expected to open on September 1. In-person classes at vocational schools, polytechnic colleges, universities and colleges will begin on September 14. Enkh-Amgalan advised students moving to the capital from provinces for tertiary study to travel after September 1. The schedule leaves the opening date for general schools and kindergartens unchanged.
Coverage:
Schools to Restrict Facebook and Group Chats for Learning Activities
Published: 2026-08-18
General education schools will restrict the use of social networks, Facebook and online group chats in teaching and communications connected to educational activities from September 1, under an initiative led by Justice and Home Affairs Minister S. Amarsaikhan. The measure is intended to prevent peer bullying, crime and violations involving students, improve child safety, and keep grades, assessments and personal information off social-media platforms. Schools will instead use their institutional systems, learning-management systems and official platforms to exchange information connected to educational activities. The change takes effect with the new academic year and applies to how schools organize and communicate about learning, rather than ending the use of digital systems altogether. It shifts educational communications away from public or informal social-media channels to platforms operated or formally adopted by each school.
Coverage:
Defence Ministry Pushes to Speed Up Delayed Drone Assembly Plant
Published: 2026-08-18
Defence Minister D. Batlut said he would hold a joint meeting with project leaders and contractors after an unannounced inspection found Mongolia’s drone assembly plant behind schedule. Mongolia is implementing the project in stages to manufacture drones domestically and develop unmanned aerial vehicle technology. During his August 17 visit, Batlut reviewed the plant’s condition, equipment deliveries, and assembly and installation work. He said equipment supply and assembly and installation were behind the planned schedule, and that oversight by responsible officials was weak. He said the meeting, involving relevant parties and contractors, was intended to improve accountability and help commission the project on time and to the required quality.
“An important project must not stall.” - D. Batlut (isee.mn)
Coverage:
Ulaanbaatar General Education Schools Report More Than 1,300 Vacancies
Published: 2026-08-18
With the 2026-2027 school year more than 10 days away, the Ulaanbaatar Education Department reported vacancies for teachers and staff at public schools and kindergartens. As of August 15, general education schools across the capital had more than 1,300 unfilled teaching and staff positions. The consolidated survey covers institutions preparing for the new academic year, when adequate staffing remains a challenge for maintaining continuous, normal educational operations. In Bayanzurkh District, 32 general education schools have openings in roles ranging from training managers to drivers. Bayangol District reported teacher and staff shortages at 23 schools. The Education Department advised people interested in a position to contact the relevant institution for information on vacancies.
Coverage:
Schools Told to Prepare Individual Learning Plans for Students With Disabilities
Published: 2026-08-18
During the 2025-2026 school year, 6,735 children with disabilities attended general education schools, but only 1,267 studied under individualized learning plans. The General Education Agency has instructed schools to promptly prepare and approve plans for the 2026-2027 academic year. Schools must develop plans for students with diverse needs under the procedures and methodology introduced by Education Ministerial Order A/81 of 2024, which schools have followed for the past two years. Parents, guardians or supporting caregivers must be consulted and give consent, and the plans are to be carried out with their participation and support. Individualized plans will also be prepared for children with disabilities in kindergarten. The program is intended to tailor education to each child’s disability type, stage of illness, learning ability and individual differences.
Coverage:
Health
Published: 2026-08-18
Mongolia had recorded 8,382 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease by the end of July, the National Center for Communicable Diseases warned, a sixfold increase nationwide and a ninefold increase in the capital from the previous year. The Health Development Center reported 29,777 infectious-disease cases overall during the first seven months of 2026, down by 23.1 cases per 10,000 people from the same period last year. Respiratory infections made up 10,435 cases, or 35 percent of the total. Hand, foot and mouth disease is an acute enterovirus infection transmitted through contaminated hands, feces, water, food, soil and objects, as well as droplets. Doctors advised urgent medical attention if fever lasts two or more days or if rashes become infected, vomiting, frequent diarrhea, or a productive cough develops.
Coverage:
Two-Wheeler Injuries Surge in June and July
Published: 2026-08-18
Injuries linked to mopeds, scooters, Sur-Ron electric bikes and e-bikes reached 1,989 cases in the first seven months of 2026, according to figures reported by news.mn. The total rose sharply after summer began: 754 cases were recorded from January through May, followed by 1,235 in June and July. Rental mopeds accounted for 1,109 cases, while Sur-Ron vehicles and e-bikes accounted for 347 and scooters for 250. The same period saw 283 pedestrians injured after being hit by these vehicles. Adults over 20 made up the largest share of casualties, while 677 people aged 15-19 received treatment. In 2024, 495 of 532 such injuries were reported in Ulaanbaatar.
Coverage:
Medical Teams and Hospitals Stand Ready for COP-17
Published: 2026-08-18
Health Minister E. Batshugar inspected medical preparations on the second day of COP-17, the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. Under Ministerial Order A/14 of 2026, a working group has coordinated planning, risk assessment, staffing, medicines and equipment. Four medical posts, four mobile emergency teams and seven ambulance-equipped vehicles are operating in the conference’s Blue and Green Zones, staffed by 52 medical professionals. Nine hospitals have been placed on standby to provide referral-level care if required. A total of 120 conference medical professionals received international-standard emergency-response training, while about 1,500 officials received basic resuscitation training. Batshugar said swift medical response and adequate personnel, supplies and equipment are essential to protecting delegates and participants.
Coverage:
Arts
Nomad Cultural Festival Set for August 21-23 in Nalaikh
Published: 2026-08-18
The Nomad Cultural Festival is scheduled for August 21-23 at the foot of Taij Khairkhan in Nalaikh District. Visitors can tour camps showing distinctive ways of life and culture, and watch performances by tradition bearers. The programme also lists exhibitions and sales of traditional food, drinks and handicrafts. Archery, knucklebone shooting and Mongolian wrestling will also be held during the event. The festival is due to take place over the coming weekend. An August 18 article presented the programme for the festival, which opens on August 21. The listed activities combine visits to the camps, performances, exhibitions and sales, as well as the three competitions. The report gives the venue and dates for the three-day event.
Coverage: