World Women Parliamentarians Call for Greater Influence in Decision-Making www.montsame.mn

The two-day World Women Parliamentarians’ Forum, held in Ulaanbaatar under the theme “From Representation to Influence in Decision-Making Process,” concluded on October 13.

Nearly 150 official delegates from 32 countries across four continents, representing more than 20 parliaments and international organizations, attended the conference to exchange views on strengthening women’s political participation and leadership.

Alongside a plenary session on turning women’s representation at decision-making levels into tangible influence and enhancing women politicians’ leadership, parallel sessions addressed legal reforms on gender equality, international cooperation, current challenges, and ways to overcome them. Another session held on October 13 discussed how civil society and the private sector can work together to increase women’s influence across all sectors and how support systems can be established to promote women’s leadership.

In her closing remarks, Minister of Foreign Affairs Battsetseg Batmunkh emphasized that the forum has been productive and has fostered important dialogue, expanding opportunities for international cooperation to strengthen the influence of women members of parliaments worldwide.

She noted that the forum has grown far beyond an ordinary meeting, becoming a shared platform for learning from one another, drawing mutual inspiration, and approaching future work with renewed energy and determination. Although the challenges facing participants were similar in many respects, so too were the aspirations driving them forward, she said.

“Real influence can only be achieved when women participate fully in every stage of parliamentary work, including setting priorities, drafting legislation, allocating resources and overseeing implementation,” she said. She added that participants agreed on the need to create opportunities for women to exert genuine influence at every level of decision-making.

Minister Battsetseg also presented the outcome document of the World Women Parliamentarians’ Forum. The document emphasizes that women must not only be represented at decision-making levels but must also be able to shape legislation and policy decisions. Participants agreed that lasting change in this regard cannot be achieved through the efforts of a single institution or country alone, but requires international cooperation and mutual support.

During the forum, participants identified several key points:

Representation is essential but not sufficient on its own.
Access to leadership positions is important for exercising meaningful influence.
A safe, fair, and supportive environment is a prerequisite for effective participation.
International cooperation is effective when it strengthens leadership at the national level.
Sustained progress requires broad partnerships and consistent, ongoing efforts.
Based on the discussions and views expressed by participants, the forum also identified recommendations and priorities for future action in four main areas:

Increasing women’s representation at decision-making levels.
Turning that representation into meaningful influence.
Creating a safe and supportive environment for women’s leadership.
Advancing international cooperation to develop women politicians’ leadership and capacity.
The outcome document also proposes reviewing women parliamentarians’ future cooperation, actions taken and progress achieved at subsequent meetings. Minister  Battsetseg said the document would be submitted to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and relevant United Nations bodies and brought to the attention of the international community.

MP Undraa Agvaanluvsan, Chair of the Parliamentary Women Members’ Caucus, delivered remarks expressing gratitude to the forum participants, delegates, and organizers.

She noted that although participants came from different political systems and cultural traditions, they shared the view that parliaments with gender equality make fairer and more accountable decisions. She welcomed their agreement that women’s participation at decision-making levels is not a privilege to be granted by others, but an integral condition of democracy.

Establishing “good parliaments” that uphold human rights and are accessible, open, and accountable to citizens is a fundamental objective of parliaments worldwide, she said, adding that a good parliament cannot be built without women’s voices.

Housing Prices Up 7.6 Percent www.montsame.mn

The residential property price index (2023.I=1.0) reached 1.47 in September 2026, representing a 7.6% increase compared to the same period last year and a 1.3% rise from the previous month.

Prices for new apartments increased by 3.7% year-on-year depending on usage duration, while prices for existing (old) apartments rose by 8.8%, according to the National Statistics Office. Compared to the previous month, new apartment prices dipped slightly by 0.2%, whereas existing apartment prices went up by 2%.

In September, the average price per square meter for a new apartment stood at MNT 4.78 million, with Sukhbaatar district recording the highest average at MNT 5.52 million. Year-on-year, new apartment prices saw their highest increase in Songinokhairkhan district, rising by 14.8% or MNT 468,400 per square meter.

Meanwhile, the average price per square meter for an existing apartment reached MNT 4.86 million, with Sukhbaatar district again posting the highest price at MNT 5.92 million. On an annual basis, existing apartment prices grew most significantly in Bayanzurkh district, increasing by 10.2%, or MNT 428,900 per square meter.

Across specific locations, the highest average price per square meter was recorded near Sukhbaatar Square and the “220 Myangat” (220k Residence) area in Sukhbaatar district at MNT 7.99 million, while the lowest was around the 21st Microdistrict in Songinokhairkhan district at MNT 3.31 million.

Based on experimental calculations, average monthly rental prices in September were as follows:

·         One-room apartment: MNT 1.38 million

·         Two-room apartment: MNT 1.97 million

·         Three-room apartment: MNT 3.04 million

By location, monthly rents for one-to-three-room apartments were highest in the Sukhbaatar district, ranging from MNT 1.65 million to MNT 3.63 million, and lowest in the Songinokhairkhan district, ranging from MNT 1.10 million to MNT 1.71 million.

Mongolia and Finland to Cooperate on Teacher Training and Education Research www.montsame.mn

Enkh-Amgalan Luvsantseren, Minister of Education, met with Ari Koski, Key Account Manager and Director of Cooperation at the University of Turku in Finland, and Henri Muurimaa, founder of Eduten.

The meeting focused on cooperation to strengthen Mongolia’s education sector, particularly its teacher training system. The sides exchanged views on cooperation between the Mongolian National University of Education and the University of Turku to adapt Finland’s world-renowned educational methodologies and teacher training practices to Mongolia’s education system and enhance teachers’ professional capacity.

The University of Turku has been operating since 1920 and is one of Finland’s oldest universities. It is internationally recognized for its leading education research.

The two sides agreed to cooperate in improving the quality of teacher training programs at the Mongolian National University of Education by drawing on Finland’s internationally recognized educational methods and experience, as well as implementing joint research projects and academic programs in education, the Ministry of Education reported.

Singapore and Mongolia launch bilateral carbon credit initiative www.enerdata.net

Singapore and Mongolia will begin accepting applications for carbon credit projects on 30 October under a bilateral implementation agreement, according to a joint statement by Singapore’s Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry and the National Environment Agency. The projects are expected to generate carbon credits in line with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Under Singapore’s International Carbon Credit Framework, these credits may be eligible for use by Singapore-based companies subject to carbon tax, allowing them to offset up to 5% of their taxable emissions.

The agreement marks Singapore’s sixth bilateral implementation agreement allowing applications for carbon credit projects. It follows similar arrangements with Ghana, Bhutan, Peru, Rwanda and Thailand, according to the press release.

In 2025, Singapore released its updated NDC, in which it intends to reduce its GHG emissions to between 45 to 50 MtCO2eq in 2035 (from 63 MtCO2eq in 2024). The first NDC set the target of reducing the GHG emission intensity by 36% from 2005 levels by 2030, with an aim of achieving peak emissions around 2030. In 2022, the government announced that it would achieve net zero emissions by 2050. To reach its carbon objectives, Singapore plans to transform its economy by funding emerging low-carbon and carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies and contributing to the creation of carbon markets and regional power grids.

In addition, given that Singapore lacks suitable underground sites to facilitate CCS, Singapore seeks to work with other countries in the development of this technology. Some countries that Singapore is looking to collaborate with to lock up carbon or share best practices on the technology are Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Brunei, and Australia (Enerdata Global Energy Research).

Mongolian President Khurelsukh To Visit Germany www.kas.de

The President of Mongolia, Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, will visit Germany from 19 to 22 October. Although Mongolia is a geographically distant and relatively small country in terms of population, this visit is important for both sides. Mongolia regards Germany as a preferred partner in helping to preserve its room for manoeuvre between its two powerful neighbours, Russia and China. Germany, for its part, is also seeking to gain and maintain global partners in an increasingly uncertain international environment who share our values and interests. Mongolia is such a partner. The two countries share common interests, particularly with regard to a rules-based international order and cooperation in the field of raw materials. In practice, however, significant challenges remain in the latter area. Domestically, Mongolia is approaching a presidential election in 2027 and parliamentary elections in 2028, the outcomes of which remain uncertain.
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Germany and Mongolia are seeking to reinvigorate a partnership that has gained strategic importance in an increasingly uncertain international environment. President Khurelsukh’s visit to Germany reflects a convergence of interests rather than merely diplomatic symbolism. For Mongolia, Germany is one of the country’s most important “third neighbours”, a democratic partner that can help balance the overwhelming influence of Russia and China. Mongolia remains highly dependent on Russia for energy supplies and on China as its dominant export market, leaving its foreign policy constrained by geopolitical realities. As a democratic state located between two authoritarian powers, Mongolia seeks closer relations with countries that can help preserve its political and economic autonomy. Germany occupies a particularly prominent place in this strategy and is today Mongolia’s only strategic partner in Europe.

From the German perspective, Mongolia has become increasingly attractive as both a values-based and an interest-based partner. Germany’s search for reliable international partners has intensified in the face of geopolitical instability and growing competition between major powers. Mongolia stands out as a democratic country in a region otherwise dominated by authoritarian systems and broadly supports a rules-based international order. These shared political values und interests provide a strong foundation for bilateral relations. At the same time, Mongolia’s vast mineral wealth, including deposits of strategic importance for modern technologies, gives the relationship a significant economic potential.

Despite this favourable political framework, cooperation has often produced fewer practical results than both sides initially hoped. The most prominent example is the bilateral raw materials partnership established in 2011, which raised high expectations but has delivered only limited economic outcomes. While cooperation in raw materials-related higher education has generated tangible successes, large-scale German investment in Mongolia’s mining sector has remained limited. Regulatory uncertainty, governance challenges and difficult investment conditions in Mongolia have played a role, as has the fact that German companies today lack the capacity to carry out large-scale mining projects on their own. Unlocking the full potential of the partnership would therefore require stronger political commitment and closer coordination from both sides.

Cooperation has also expanded in the fields of security and international affairs. Mongolia and Germany work together in military training. At the same time, Mongolia’s cautious approach towards Russia’s war against Ukraine reflects the constraints arising from its geographic position and economic dependence on its neighbours. This reality necessitates a pragmatic relationship in which Germany recognises Mongolia’s strategic limitations while continuing to deepen cooperation wherever possible.

Domestically, Mongolia is entering a politically important period ahead of the presidential election in 2027 and the parliamentary elections in 2028. Although the ruling Mongolian People’s Party remains the dominant political force, economic challenges, public dissatisfaction and internal political competition are contributing to an increasingly uncertain political landscape. Regardless of future electoral outcomes, however, close relations with Germany are likely to remain a shared objective of Mongolian foreign policy. For Germany, maintaining and strengthening ties with this democratic partner continues to offer strategic benefits, even if expectations in some areas have yet to be fully realised.

AI-generated bear images and hoax emergency calls on the rise in Mongolia www.asianews.network

Authorities have reported an increase in incidents involving the circulation of AI-generated images and false emergency calls claiming that a bear is roaming in the area.

Such actions can waste valuable time and resources that should be dedicated to genuine emergencies, mislead the public, and cause unnecessary fear.

Authorities warn that individuals found spreading false information or making hoax emergency calls will be identified and held accountable under Mongolia’s Law on Violations. Penalties may include fines and compensation for any damage caused.

Penalties for obstructing rescue operations
Under Article 15.9, Paragraph 1 of the Law on Violations, obstruction of rescue operations is subject to the following penalties:

Individuals: A fine of MNT 300,000.

Legal entities: A fine of MNT 3 million.

Sh.Batbayar, State Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate change, provided an update on the recent fatal bear incident.

“The bear involved in the fatal incident was neutralized, and samples from its stomach and intestines have been submitted for analysis. The results are expected on October 12. A state of heightened readiness remains in effect in the area where the incident occurred. To protect human life and safety, permits for bear hunting have been issued for high-risk areas where deemed necessary. Citizens have the right to take sel

Bank of Mongolia, IMF Collaborate to Improve Monetary Policy Framework www.montsame.mn

The Bank of Mongolia (BoM) has collaborated with a technical assistance team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to upgrade its monetary policy framework and implementation.

During the mission, the IMF team evaluated the central bank’s policy apparatus, operations, and economic forecasting models, and offered concrete recommendations to improve their overall reliability and effectiveness. The team also provided valuable advice on refining the central bank’s monetary policy approach. It recommended further developing monetary policy instruments, including open market operations, reserve requirements, standing facilities, and foreign exchange auctions, and expressed its readiness to continue providing technical assistance.  

Since 2014, the BoM has used a quarterly projection model to formulate monetary policy, forecast economic developments and analyze the effects of alternative policy choices. According to the central bank, the recent technical assistance mission conducted a comprehensive review of the model’s structure, exchange rate and interest rate calculations, and economic outlook projections to identify areas for improvement.

The joint effort also focused on improving forecast accuracy, strengthening model application and development, and building capacity among BoM specialists.

Narantsogt Sanjaa, Governor of the BoM, thanked the IMF technical team for their professional support and advice, emphasizing that the collaboration has helped refine the monetary policy framework and shape its future development.

At the end of the meeting, both sides highlighted opportunities to continue their cooperation in improving monetary policy analysis and economic forecasting methodologies, enhancing the quality of policy decisions, refining monetary policy instruments, and strengthening the monetary policy transmission mechanisms.

Saudi Energy Minister Signs MoUs on Energy Cooperation with Mongolia, Tanzania, Cyprus, and Mauritius www.english.aawsat.com

Saudi Minister of Energy and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz signed in Riyadh on Monday four memoranda of understanding with ministers from Mongolia, Tanzania, Cyprus and Mauritius to strengthen cooperation across a range of energy fields.

