AGP Executive Report

Oyu Tolgoi Update: Mongolia and Rio Tinto have amended the Oyu Tolgoi Shareholders’ Agreement for the first time in 17 years, boosting Mongolia’s benefits and moving dividend timing to 2027, with preliminary estimates pointing to major cost cuts and higher returns over the mine’s life. Energy & Industry: Mongolia imported 24,000 tonnes of AI-92 gasoline in the first 11 days of September, while TMK Energy reported rising gas flows from its Gurvantes XXXV coal seam gas pilot, signaling momentum toward commercial development. Housing Watch: Ulaanbaatar’s rental market data shows steep prices by district, with Sukhbaatar District leading and Songinokhairkhan at the low end, based on listings from une gui. Healthcare Upgrade: Mongolia’s First Central Hospital introduced the “Revo-I” robotic surgical system, with plans to expand use and work toward insurance coverage. Gender Violence Prevention: ADB approved a $3 million grant to improve school safety and prevention of gender-based violence for about 19,500 students, including upgrades to dormitories and digital safety efforts. Culture & Community: The 40th National Book Festival opens Sept. 18, and Mongolia’s national chess team has departed for the World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand.

Mongolia–China Energy: President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh said Mongolia will use the Erdeneburen hydropower plant as a chance to deepen energy and infrastructure cooperation with China, praising Chinese construction performance as the 90MW project nears completion. Parliament & Transparency: Lawmakers submitted a draft Law on Transparency in the Use of Natural Resources to push a unified system for publicly disclosing data on minerals, water, forests, wildlife and plants, aiming to curb corruption and conflicts of interest. School Nutrition: Mongolia and France moved to strengthen school lunch programs, with France offering experience to improve nutrition quality and accessibility and support “healthy, eco-friendly, smart” schools. National Museum Push: Khurelsukh reviewed the National Museum of Natural Sciences project, now 83% complete, urging higher standards for collections, exhibitions, storage, preservation, and education programs. Viral Politics: The president’s 100kg bench-press for 20 reps during a military visit kept Mongolia in the spotlight online. Clean Energy Deal: Mongolia and the UAE signed an MoU to cooperate on renewable energy and green hydrogen, including a joint working group to assess priority projects.

Parliament Anniversary: Mongolia marked the 36th anniversary of the State Small Khural and the opening of its first permanent parliamentary session on Sept. 13, with Speaker S.Byambatsogt praising the early model of pluralism, open debate and rights-focused governance. Natural Resources Transparency: Three lawmakers submitted a draft Law on Transparency in the Use of Natural Resources to require unified, public reporting on minerals, water, forests and wildlife, backed by a centralized digital portal and public oversight to curb corruption and conflicts of interest. Clean Energy Deal: The UAE and Mongolia signed an MoU to expand cooperation on renewable energy and green hydrogen, including a joint working group to identify priority projects and feasibility. Education & Nutrition: Mongolia’s education ministry met France to improve school meal quality and access, with France offering best practices and support for healthier menus and nutrition education. Culture & Sports: The National Museum of Natural Sciences construction reached 83% completion, while a new Sukhbaatar District sports complex has been accepted for operation; Mongolian judokas also won medals at the Hungary Grand Slam. Viral Presidency Moment: President Khurelsukh went viral after bench-pressing 100kg for 20 reps during a military unit visit.

School Lunch Boost: Mongolia and France agreed to strengthen Mongolia’s school lunch programme, with France offering know-how to improve nutrition, menu quality, and access, and to weave nutrition education into school curricula. Central Bank Input: The Bank of Mongolia opened a public consultation on draft 2027 State Monetary Policy Guidelines, aiming to keep inflation around 5% over the medium term while supporting growth and financial stability. Sports Infrastructure: A new three-story sports complex in Sukhbaatar District’s Khoroo 13 has been completed and accepted for permanent operation, bringing facilities for football, tennis, basketball, boxing, and more to about 140,000 residents. Judoka on the Podium: Mongolian judo opened the Hungary Grand Slam with medals: B.Baasankhuu won bronze in -48 kg and U.Byambasuren took silver in -66 kg. Tech for Streaming: Skytel (via SKYmedia) selected ZEGi NEXX5 as the platform for its OTT service for the next 10 years. Culture & Art: The “Mongolian Palette” exhibition opened at the Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum, featuring works by Russian artist Fyodor Torkhov. Local Food Supply: Ulaanbaatar’s expanded “Golden Autumn 2026” potato and vegetable markets will run through November 1 across 18 locations.

Sports & Olympics: Mongolia opened the Hungary Grand Slam 2026 with two medals—B.Baasankhuu won bronze in -48 kg and U.Byambasuren took silver in -66 kg, adding Olympic qualification points toward LA 2028. National Leadership: President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh’s viral bench-press moment—100 kg for 20 reps during a military unit visit—has sparked a wave of gym challenges online. Education & Development: A new report highlights how Mongolia’s education access and technology are helping narrow the rural-urban gap and support poverty reduction. Culture & International Ties: The “Mongolian Palette” exhibition opened at Ulaanbaatar’s Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum, showcasing Russian artist Fyodor Torkhov’s decades of work on Mongolia. Local Life: A new sports complex in Sukhbaatar District’s Khoroo 13 has been completed, giving 140,000 residents more facilities for training and recreation. Banking & Policy: The Bank of Mongolia launched a public consultation on the 2027 monetary policy draft, aiming for inflation around 5% and flexible tugrik exchange-rate adjustment. Energy Cooperation: Mongolia and France agreed to boost school lunch programmes, while Mongolia and the UAE signed an MoU to expand renewable energy and green hydrogen cooperation.

Ulaanbaatar Sports & Culture: A new sports complex in Sukhbaatar District’s Khoroo 13 has been completed and accepted for permanent operation, offering football, tennis, basketball, tracks, a boxing hall, climbing, and facilities for more than 140,000 residents. Public Finance: The Bank of Mongolia held a public consultation on draft “State Monetary Policy Guidelines for 2027,” outlining plans to keep inflation around 5% over the medium term, support growth, and strengthen banking supervision and anti–money laundering systems. Diplomacy & Energy: Mongolia and the UAE signed an MoU to boost renewable energy and green hydrogen cooperation, including training, a joint working group, and potential clean-energy projects. Fuel Supply: Mongolia agreed with CNPC on September deliveries of gasoline and jet fuel, while also requesting additional volumes for later months and aiming to shift toward longer-term supply contracts. International Spotlight: President Khurelsukh went viral after bench-pressing 100kg for 20 reps during a military unit visit. Arts: The “Mongolian Palette” exhibition opened at the Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum to mark 105 years of Mongolia–Russia diplomatic ties.

Energy Diplomacy: The UAE and Mongolia signed a renewable energy and green hydrogen MoU, setting up a joint working group to identify projects and exchange expertise. Fuel Security: Mongolia agreed with CNPC to buy 10,000 tons of gasoline and 4,000 tons of jet fuel in September, with further AI-92 and diesel requests for October and a push toward longer-term supply contracts. Digital Education: Mongolia’s education minister shared an AI policy approach at UNESCO’s Digital Learning Week in Paris, stressing clear public guidance and support for teachers and students. Higher-Tech Training: Mongolia also moved to partner the Mongolian University of Science and Technology with France’s IP Paris to strengthen engineering and tech education. Healthcare Upgrade: First Central Hospital introduced South Korea’s “Revo-I” robotic surgical system, with plans to expand use, train staff, and integrate services into health insurance. Public Services: Ulaanbaatar suburban bus riders can reserve seats in advance via the UBCARD app for Baganuur, Bagakhangai and the airport routes. Economy Watch: Mongolia’s foreign trade hit $22.8 billion in the first eight months, with exports up sharply and copper ore and coal driving gains. Viral Politics: President Khurelsukh bench-pressed 100 kg for 20 reps during a military unit visit, sparking a debate online about the feat.

Mongolia–Vietnam Ties: Mongolia’s National Assembly speaker Byambatsogt Sandag met Vietnam’s NA chair Tran Thanh Man and signed inter-parliamentary cooperation memorandums, with a joint implementation plan targeted through 2028. Energy Partnerships: Mongolia’s Deputy PM Dorjkhand Togmid signed an MoU with the UAE energy ministry to cooperate on renewables, green hydrogen, power grids, storage, and training, including exploring electricity and hydrogen exports. UNCCD COP17 Fallout: UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar ended without promised formal roles for Indigenous Peoples and local communities, with caucuses not operationalized and key agenda items deferred. Wildlife & Forest Rules: Mongolia banned cedar nut harvesting through year-end after bear sightings in residential areas in Khentii province, citing food shortages for wildlife. Tech for Homes: Mobinet is rolling out Plume to power its Mobihome broadband service, adding AI-optimized Wi‑Fi and security tools. Viral Politics: President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh’s bench-press video sparked debate over whether he lifted 100kg for 20 reps.

UNCCD COP17 Fallout: Mongolia hosted UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, but reporting says Indigenous participation and key caucus items were deferred to COP18, leaving frontline communities still pushing for real influence over drought and land-degradation decisions. Energy Diplomacy: Mongolia and the UAE signed an MoU covering renewable energy, green hydrogen, grid upgrades, storage, and potential electricity/hydrogen exports, as Mongolia also pitched energy reforms and data-center power needs at AIM Congress. Parliament-to-Parliament Ties: Vietnam’s National Assembly chair Tran Thanh Man met Mongolia’s NA speaker Byambatsogt Sandag, signing cooperation memorandums and discussing a joint implementation plan through 2028. Fuel Crisis & Air Quality: Ulaanbaatar rolled out measures for the Sept. 15 heating season, including improved fuel production, semi-coke sales controls via the “Khotula” app, and plans to expand gas heating for ger districts. Health Policy: The government approved the “Year of Health Support – 2027” action plan, targeting continuity of chronic-disease treatment, lower medication costs, and healthcare digitization. Broadband Upgrade: Mobinet is deploying Plume to power its mobihome service with AI-optimized WiFi, cybersecurity, parental controls, and app-based home network management. Food Imports & Trade: Mongolia’s 2026 imports rose for wheat, sugar and meat, while Russia’s agricultural exports to Mongolia increased sharply in the first seven months. Cultural Heritage Work: World Monuments Fund experts visited Mongolia to support restoration and conservation at Choijin Lama Temple Museum and Erdene Zuu.

Mongolia–Montenegro ties: Montenegro’s president and officials are pushing to turn recent agreements with Mongolia into real business deals, with a focus on direct contacts, tourism, and better transport links, including parliamentary cooperation. Trade boost: Mongolia’s foreign trade turnover jumped 36.8% year-on-year to $22.8 billion in the first eight months of 2026, driven by mining exports that make up nearly 90% of exports. Energy security pressure: Mongolia is preparing an $800m steel complex in Darkhan-Uul to cut industrial dependence on China, with shortlisted Chinese firms and a target to sign by October 2026. Parliament scrutiny ahead of election: A public hearing on the Jeffrey Epstein files is set for October 7, after opposition lawmakers cited references to prominent Mongolian political figures in the documents. State sector overhaul: The government approved measures to cut staffing at state-owned enterprises by 30% and reorganize roles ahead of new governance rules starting January 1, 2027. COP17 audit: Mongolia’s National Audit Office launched a financial and compliance audit of COP17 funding and spending from 2023–2026. Foreign residents snapshot: Mongolia’s population is 99% citizens; foreign nationals rose to 35,446 in 2025 census data, with growth tied to mining and industrial zones.

State-Owned Enterprise Overhaul: Mongolia’s government approved measures to implement the new governance law for state-owned and local government-owned companies, cutting staffing at state enterprises by 30%, removing 25 organizations from the state budget, and reorganizing 108–324 positions—aiming for about MNT 30 billion in annual savings from 2027. Public Finance Scrutiny: The National Audit Office launched a financial and compliance audit of COP17 funding and spending, covering key ministries and agencies from 2023–2026. Foreign Policy & Diplomacy: Montenegro President Jakov Milatović visited the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, while Mongolia and Montenegro held a business roundtable to push trade and investment links. Regional Ties in Education: Mongolia’s education state secretary met a Saxony delegation to expand student, teacher, and researcher exchanges and joint training. Parliamentary Visit: Vietnam’s National Assembly chair Tran Thanh Man arrived for an official visit to Mongolia, with talks and cooperation documents planned through Sept. 11. Demographics: Mongolia’s census data shows 99% of residents are Mongolian citizens; foreign nationals rose to 35,446 (up 58.1% since 2020), with growth in mining-linked provinces. Aviation Cooperation: Chinggis Khaan International Airport operator NUBIA signed an MoU with Hokkaido Airports to explore new Mongolia–Hokkaido routes.

Fuel Crisis in Mongolia: Mongolians in Bagakhangai and beyond are facing hours-long queues and empty pumps after disruptions to Russia-linked petrol supplies, with authorities responding via purchase caps, a ban on stockpiling, and an alternating license-plate system. Energy Reform Pressure: A separate report flags how Mongolia’s winter power and heating system is financially strained, leaving Ulaanbaatar vulnerable to cold snaps and dependent on imports to meet peak demand. Tourism Update: Mongolia welcomed 705,098 foreign tourists in the first eight months of 2026, up 17.9%, with Russia, China, South Korea, Japan and Kazakhstan leading arrivals. Diplomacy with Montenegro: President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh and Montenegro’s Jakov Milatović signed a joint statement to expand cooperation across trade, education, culture, science, media and people-to-people ties. Culture & Media Links: At the 16th China-Mongolia Media Forum in Hohhot, officials urged fair, objective reporting to strengthen mutual understanding.

Mongolia–Montenegro Diplomacy: President Khurelsukh met Montenegro’s Jakov Milatović in Ulaanbaatar, with both sides signing a Joint Declaration and agreements on visa-free diplomatic travel, diplomatic training, and science cooperation, as the countries mark 20 years of ties. Tourism Boost: Mongolia welcomed 705,098 foreign tourists in the first eight months of 2026, up 17.9%, with Russia, China, South Korea, Japan and Kazakhstan leading. Fuel Crisis Hits Rural Areas: Mongolia is still struggling with petrol shortages; a prime-ministerial task force ordered urgent deliveries to 17 soums in several aimags after reports that some areas ran out of fuel. Harvest Preparations: With colder weather expected soon, officials urged farmers to finish harvesting quickly and improve logistics for potatoes and vegetables, including expanded loan support and volunteer labor. Ulaanbaatar Night Marathon: The capital will host its first night marathon on Sept. 26, offering 5, 10 and 21 km routes plus performances and DJ sets. Children’s Sports Push: Mongolia’s Children’s Palace opened its new academic year, alongside construction of the Mazaalai Sports Complex due to open next June for thousands of children.

Budget & Social Protection: Mongolia’s ruling People’s Party backed draft amendments to the 2026 state budget, redirecting MNT 1.44 trillion in operating savings to higher pensions, civil-service pay, the “School Close to Home” program, and bigger wheat/vegetable/meat reserves while stabilizing energy and food supplies. Renewables & Power Security: Mongolia’s first competitive renewable energy auction awarded 220 MW of solar PV plus 135 MW/440 MWh of battery storage across five provinces, with a second auction set for Sept. 11. Public Health: Ulaanbaatar launched a month-long “Together Against Influenza” vaccination drive, offering free shots to high-risk groups, including children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with chronic conditions. AI Governance: A commentary argues Mongolia’s AI push needs an internal verification standard before systems influence decisions, warning that fragmented data and weak governance can turn fast automation into real-world risk. Geopolitics & Commentary: Researcher Bolor Lkhaajav says Mongolia doesn’t have to choose between Russia and China, pointing to a broader “third neighbour” strategy spanning minerals, energy, tech, diplomacy, and security. Sports: Dwight Howard arrived in Ulaanbaatar to play for SG Apes, with a preseason game against Selenge Bodons on Sept. 9.

Energy & Housing: Construction of Ulaanbaatar’s 63 MW Dambadarjaa thermal power plant is at 70% completion, with boilers, coal handling and pollution controls under way; once online it should supply heat to about 5,000 households and ease winter restrictions, while new “Selbe 20-Minute City” apartments are being built to connect to district heating. Clean Air & Climate: A UN-backed report says tackling air pollution and climate change together can deliver major health gains and about $15 in benefits for every $1 spent, using proven measures like renewables, cleaner cooking fuels and electric transport. Renewables Push: Mongolia has completed its first competitive renewable energy auction, awarding 220 MW solar plus 135 MW/440 MWh battery storage across five provinces, with projects expected to be ready before peak winter demand and a second auction planned for Sept. 11. Public Health: Ulaanbaatar has launched a month-long influenza vaccination drive, offering free shots to high-risk groups including young children, pregnant women, seniors and people with chronic conditions. Politics & Security: Parliament opened an irregular session to debate 2026 budget amendments, while the prime minister ordered internal troops to protect oil exploration and extraction to reduce fuel-import dependence. Mongolia-Korea Links: Korea’s tourism agency is pushing medical tourism in Mongolia, targeting mining workers and signing deals to promote tailored health packages. Sports & Culture: Mongolia won gold at the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyz-style horseback archery, and a Mongolian chef took top honors at World Nomad Cuisine 2026.

Animal Welfare & Sport: A vet from Murray Valley Veterinary Services, Brad Goonan, helped oversee horse welfare during Mongolia’s Mongol Derby, where 1,500 native horses run 1,000 km over 10 days. Energy & Supply Shock: Mongolia is facing a fuel crisis with long queues and sales limits after disruptions in Russia’s oil supply, pushing prices sharply higher. Diplomacy: Montenegro President Jakov Milatović will visit Mongolia Sept 8–10, the first state-level visit by a Montenegrin president, marking 20 years of ties and aiming to expand cooperation across trade, culture, science and climate. Japan Ties: Mongolia’s President Khurelsukh met Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, reaffirming the “Special Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity” and discussing plans to expand Chinggis Khaan International Airport. Rail & Trade: Ulaanbaatar Railway reports freight volumes on track for a record year, and Mongolia-Russia transport cooperation includes a medical train service for thousands. Culture & Tourism: Ulaanbaatar hosts “A Thousand Horsemen” in Gorkhi-Terelj, featuring mounted archery and equestrian shows to package horse culture as a tourism draw. World Nomad Games: Mongolia’s chefs won a grand prize in Kyrgyzstan, highlighting the Games’ growing cultural spotlight.