The MoUs were signed on the sidelines of the 25th WPC Energy Congress, hosted by Saudi Arabia through October 15 under the theme “Pathways to an Energy Future for All."

Prince Abdulaziz and Mongolia’s Deputy Prime Minister Togmid Dorjkhand signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in oil and gas and their derivatives, refining, petrochemicals, electricity, power interconnection, renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy storage, and technologies and solutions related to climate change mitigation, including Circular Carbon Economy solutions.

The MoU covers cooperation in digital transformation, innovation, cybersecurity applications and artificial intelligence in the energy sector. It seeks to develop strategic partnerships between the two countries to secure materials, products and services across energy sectors and their supply chains and technologies; promote the development and use of sustainable petrochemical materials in construction and other sectors; strengthen cooperation between energy companies; and support them in implementing large-scale electricity projects and harnessing renewable energy in both countries.

Prince Abdulaziz signed an MoU with Tanzania’s Minister for Energy Juma Zuberi Homera to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the supply of refined petroleum products and explore opportunities related to associated infrastructure, assess opportunities in liquefied natural gas, exchange technical expertise in oil and gas exploration, and explore opportunities in petrochemical production.

The MoU covers electricity, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and the exchange of technologies and solutions related to climate change mitigation, including clean cooking solutions and Circular Carbon Economy technologies and solutions. It further includes exploring opportunities related to the Oil Sustainability Program and transport and fuel infrastructure, as well as cooperation in digital transformation, innovation, cybersecurity applications and artificial intelligence in the energy sector.

Prince Abdulaziz and Cyprus’s Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry Michael Damianos signed an MoU establishing a framework for cooperation in oil and gas and their derivatives, refining, petrochemicals, electricity, clean hydrogen and its derivatives, renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy storage, and technologies and solutions related to climate change mitigation, including Circular Carbon Economy technologies and solutions.

The MoU covers cooperation in digital transformation and cybersecurity applications in the energy sector, as well as efforts to advance and support shared international policy priorities through relevant multilateral negotiations, including under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Paris Agreement and the international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.

It further provides for cooperation on the development and use of sustainable petrochemical materials in construction and other sectors, the development of appropriate infrastructure to expand energy access, and cooperation between companies operating in energy-related fields.

Prince Abdulaziz signed an MoU with Mauritius’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade Dhananjay Ramful covering cooperation in oil and gas and their derivatives, refining, petrochemicals, electricity, clean hydrogen and its derivatives, renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy storage, and technologies and solutions related to climate change mitigation, including Circular Carbon Economy technologies and solutions.

The MoU also covers cooperation in digital transformation and cybersecurity applications in the energy sector.

It provides for efforts to advance and support shared international policy priorities through relevant multilateral negotiations, including under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Paris Agreement and the international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.

It covers cooperation on the development and use of sustainable petrochemical materials in construction and other sectors, as well as the development of appropriate infrastructure to expand energy access.

Fire in Mongolia approaches China's border, 2,000 firefighters mobilized www.ecns.cn

More than 2,000 firefighters have been deployed along the border with Mongolia in northern China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region to contain a wildfire spreading toward Chinese territory, local authorities said.

The fire broke out in Mongolian territory along the border in Dong Ujimqin Banner, Xilingol League, at about 1 p.m. on Oct. 9. Driven by terrain and wind, the blaze moved closer to China. 

Local authorities activated an emergency response and mobilized the Inner Mongolia Mobile Fire and Rescue Corps, along with local professional and semi-professional firefighting teams. Crews have been stationed along sections of the border, patrolling with firefighting equipment ready to respond.

Efforts to contain the fire were still underway as of the latest update, and the blaze had not crossed into China. 

(By Evlyn)

Mongolia thanks India for unwavering support for its first-ever oil refinery www.newsonair.gov.in

Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh today visited the Oil Refinery Construction site at Altanshiree Soum in Mongolia’s Dornogobi Province and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India’s unwavering support for the strategically important project.
 
 According to the India Embassy in Ulaanbaatar, Khurelsukh expressed satisfaction with the progress of the strategically important project, which is expected to enable Mongolia to produce its own refined fuel.
 
During the visit, he also interacted with the engineers and workers involved in the construction and appreciated Indian Ambassador to Mongolia Atul Malhari Gotsurve’s role in advancing the project.
 
During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Mongolia in 2015, a Line of Credit (LOC) of one billion US dollar was approved for development of infrastructure, which the Government of Mongolia decided to utilise for construction of its first-ever oil refinery in Dornogobi Province with a capacity of 1.5 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA).