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Mongolia News Summary for August 30, 2024

Mongolia News Summary for August 30, 2024
The following news articles are the opinions of their authors and publications. They are presented here as translations for informational purposes and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Mongolia Strategy Center or its members.

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Politics

Regulatory committees funded by monopolistic enterprises should be abolished

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The Public Council of the Anti-Corruption Agency made a statement today regarding budget amendments and issues related to tender legislation.

During this, they stated that the agency previously known as the Authority for Fair Competition and Consumer Protection regulated the activities of monopolistic enterprises in accordance with the Competition Law. However, in 2016, the Parliament amended the Competition Law and limited the operations of this agency.

A member of the Anti-Corruption Agency's Public Council stated, "Regulatory committees for the activities of monopolistic enterprises have been established. Since these committees are funded by the monopolistic enterprises, they have become entities that protect these enterprises and parasitize on them, rather than dismantling and regulating them.

For instance, in disputes involving the Ulaanbaatar Electric Distribution Network (UBEDN), the Energy Regulatory Committee has been involved in defending UBEDN.

Therefore, the parliament needs to urgently invalidate Article 6.3 of the Competition Law and dismantle these regulatory committees.

According to the parliament's July 10, 2024, resolution number 13, it is necessary to provide the Anti-Monopoly Agency with the ability to implement the Competition Law. Looking at the composition of the parliament members and the structure of the government, it shows that monopolistic capitalism is fully developed in Mongolia.

The tendency of the government to protect their interests indicates that corruption has become an independent system. Therefore, the parliament's primary focus should be on dismantling monopolies," they said.

G.Ganbat: A Coalition Government Without Oversight and Opposition is Discussing a Matter of 120 Trillion Tugriks Outside the Tender Law

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The Public Council attached to the Anti-Corruption Agency criticized and expressed its position today regarding the extraordinary session of the State Great Khural where adjustments to the state budget and the government's program are being discussed.

Chairman of the Public Council at the Anti-Corruption Agency, G.Ganbat, stated: "After the 2024 State Great Khural election, a government without oversight, without opposition, has emerged. Corruption becomes rampant in a government without oversight. Out of 126 members of the State Great Khural, 118 have united to form a government and are operating.

The first sign of a lack of oversight is the adjustment of the budget by three trillion tugriks, reduced to two trillion when public criticism arises.

Last year, the State Great Khural adopted the principle of not adjusting the budget. Let's use what Mongolia has. However, today, with the establishment of a government by three major parties, the budget was adjusted by two trillion tugriks in areas that are not urgently needed.

Secondly, they are presenting and seeking to approve the government's four-year program. As you know, many issues that are signs of corruption are being raised. A coalition government without oversight and opposition is talking about conducting major construction worth 120 trillion tugriks or 40 billion dollars outside the tender law. Continuing thefts under the guise of construction outside the tender law is unacceptable. Disconnecting the 120 trillion tugriks from the state budget suggests that the wealth fund issue may be nullified under the guise of major construction.

The next issue being discussed is eliminating the debt ceiling. Mongolia currently has a debt of 32 billion dollars, planning to increase it by 40 billion to raise the debt ceiling to 72 billion dollars. This is a very dangerous signal. We are warning that the corruption issue following an ungoverned state will surface strongly, and we are organizing a press conference to remind the government of this," he said.

The Public Council attached to the Anti-Corruption Agency serves as the voice of the people in the fight against corruption and has the legal mandate to protect and prevent them from corruption-related crimes.

The MPP Group Held a Meeting and Discussed Local Elections

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The Mongolian People's Party (MPP) group in the State Great Khural held a meeting to discuss preparations for the local elections and other current issues.

The meeting was attended by the Prime Minister of Mongolia and MPP Chairman Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, as well as the MPP General Secretary Ya.Sodbaatar, who provided information.

Public Council at the Anti-Corruption Agency: Will Present Demands to the Three State Heads

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: itoim.mn

The Public Council at the Anti-Corruption Agency held a briefing today regarding issues related to budget amendments and tender legislation.

Chair of the Public Council at the Anti-Corruption Agency, G. Ganbat: After the 2024 elections, a parliament without an opposition and without oversight has formed. Such an unchecked government is dominated by corruption. Out of the 126 members of the parliament, 118 have united to form a government and are currently operating. An unmonitored government is likely to become a breeding ground for corruption going forward. The first signs of this unmonitored government are appearing. For example, the budget is being amended by 3 trillion MNT. When criticized by the public, it was reduced to 2 trillion. With the three major parties uniting to form a government, the budget amendment includes unnecessary directions that increase expenditures by 2 trillion MNT. The government’s four-year program is being introduced and approved, which includes numerous corruption-related issues. It is being discussed that over four years, the unchecked government without any opposition will engage in activities involving 120 trillion MNT or 40 billion USD outside of tender legislation. Continuing theft under the guise of construction outside of tender laws should not be allowed.

Another issue being discussed is the removal of the debt ceiling. Currently, Mongolia has 32 billion USD of debt. By increasing this by another 40 billion USD, the debt ceiling will reach 72 trillion MNT. This is extremely dangerous. Along with an unchecked government, corruption will surface very strongly.

Head of Public Relations of the Public Council, B. Otgon: One reason Mongolia is not developing and has unemployment is due to the corruption issue. Corruption flourishes with unchecked government. Who will perform the role of opposition? People only want fairness and responsibility from the government. However, people with conflicts of interest are being appointed, starting with ministerial appointments. For example, B. Delgersaikhan, who personally owns railways and has the most wagons, is serving as the Minister of Transport. Demands will be presented to the three state heads to review harmful economic and public decisions such as appointments with corruption and conflicts of interest, budget amendments, and increasing the debt ceiling.

Member of the Anti-Corruption Agency's Public Council, G. Bayarsaikhan: This has been a step back from a democratic system with opposition. Among the 126 members, although 118 have united into one coalition, there are upright members who disagree with their party leader's decisions. Their voices are starting to emerge, and I hope they will be heard more. The National Party Coalition and other parties and civil movements are urged to raise their voices against corruption.

Member of the Public Council at the Anti-Corruption Agency, G. Baasan: Members who came out stating they would fight corruption and develop the country are increasing Mongolia’s debt even further. There is a saying, “A person in debt will not prosper.” Those who have become wealthy off the budget do not care about debt. It's the common people with ordinary lives who will bear this debt. The next issue being discussed is the increase in electricity prices. If electricity prices are liberalized and increase by up to 30%, it will be a heavy burden on the people. There are numerous public responses and requests regarding this issue. We need to voice our concerns for Mongolia’s government and national security and act as the opposition ourselves because there is currently an unchecked, sprawling government, according to public opinion.

Economy

H.Gankhuyag: Whose is Chinggis Khan Bank that the law is not being enforced? There is a risk of 200 billion MNT being placed

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

On today's meeting of the permanent committees of the State Great Khural, the execution of Mongolia's 2023 budget is being discussed.

During this time, a member of parliament asked the representative of the Bank of Mongolia about the audit conclusion related to Chinggis Khan Bank.

Member of Parliament H.Gankhuyag: There are many issues related to Chinggis Khan Bank. The bad debt and loans are 100 billion, and there is a potential risk of 200 billion MNT being placed.

Who owns it and what kind of bank is it that the Central Bank is not enforcing the law? If it were another commercial bank, you would appoint a special administration and solve it. So why do you stop enforcing the law when it comes to Chinggis Khan Bank?

Who is the minister who issued a loan of 239 billion MNT to "Beren Group" LLC? Although the loan was issued by the orders of the Ministers of Finance and of Construction and Urban Development, the money cannot be collected now.

Chief Economist of the Bank of Mongolia D.Gan-Ochir: There is an unpaid balance of 96.5 billion MNT from the Social Insurance Fund and 30.9 billion MNT from the Health Insurance Fund at Chinggis Khan Bank.

The compliance indicators of Chinggis Khan Bank have been violated over the past three years. However, the bank reports to the Central Bank that it will have new shareholders. Sometimes meetings are held with new shareholders and the source is inspected, reaching out to the Bank of Mongolia.

In this case, if the bank acquires new shareholders, improves its own capital, and its operations return to normal, it is not subject to liquidation according to the rules and regulations.

The Bank of Mongolia demands to shrink its balance, sell the assets held as collateral for loans, and use the proceeds for repayments as stipulated by law.

According to the order of repayment, government and state-owned company accounts are listed afterward, so no repayments are being carried out.

Member of Parliament H.Gankhuyag: The audit report you received states that 200 billion MNT is currently placed there. It is publicly known that 50 billion MNT was taken from the Development Bank.

You only mention information from the Health and Social Insurance Funds. How many MNT are held without being repaid from other state-owned companies? Whenever Chinggis Khan Bank is discussed, misleading and conflicting information is provided to people.

Is there a decision to set the highest interest rate on the current accounts of banks at three percent, Gan-Ochir? Is this operation with the placement of 200 billion MNT to save this bank?

Chief Economist of the Bank of Mongolia D.Gan-Ochir: I accept the findings of the audit office's report. I do not have the detailed breakdown at the moment.

The effect of the set interest rates on bank accounts is still in accordance with the decisions made by the Financial Stability Council member organizations.

Member of Parliament H.Gankhuyag: In 2011, 94 billion MNT was placed and classified into bad loans. Loans were issued again in 2014, 2015, 2016. Unable to retrieve previous loans, they were classified as bad, and additionally, 200 billion MNT from state-owned companies has been placed there.

Why is the law not enforced when it comes to Chinggis Khan Bank? Provide a precise answer, Gan-Ochir.

Chief Economist of the Bank of Mongolia D.Gan-Ochir: Matters related to the placement are the responsibility of state organizations and fund operations. The Bank of Mongolia enforces rules and regulations to protect the normal operations of the bank and the rights of clients.

Postponements in implementing the law and regulations of the respective bank are justified by the reasons I mentioned, hence they are postponed.

Y. Sambuunyam: Management of "Tavantolgoi Tulsh" Might Have Misused 1.1 Trillion MNT

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: itoim.mn

The National Audit Office conducted an audit on the financial statements and budget performance of Erdenes Tavantolgoi JSC for 2023. During the extraordinary session discussing the 2023 budget performance, it was revealed that Erdenes Tavantolgoi JSC provided financing of 1.1 trillion MNT to Tavantolgoi Tulsh SOE based on 15 contracts. However, this source was recorded as non-repayable receivables, according to information provided by the Chief Auditor D. Zagdjav.

This information was further explained in detail by the audit.

Deputy Chief Auditor of Mongolia, Y. Sambuunyam, explained that during the audit of the financial statements of Erdenes Tavantolgoi JSC for 2023, an amount of 1.1 trillion MNT was recorded in the receivables account of the company. This amount was disbursed to Tavantolgoi Tulsh SOE based on 15 contracts. It was not a loan or a subsidy but a financing based on those contracts. It was supposed to be a recoverable financing.

When reviewing how this financing was utilized by Tavantolgoi Tulsh, it was found that the management of the company might have misappropriated the funds, used them for measures other than those approved in the feasibility study, and potentially abused their official positions to gain advantages for others. Hence, in accordance with Article 35.1 of the State Audit Law, the Chief Auditor of Mongolia requested the Prosecutor General of Mongolia to investigate the criminal aspect of this issue. In response, the Prosecutor General of Mongolia has initiated an investigation.

Instead of blaming government decisions, the lack of financial discipline by the management of Tavantolgoi Tulsh has led to legal grounds for accountability, and legal actions have been sought. For instance, the decision to allocate long-term recoverable financing for projects that did not meet the requirements of the Construction Law and construction norms, and the misuse of some resources, potentially causing significant damage to the state, was referred to the prosecutor.

Invitation to Participate in the Program for Supporting Women Entrepreneurs

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: itoim.mn

The Small and Medium Business Academy of Khan Bank has been implementing the "Program for Supporting Women Entrepreneurs" since 2020. This program aims to support women entrepreneurs by identifying the skills and financial and non-financial needs that they lack to successfully run their businesses.

Through this program, women entrepreneurs are supported in enhancing their personal development, leadership, competitiveness, expanding their business scope, increasing market penetration, and maintaining high efficiency. To date, 1370 women entrepreneurs have been empowered through this initiative.

The "Program for Supporting Women Entrepreneurs," aimed at nurturing female leaders in the business sector, will additionally include 350 female directors and executives in 2024. Between September 5th and 26th, 2024, experts from the SME Academy, OBSERVE Consulting Mongolia, and other consultancy organizations will conduct the training.

The training will encompass two main topics: personal development and business management. Women entrepreneurs interested in continuous development and expanding their businesses are invited to register by September 3, 2024.

Personal Development:

  • Life strategy
  • Coaching skills
  • Team leadership and leadership skills
  • The role of nutrition in the human body and methods of calculating calorie intake

Business Management:

  • Business planning and performance management
  • Process-based management
  • Reading and analyzing financial statements
  • Customer and client management

Participants are required to be directors or executives of an organization where more than half of the staff are women and are required to fully commit to attending the training.

Schedule: From 09:30 to 13:00 every Thursday from September 5 to 26, 2024 (lasting for 4 weeks)

Location: Seoul Office of Khan Bank, 3rd floor, SME Academy, SBD, Children's 100

Registration: Please register by September 3, 2023, via the following link: https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/XrBUNS

Through the "Program for Supporting Women Entrepreneurs," not only are women’s leadership, personal development, and business skills enhanced, but they are also included in networking events to introduce them to new products and services from the bank, expand their business scope, establish partnerships, popularize their brand products and services, diversify their sales channels, and provide real support in taking their businesses to the next level.

In 2024, a business loan to support the digital transition of women entrepreneurs will be implemented in cooperation with the EBRD. Special attention is being paid to assisting women entrepreneurs in digitizing their businesses and increasing digital-based sales channels.

The Small and Medium Business Academy of Khan Bank conducted a survey to identify the main challenges and conditions women entrepreneurs face in achieving high success in the business sector.

These include:

  • Most women entrepreneurs lack knowledge on how to distinguish between personal and business finances, how to request funding, and what is needed to grow their businesses.
  • Many start their operations as household businesses and lack knowledge of business management.
  • They lack confidence in enhancing their competitiveness.
  • They neglect the need for personal development and career planning while handling family and business issues simultaneously.

To address these issues, non-financial advisory services and training development programs are being offered.

Khan Bank continues to implement activities to raise resources within the framework of gender financing and meets the financial needs of women entrepreneurs by offering loans on favorable terms.

In 2024, in collaboration with the EBRD, a business loan to support the digital transition of women entrepreneurs will be offered. This loan is aimed at helping them digitize their operations and install software and hardware solutions to increase income. Details on the loan: https://bit.ly/Women-Loan

Electronic Technology-Based Products: https://bit.ly/KB-0807

J. Ganbaatar: Will Enforce Implementation of the Law on the Mining Product Exchange

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: itoim.mn

During the extraordinary session of the State Great Khural, several laws and resolutions related to the state budget are being discussed, including the Law on the Mining Product Exchange.

The law on the exchange, which has played a significant role in the export of mining products that account for the majority of the budget revenue, has been in effect for the second year. Since last year, it has yielded results with a significant increase in coal revenue for the state budget.

Member of Parliament J. Ganbaatar highlighted during the extraordinary session that the implementation of the law has weakened recently and inquired about the reasons from the relevant authorities.

He emphasized that in 2023, our country managed to trade around 30 percent of its coal exports through the exchange. The goal was to reach 100 percent this year. Although coal trading through the exchange was active in the first half of the year, it has drastically decreased in the past two or three months.

Additionally, the trading of copper concentrate was successfully initiated in May this year and continued with a second trading session in June. However, no copper concentrate has been sold through the exchange since then.

He noted that despite the challenges faced initially, this important work that had been progressing successfully has come to a standstill, and improvements need to be made. As a Member of Parliament, he will focus on this issue and demand necessary actions to be taken.

About 800 Mongolian and Indian People are Working at the Oil Refinery

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The first phase of the construction of the oil refinery (GTPU) was completed last month and is being handed over to the State Commission. Currently, the construction of primary technological facilities of the plant, a thermal power station, and an oil pipeline is ongoing. The delay in this project is due to it being the first in our country to be built with high technology licensed by major companies from the USA, Italy, France, and the Netherlands.

Construction and assembly work started in January 2021. To date, the following tasks have been accomplished by the project implementing company:

  • Developing and approving the feasibility study of the plant,
  • Selecting the project management consultant and preparing the general design for each facility (the most important technical document for selecting the company to perform the construction work),
  • Announcing international tenders for selecting license holders, construction firms, and building contractors (13 tenders announced in total),
  • Concluding contracts (35 contracts have been concluded, with more to come),
  • Drafting a bill to support the GTPU and getting it approved by the Parliament,
  • Studying and localizing the standards for the construction phase and post-construction operation, among other activities.

Covering 150 hectares, the project involves building 12 facilities with primary and deep processing technology, which can be considered as independent factories, along with their associated, auxiliary, and supply facilities, defined by engineering both externally and internally with infrastructure.

EPC 01, or non-technological construction facilities, includes essential infrastructure for the subsequent technological facilities of the plant. The completion of systems for water and electricity supply, a repair-mechanical workshop, a laboratory, warehouses, an administrative training building, an emergency facility, staff canteens, and special-purpose roads are included in the first package. These have been 100% completed and handed over to the state commission, ready for use.

Since last year, the core technological facilities of the plant and the construction of the thermal power station have commenced. As of now, about 800 Mongolian and Indian people are working at the plant site. A 530 km long underground pipeline (the first Mongolian main pipeline for transporting hydrocarbon over a long distance) is under 50% completion to transport the main raw material, oil, from Dornod Province to the plant site.

Why transport crude oil via a 530 km long pipeline?

  1. Major industrial facilities should be built relying on key infrastructures.
  2. Our oil fields are located at the northeastern tip of Mongolia.

The "Mongol Oil Refinery" is implementing four major projects (Oil Refinery, transportation pipeline, residential town, and oil exploration) across 600 km spanning 10 soums in Dornogovi, Sükhbaatar, and Dornod provinces with less than 100 people.

The GTPU project is an international-scale project with engineers and experts from India, Italy, France, the USA, the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, Canada, Spain, and China participating in the work, according to the factory's Press Office.

Invitation to Join the Support Program for Women Entrepreneurs

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

Training will be conducted within the two main content areas of personal development and business management, so women entrepreneurs who are interested in continuous development and business expansion are invited to register by September 3, 2024.

The Small and Medium Business Academy of Khaan Bank has been studying and identifying the skills, financial and non-financial needs that women entrepreneurs lack in order to support them, and based on this, the "Support Program for Women Entrepreneurs" has been developed and implemented since 2020.

Through this program, women entrepreneurs are supported in developing personal growth, leadership, competitiveness, expanding their business scale, increasing market share, and maintaining high effectiveness, and to date, 1370 women entrepreneurs have been capacitated.

The "Support Program for Women Entrepreneurs," aimed at creating female leaders in the business sector, plans to additionally incorporate 350 female directors and managers in 2024. The training will be led by professional teachers from the SME Academy, "OBSERVE Consulting Mongolia," and other consulting service organizations from 09.05.2024 to 09.26.2024.

The training will focus on the two main areas of personal development and business management, encouraging women entrepreneurs interested in continuous development and expanding their business to register by September 3, 2024.

Personal Development:

  • Life Strategies
  • Coaching Skills
  • Team Management and Leadership Skills
  • The Role of Nutrition in the Human Body, Diets, and Calorie Calculation Methods

Business Management:

  • Business Planning and Performance Management
  • Process-Based Management
  • Reading and Analyzing Financial Statements
  • Customer and Client Management

Participants in the program are required to be directors or managers of organizations with more than half of their HR being female employees, and to fully commit their time to participate in the training.

Schedule: Conducted every Thursday from 09:30-13:00 between 09.05 and 09.26, 2024 (over four weeks).

Location: Sukhbaatar District, Children's 100, 3rd Floor, Seoul Office of Khaan Bank, SME Academy

Registration: Please register via the following link by 09.03.2023.
Link: https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/XrBUNS

Brief Information about the Program

Through the "Support Program for Women Entrepreneurs," not only are women entrepreneurs’ leadership skills, personal development, and business skills enhanced, but they also participate in networking events to introduce new bank products and services, expand their business scale, create partnerships, publicize brand products and services, increase sales channels, and get real support in taking their business to the next level.

In 2024, the business loan to support the digital transition of women entrepreneurs will be implemented in cooperation with EBRD, with a particular focus on digitizing businesses and increasing electronic technology-based sales channels.

Why Women Entrepreneurs?

The Small and Medium Business Academy of Khaan Bank has conducted research to identify the main reasons and conditions that women entrepreneurs face difficulties in achieving high success in the business sector.

  • Most women entrepreneurs lack knowledge and information on how to separate personal and business finances, how to request financing, and what is required to expand their business.
  • Often starting with household businesses, they lack business management knowledge.
  • Low self-confidence in improving competitiveness.
  • The need to develop oneself and plan a career is often neglected due to family and business issues, receiving support to solve these problems through non-financial advisory services and training development programs.

Financial Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs

Khaan Bank continues to implement fundraising efforts within the framework of gender financing and provides concessional loans and sustainable fulfillment of financial needs specifically for women entrepreneurs.

In 2024, the business loan to support the digital transition of women entrepreneurs will be implemented in cooperation with EBRD, offering a concessional loan to install software and hardware solutions for digitizing business operations to increase revenue.

Details about the Loan: https://bit.ly/Women-Loan

Products Based on Electronic Technology: https://bit.ly/KB-0807

Invitation to Join the Program Supporting Women Entrepreneurs

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

From 2020, the SME Business Academy of Khan Bank has been supporting women entrepreneurs by identifying and addressing the skills, financial, and non-financial needs lacking in their business operations and has thus developed a "Program to Support Women Entrepreneurs."

Through this program, women entrepreneurs are developed individually, enhancing leadership and competitive skills, expanding their business scope, increasing market share, and ensuring high profitability. To date, 1370 women entrepreneurs have been empowered.

The "Program to Support Women Entrepreneurs," aimed at nurturing female leaders in the business sector, will include an additional 350 female directors and leaders in 2024. From September 5 to September 26, 2024, training will be conducted by the SME Academy, OBSERVE Consulting Mongolia, and other consulting organizations’ expert instructors.

The training will cover two main areas: personal development and business management. Women entrepreneurs who are interested in continuous development and business expansion are invited to register by September 3, 2024.

Personal Development:

  • Life strategies
  • Coaching skills
  • Team leadership, leadership skills
  • The role of food in the human body, diet regimes, and methods for calculating calories

Business Management:

  • Business planning and performance management
  • Process-based management
  • Reading and analyzing financial statements
  • Customer and client management

Participants should be a director or an executive position holder within their organization, with over half of the organization’s human resources being female employees, and must dedicate time to fully participate in the training.

Duration: Every Thursday from 09:30 to 13:00 between September 5 and September 26, 2024 (4 weeks in total)

Location: SB District, Children's 100, Khan Bank Seoul Office, 3rd Floor, SME Business Academy

Registration: Register by September 3, 2023, via the following link: Link

Through the “Program to Support Women Entrepreneurs,” not only are women entrepreneurs’ leadership, personal development, and business skills enhanced, but they are also involved in networking events to introduce new bank products and services, expand their business scope, create partnerships, and market their brand products and services to the public, increasing sales channels and supporting them to take their business to the next level.

In 2024, it has been decided to implement a business loan to support women entrepreneurs’ digital transition in collaboration with EBRD, with a special focus on helping women entrepreneurs digitize their businesses and increase sales channels based on digital technology.

Khan Bank’s SME Business Academy conducted research on the challenges and difficulties faced by women entrepreneurs in achieving success in the business sector, identifying the main reasons and conditions.

These include:

  • Most women entrepreneurs lack knowledge and information on distinguishing between personal and official finances, applying for funding, and what is required to expand their businesses.
  • Often starting their operations with family businesses, they possess limited business management knowledge.
  • Low self-confidence in increasing their competitive abilities.
  • Juggling family and business issues, they miss opportunities for personal development and career planning, prompting the implementation of non-financial advisory services and development programs.

Khan Bank is continuing its efforts to mobilize funding under gender financing by providing loans with preferential terms and sustainably meeting the financial needs of women entrepreneurs.

A business loan to support women entrepreneurs’ digital transition is being implemented in 2024, in collaboration with EBRD, offering concessional loans for digitizing business operations by adopting software and hardware solutions to increase income.

Please note: media outlets (Television, Radio, Social and Websites) must reference the source (ikon.mn) when using our information in any form, either completely or partially.

Diplomacy

Minister of Education P.Naranbayar meets with Russian Ambassador

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

P.Naranbayar, the Minister of Education and Member of the Parliament of Mongolia, held a meeting with A.N.Yevsikov, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Mongolia.

The meeting focused on strengthening educational cooperation between Mongolia and Russia, with particular emphasis on expanding the number of Mongolian students studying engineering through scholarship programs.

Additionally, discussions were held about the possibility of organizing an academic conference to enhance collaboration between universities in both countries, as well as the potential for Russian students to study in Mongolia, according to the Ministry of Education.

Minister of Education P. Naranbayar Met with the Russian Ambassador

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

Member of the State Great Khural of Mongolia and Minister of Education, P. Naranbayar, met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Mongolia, A.N. Yevsikov.

During the meeting, they exchanged views on the cooperation in the field of education between the two countries, particularly focusing on increasing the number of students studying in engineering scholarship programs.

Additionally, they discussed the possibility of organizing scientific conferences as part of the cooperation between universities and the education of Russian students in Mongolia, according to the Ministry of Education.

Infrastructure

Completion of Pipeline Repair and Renewal Ordered by September 15

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

There are over 390 kilometers of thermal pipeline networks within Ulaanbaatar city, most of which are 30 to 60 years old.

With the increase in the number of residential buildings, businesses, and organizations in the capital city, and the growth in thermal energy consumption, the need to expand the pipeline network has arisen. Therefore, this year, 15.6 kilometers of thermal main pipelines are being renewed in 18 locations in total. The repair and renewal work of the pipelines started last July, and as part of the major repairs, the size of the pipelines is being expanded and updated.

The renewal of the 900-meter twin pipeline on Jamyangün Street from the National Drama Theatre to the Teacher's University began last July. "Rutan" LLC is working as the contractor. This pipeline, which supplies thermal energy to the consumers of the 1st, 6th, and 8th khoroo of Sukhbaatar District, was initially commissioned in 1959, and no repair or renewal work had been performed since then, resulting in its lifespan expiry. Consequently, the 2F350 mm twin pipeline in this location is being expanded to a 2F500 mm diameter.

In connection with the repair and renewal of the pipelines, the General Manager of Ulaanbaatar City, Ts. Turhuu, visited the site and instructed the contractor company to complete the pipeline repair and renewal work by September 15.

After the completion of the pipeline renewal work, the Capital City Road Development Office will begin road paving and beautification work at the above location, as reported by the Press, Media, and Public Relations Department of the Mayor's Office.

The Railway's 508th Kilometer Crossing is Fully Equipped with Automatic Barriers and Alarms

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

"Ulaanbaatar Railway" JSC, in cooperation with Bagakhangai District of the capital, has upgraded the railway's 508th kilometer crossing to have automatic barriers and supervised control to ensure railway crossing safety and reduce potential risks.

Previously, the crossing at the 508th kilometer in Bagakhangai District was regulated by a red light signal, leading to accidents as drivers rushed to cross in front of oncoming trains. Last year alone, there were eight instances of the train making emergency stops at this crossing. Therefore, it has been upgraded with automatic barriers and 24-hour supervision to reduce risks.

"UBTZ" JSC pays special attention to ensuring railway crossing safety by annually improving barriers, signals, and restrictions while conducting regular inspections to mitigate risks. Last year alone, the technical condition of 59 crossings was improved, and a decision was made to close 21 crossings that did not meet requirements. Going forward, the company is working to reduce the number of crossings and pursue a policy of creating grade-separated crossings. They also regularly organize awareness campaigns like "Stop, Don’t Rush" to promote crossing safety.

Source: "UBTZ" JSC

Advised Against Choosing Temporary Road Connecting Tolgoit Highway to Ard Ayush Avenue

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

In the Songino Khairkhan district, 37th khoroo, changes have been made to the temporary traffic organization of the 2.4 km road connecting the Tolgoit highway to Ard Ayush Avenue.

The changes to the traffic on this road will continue until 06:00 on the 31st of this month.

Therefore, citizens and drivers are advised by the Traffic Police to choose alternative routes and participate attentively in the altered traffic arrangements.

U.Baatar: The Underground Passage Under the Tavan Shar Railway is Ready for Operation

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The asphalt paving work for the underground passage under the Tavan Shar railway located in the Songinokhairkhan district of the capital is ongoing.

This underground passage is characterized by being a comprehensive engineering structure with a height of five meters and a water drainage system. The northern auxiliary road of the passage is 425 meters, and the southern auxiliary road is 252 meters, intersecting at two levels.

Regarding the structure of the underground passage, U.Baatar, the director of the unit implementing the integrated project to reduce traffic congestion in Ulaanbaatar City, stated, "The construction work for underground passages under the railway is continuing at four locations in Ulaanbaatar City. Among these, the underground passage under the Tavan Shar railway is ready for operation."

This passage is equipped with three high-capacity, automatically operating pumps at a depth of 11 meters. These pumps will alternately operate to protect against the risk of flooding. In other words, this solution ensures that the underground passage under the railway will not be flooded. One pump has the capacity to discharge 1,400 cubic meters of water per hour. It can drain not only surface water but also groundwater. This flood passage equipped with three pumps is at a depth of 7-8 meters to keep the pumps water-free.

The water discharged by the pumps is being transported through a 600-meter underground pipe to connect with a flood channel located about one kilometer away. In addition to the road, engineering network replacement works have been completed to add clean water pipes into the hall system. This eliminates road digging during repairs.

Existing pipelines from the 1970s, which were not registered in the information system and are currently in use, have been revealed. A temporary bridge structure is built to establish underground passages without closing the two railway lanes.

Three out of the four underground passages under the railway will be put into use this year. Next year, one underground passage at a location will be built. All structures will have water pumping stations," he reported.

In order to reduce traffic congestion in the city, underground passages have been planned at four locations: Tavan Shar crossing, the intersection of the Geological Central Laboratory, the railway cellar of the “Hermes” Center, and the four-road intersection southwest of Naran Tuul Market.

Of these, the construction of the underground passage under the Tavan Shar railway began in August 2023 with concessional loans from the EXIM Bank of China.

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Ц. Төрхүү: Organizations Providing Engineering Services Need to Intensify Their Work

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: itoim.mn

In connection with the pipeline repair and renovation works being carried out in Ulaanbaatar city, the head of the Ulaanbaatar City Administration's operations office and the General Manager, Ts. Turkh, held a meeting with the engineers and relevant experts of the capital's engineering network organizations.

The meeting discussed and exchanged ideas on the progress and challenges of ongoing works by organizations such as "Ulaanbaatar Heating Network" JSC, "Water and Sewage Authority" SOE, "Geodesy and Water Construction Authority" SOE, "Electricity Distribution Network" JSC, "Housing Public Utility Management Authority" SOE, and "Traffic Management Center" NPO.

During this meeting, it was explained that the renovation work is slow due to issues such as land clearance, state authorization, and other unforeseen obstacles that were not included in the project design.

In this regard, Ts. Turkh, the head of the Ulaanbaatar City Administration's operations office and the General Manager, instructed the contracting companies carrying out the pipeline repair and renovation works to expedite their work and finish within the contractual period. He also emphasized improving coordination among sector organizations to enhance work efficiency.

Due to the Start of the New School Year, There Will Be No Restrictions on Vehicles with Even or Odd Numbers

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

In connection with the start of the new school year 2024-2025, it has been reported by official sources that there will be no restrictions on vehicles based on even and odd license plate numbers.

Last September, this restriction was enforced for 14 days.

This year, in order to alleviate traffic congestion and load, a brief action plan is being approved by the mayor's order. It instructs the City Education Department to stagger the start times of schools that impact key streets during the start and end of school hours.

The order initially included gathering public opinion on the restrictions of vehicles by even and odd license plate numbers, which has now been removed.

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Society

D. Undraa: Since the Start of the Year, 1,704 Students Committed Crimes. Let's Focus on Child Protection in the Educational Environment

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) provided information regarding issues related to violations of children's rights to education.

During this time, D. Undraa, coordinator of the National Movement Against Child Abuse and a member of the National Council for Children, shared the following information.

He stated, "There are over 900 general education schools and approximately 1,400 private and public kindergartens operating nationwide.

School principals and kindergarten directors are required to conduct risk assessments for external and internal environments as part of their preparation for the school year.

The Child Protection Law, initially passed in 2016, was revised due to social necessity and adopted on January 17 this year.

The revised law has expanded the environment of child protection into eight categories, including:

  • Disaster and emergency child protection
  • Child protection in the context of criminal investigation and prosecution.

In Mongolia, there isn't a single citizen, sector, or government official that is not accountable to children's rights.

It's important to take preventive measures ensuring children's health and their right to live, learn, and grow in a safe environment, rather than acting only when incidents occur.

He continued, "As of July 31, 2024, 1,859 children committed crimes nationwide.

This figure represents an increase of over 50% compared to the same period last year. Among these children, 1,704 are students. Therefore, it is imperative to focus on child protection within the educational environment.

Specifically, the protocol for providing child protection responses in educational settings must be urgently established as a priority.

A Child Protection Council led by governors at all levels, a child rights legal committee headed by vice governors, and parent councils within enterprises and government institutions are operational.

Additionally, every basic unit has a children's delegate. Despite having so many councils and teams, the situation remains as described above.

Issues related to peer pressure and bullying are legislated under the new Child Protection Law. In other words, there are legal procedures in place as to what steps should be taken against children who commit peer pressure or bullying.

Most of the children who commit such offenses are students, and therefore the education sector must give more attention.

Every adult and every sector must understand their responsibilities towards children, and the entire society must work together to create a child-friendly, violence-free country.

According to the Child Protection Law, for children who commit violence or peer bullying, the following measures are to be applied in stages:

  • 23.4.5.a. Provide individual warnings and advice to the student, apologize to the victim student;
  • 23.4.5.b. Provide psychological counseling, involve parents, guardians, or care supporters in activities and training that affect the child’s development.

If you Study Locally on a Loan and Do Not Repay, Your Diploma is Confiscated and You Are Blacklisted, But No One Chases Those Who Studied Abroad

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

During today's meeting of the Standing Committee on Education, Culture, Science, and Sports, they are discussing the 2023 performance of Mongolia's consolidated budget. During this time, Member of Parliament O. Batnayramdal raised a concern related to the Education Loan Fund.

He stated, "We place a lot of emphasis on foreign loans from this fund. However, if we take a look at the total funding of the Education Loan Fund over the last 30 years, almost 70% has been allocated to students studying at domestic universities. Only 30% of the total loan amount was given to about 3,000 children for studying abroad. If I am not mistaken, nearly one million students have received domestic loans.

The biggest issue is the disparity between them. A domestic student receives an average of four million MNT per year, which amounts to 16 million MNT over four years. If this student does not repay the loan, they are blacklisted by the Mongolbank, and their diploma is confiscated. Today, there are almost 15,000 withheld diplomas in the Education Loan Fund. How can these students work in their field or repay their loans if their diplomas are confiscated?

Despite this approach towards domestic loans, no one pursues those who studied abroad on loans, nor are they contacted. They are not even included in the Mongolbank’s credit information system.

It seems the chairman of the National Audit Office mentioned this issue. The problem raised was that if a loan taken for studying abroad is not repaid, it should be recorded in the credit information system the same way as domestic loans taken and not repaid. This is how it should be. This is fairness. I am surprised why a non-discriminatory approach is still not in place.

Moreover, what should be done with the 15,000 diplomas held in the Education Loan Fund? Why were these diplomas confiscated, and what will be done with them? This needs to be resolved.

However, according to the audit report, there are 148 borrowers with loans amounting to a total of 10 billion MNT for studying abroad, with whom contact has not been established. No one is pursuing these individuals. This discriminatory treatment is causing a lot of public dissatisfaction,” he said.

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Recommendation to Allow Parents of Disabled Children to Work as Teacher Assistants Approved by Parliament

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) compiles a report each year and submits it to the State Great Khural (Parliament) for discussion. In this framework, topics on the state of human rights in the education sector are included, and last year, studies on the conditions of human rights in the pre-school and general education sectors, as well as assessments on monitoring and direction in higher education, were conducted.

According to S. Tungaa, Head of the Research and Analysis Department, our country is ranked 96th out of 189 countries in terms of human development index as of 2023, and 103rd out of 189 countries in terms of education index.

In July of the previous year, the comprehensive education law was revised and approved. This law included provisions designed to achieve concrete outcomes. For example, issues such as abolishing the lottery system for kindergarten enrollment were addressed. Additionally, there were advancements such as increasing the salary budget to 2.3 trillion MNT, although concerns still remain.

Due to factors such as the standard of living, labor migration, overcrowding in urban areas, and settlement distribution, the accessibility of educational services is insufficient.

In the past three years, the NHRC received 63 complaints about violations of the right to education, and conducted 59 inspections upon initiative from members. Based on the reports from these inspections, our presentation was developed.

The main violations identified during the mentioned complaints and inspections were the unsuitability, lack of accessibility, and non-standard conditions of educational institutions at all levels. Additionally, serious issues were found with class sizes in pre-school and general education sectors. Teachers are facing excessive workloads, and there are significant deficiencies in methodologies for working with disabled children.

Moreover, the accessibility of education in the capital and rural areas has not improved. There is a noticeable disparity between state and private schools and kindergartens in terms of facilities and environment.

Alternative services are necessary for children from rural, especially herder, families. This leads to issues such as children dropping out of school or falling behind in classes. Attention is needed on issues related to the rights of disabled children, children from low-income families, and those living in monasteries, as well as on teenage mothers and working boys.

Within the context of human rights in the education sector, our organization has issued a total of 11 recommendations. Of these, three recommendations were adopted in Parliament's resolution No. 37 this year.

Specifically:

  • Ensure safety standards for the external and internal environments of all levels of educational institutions and dormitories, and implement an independent monitoring system involving the government and citizens for educational institution expansion projects.
  • Operate support centers and create conditions to ensure the rights of disabled students, make tools and resources accessible and sufficient, improve methodologies for working with disabled children, and legally enable parents to work as teacher assistants.
  • Specify requirements and criteria for private educational institutions, and focus on creating the legal framework for standards, requirements, and legal environment for day-care services for children.

There is a lack of legal regulation on where the legal framework for the operation of children's day-care centers is affiliated, and what standards, rules, and regulations they should follow.

The remaining eight recommendations not included in the above resolution were delivered to the Minister of Education in an official document numbered 0037 on the 25th of the previous month. A response to this recommendation is expected by the end of September, and information will be shared with journalists at that time.

Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social and Web pages) are urged to cite the source (ikon.mn) when using our information in whole or in part, in any form.

G.Uuganbaatar: Requiring Property Ownership and Tenancy Certificates for School Enrollment is a Violation

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The Head of the Complaints and Inspection Department of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), G.Uuganbaatar, provided the following information on the operations of schools, kindergartens, and dormitories.

He stated, "About one percent of the complaints and information coming to us are related to the right to education.

Complaints and information related to the operations of schools and dormitories, as well as school admissions, are being received by the commission. According to the information from the relevant organization, in the academic year of 2024-2025:

  • 3,080 students from 88 classes in three schools in Bayangol District
  • 5,885 students from 163 classes in 10 schools in Bayanzurkh District
  • 1,470 students from 38 classes in three schools in Songinokhairkhan District
  • 2,920 students from 77 classes in five schools in Khan-Uul District
  • 140 students from 11 classes in one school in Chingeltei District
  • 280 students from eight classes in one school in Sukhbaatar District
  • A total of 13,775 students in 23 schools are studying in three shifts due to capacity overload.

The overload of classes and multiple shifts undermine the students' right to education and restrict their right to learn and develop. Although the government and ministries are making efforts to build, expand, and repair school buildings, it is still insufficient.

For example, with state investment funds, 28 kindergartens and 17 schools were opened in 2023.

  • It was planned to open 25 kindergartens and 11 schools in 2024, but as of today, five kindergartens and nine schools have been opened.
  • The construction work to put a total of 49 schools and 50 kindergartens into operation nationwide is ongoing and will continue in 2025. If the availability of schools and kindergartens is not increased, issues regarding the quality and accessibility of children's right to education will arise.

Specific tasks were carried out following the complaints received by the commission. Although efforts to improve school and kindergarten operations and construct new buildings are being implemented in phases with state budget investments, construction work has been slowed down due to the circumstances of the executing companies.

For example, the expansion building of the Fifth General Education School in the capital has been suspended for many years, affecting the students' right to education. Members of the NHRC have submitted requirements on this issue to the Minister of Education and Science of the previous government.

Urgent measures were requested to put the school into operation promptly.

Following this requirement, the Ministry of Education and the implementing organization have reached an agreement, and operations are ongoing to fully utilize the expansion building of the school by September 15, 2024.

We have received preliminary information that from October 1, 2024, primary school students in the capital's Fifth School will be able to study in the new expansion building," he said.

Additionally, "There are more than 500 dormitories of schools nationwide. Since 2022, directed inspections of dormitories of General Education Schools operating nationwide have been conducted.

A total of 120 dormitories have been inspected, covering about 30 percent of the dormitories operating nationwide, according to statistical information.

Based on this result, the report on the condition of school dormitories operating nationwide has been submitted to the Parliament in the 22nd report on human rights and freedoms. Following the report, Parliament and the government issued resolutions and gave specific assignments to the government.

The government was tasked with taking relevant measures to improve the conditions of dormitory operations incrementally and to enhance the environment.

In the framework of implementing the parliamentary resolution:

  • Five dormitories were put into operation in 2023
  • Three dormitories were put into operation in 2024.

Construction work to open three new dormitories nationwide is ongoing this year.

Construction work to open a total of 15 dormitories is also ongoing in 2025. Of the more than 500 dormitories operating nationwide, about 300 were built before 1990 and are aged buildings.

Many dormitories do not meet the requirements of norms and standards, so continuous urgent improvement measures should be taken, and the responsibility of executing organizations needs to be increased.

Due to the upcoming cold season, renovating sanitation facilities to be child-friendly for young children living in dormitories is of utmost priority," he said.

Continuing, "Several violation reports have been received by the NHRC in connection with the new academic year.

Firstly, there are reports that children of residents with temporary residence registration are not being enrolled in schools. There is an issue where private sensitive information, like property ownership and tenancy rights certificates, is being requested, which is a violation.

Children should not be discriminated against based on economic status or wealth. Therefore, children registered at addresses should be ensured their right to education.

Educational institutions at all levels should focus on preventing any conditions under which children cannot attend school due to address discrepancies. No child should be in a situation where they cannot attend school due to these reasons.

Also, there is an issue of school attendance involving semi-orphaned and fully orphaned children. As of 2022, there are 36,363 semi-orphaned and 2,911 fully orphaned children nationwide.

In the last academic year, information shows that 1,234 semi-orphaned children attended preschool education or kindergarten, and 24,874 children attended general education schools.

Additionally, 32 fully orphaned children are in kindergartens, and 1,501 fully orphaned children are in general education schools. Analyzing these statistics illustrates that their school and kindergarten attendance is inadequate," he noted.

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97 Individuals Collecting Pine Cones Made to Clean Up Surrounding Trash and Descend from the Mountain

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

In collaboration with the Ecological Police, the Ulaanbaatar City Environment Department has started an inspection from August 26th to detect, halt, and prevent violations involving the collection and preparation of pine nuts from immature trees in the coniferous forests of Bayanzurkh, Sukhbaatar, and Songinokhairkhan districts, where pine trees predominantly grow.

Through the inspection, they discovered 97 individuals across 24 camps who were illegally collecting and preparing immature pine nuts. These individuals were made to clean up the surrounding waste and descend from the mountain. Additionally, three actions indicative of criminal activities related to the illegal transportation of 34 sacks of Siberian pine seeds were uncovered and transferred to the Ecological Police.

The public is encouraged to report any environmental violations to the Ulaanbaatar City Environment Department via the hotline 72720303 or through the department's Facebook chat. Relevant authorities are conducting inspections based on the information provided.

B. Munkhgerel: Domestic Violence Increased by 6.7% Compared to Last Year

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: itoim.mn

From Senior Expert and Deputy Colonel B. Munkhgerel of the General Agency for Social Order Prevention, we sought clarification on domestic violence-related crimes and violations.

He stated, "In the first seven months of 2024, police recorded 1,014 criminal cases due to domestic violence. This represents an increase of 64 cases, or 6.7% compared to the same period last year. Additionally, the percentage of these cases within all crimes decreased by 0.2 percentage points to 4.1%. Among domestic violence crimes, 912 cases or 89.9% are minor offenses, while 102 cases or 10.1% are serious offenses. Specifically, compared to the same period last year, minor offenses increased by 5.2%, and serious offenses by 22.9%. 46.3% of these crimes were registered in Ulaanbaatar city, while 53.7% were in local areas.

Domestic violence refers to actions or neglect that cause psychological pressure on related family members, violate economic, sexual freedom, or bodily integrity. Most often, the police are approached in cases of physical violence or repeated offenses. If you or anyone around you is a victim of domestic violence, please contact the police department of your respective area."

J. Khunan: Despite the Decision to Follow Child Protection Standards During Demonstrations and Gatherings, Information on Approval is Scarce

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The revised version of the Law on Child Protection will come into effect on the 1st of next month. With the start of the 2024-2025 academic year of schools and kindergartens approaching, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) gave a briefing to journalists.

During this event, NHRC member J. Khunan stated, "In the revised version of the Law on Child Protection, a provision was included to incorporate child rights issues into the development programs approved at both the local and national levels. There is a pressing need to monitor this process.

Moreover, the law has been amended to include regulations related to the duties of the Governor. For instance, mobile child protection services will be provided in regions far from the provincial center. This is expected to reduce issues related to child rights violations. This is a very innovative and significant regulation, I must emphasize.

There exists a structure known as the Children's Rights Legal Committee, which is responsible for providing services to children involved in crimes as perpetrators, witnesses, or victims. Unfortunately, criticism has been raised that the decisions of this structure are not implemented in practice. In this context, the committee has been granted the authority to propose disciplinary actions against governmental officials who fail to implement or obstruct the implementation of the committee's decisions. Consequently, conditions for improving decision implementation have been established.

Additionally, a provision has been added to prohibit international and foreign research organizations from conducting surveys and research related to children's rights and protection in Mongolia without the permission of the administrative agency responsible for child and family issues. This preventive measure is aimed at avoiding illegal activities using children's personal information. Hence, the requirement for approval before conducting research has been introduced to ensure this issue is under control.

The primary reason for ineffective operations in child protection activities in our country is related to financing. A regulatory measure addressing this issue is now included in the law. Specifically, the budget for the implementation of child protection services and regulations, as mandated by the law, within the scope of the Government's members, will be included in the annual budget. This will provide the necessary funding to implement policies and allow for monitoring expenditures. Additionally, legal entities and employers are now required to spend one percent of their salary fund on child protection policies.

An important provision related to the monitoring of the implementation of child protection legislation has been added. Governors of provinces and the capital, as well as state and local administrative bodies, must submit annual reports on their activities in the field of child protection by February of the following year to the concerned central state administrative body.

The central state administrative body will analyze these reports by March of the same year and submit them to the National Council for Children. This will enable annual discussions on child protection policies at a national level.

The Prime Minister of Mongolia serves as the head of the National Council for Children. Conducting such discussions will provide factual information about child protection and directly influence policy implementation.

Six standards related to the revised Law on Child Protection are set to be implemented. They include:

  • Psychological services
  • Protection and rehabilitation of child victims of sexual violence
  • Childcare services
  • Social work services
  • Child protection standards in disaster emergency situations
  • Implementation during demonstrations and gatherings

Additionally, 14 procedures have been included. Unfortunately, there is limited information regarding whether these standards and procedures have been approved. Hence, it is necessary for the responsible organizations to focus on approving these standards and procedures.

Furthermore, an integrated child protection information system is being developed. This is expected to open personal files for each child, reducing issues of data discrepancy or duplication," he explained.

The Camera in the Testimonial Room Cannot Be Moved, Efforts to Improve Storage and Security Operations of Recordings Are Underway

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

In efforts to ensure human rights and the safety of officers, the police organization is paying special attention by increasing the number of meeting and testimonial rooms that meet standards and requirements, fully equipping them with cameras, and taking measures to improve the storage and security operations of camera recordings, according to Deputy Chief of the National Police Agency, Police Colonel N. Munkhzul.

He mentioned that requirements for the testimonial rooms were established by Order A/57 of the Prosecutor General of Mongolia dated June 27, 2017. Regarding the significance of testimonial rooms that meet requirements:

"First, to ensure human rights, surveillance cameras are installed showing the face area, and it is impossible to move or change the position of these cameras. Also, whether the audio and video during the testimonials are being recorded at a high quality is monitored by heads of investigation units, while the data storage and protection are supervised by information technology staff.

"Secondly, it is crucial for monitoring whether police officers are fulfilling their duties as stipulated by law and ensuring their safety is fully guaranteed.

By increasing the number of testimonial rooms that meet these requirements, it is important to avoid inconveniencing victims, suspects, witnesses, and citizens who are working with the police organization and to prevent any violations of human rights, such as torture.

"We are planning to fully equip the rooms of local inspectors and representatives with cameras from September 1."

The central police organization plans to fully equip the rooms of district inspectors and representatives responsible for specific areas with cameras starting from September 1 this year. This will ensure the safety of officers working in the primary units providing services to citizens and will allow for the complete prevention of violations of citizens' rights.

In addition, the traffic police and officers performing duties in maintaining public order are equipped with body cameras.

Therefore, citizens are reminded that they have the right to request recordings during the resolution of disputes, conflicts, or crimes.

P. Gantsetseg: The Average Fee for Daycare Centers is 350-400 Thousand Tugriks

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

For the 2024-2025 academic year, information about the number of daycare centers and their fees was clarified by the Mongolian Association of Certified Daycare Centers.

The chairperson of the association, P. Gantsetseg, stated, "Regarding the number of daycare centers operating in the coming academic year, we only have information for our association members. Around 400 daycare centers are affiliated with our association. In terms of fees, they average around 350-400 thousand tugriks.

The operating hours vary according to the needs and requirements of parents, depending on the region," she said.

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Let's Follow Other Standards As Rigorously As We Follow the Curbstone Standard

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

In the scope of road maintenance and repair, work is being done this year to repair and renew roads in 17 locations in the capital. In addition, in the pursuit of reducing traffic congestion and expanding the road network, projects to build roads and road structures are being implemented in 31 locations.

Every year, the public criticizes the replacement of curbstones in the name of road repair.

Regarding this, Mayor Kh. Nyambaatar mentioned during a session of the State Great Hural and on his social media, “According to the standards jointly approved by the Minister of Construction and Urban Development and the Minister of Road and Transport, the curbstone must be 15 cm above the road surface.

We are replacing them because the curbstones do not meet the standards when the road is covered with 5-6 cm within the scope of repair and renewal, which could potentially create a risk of accidents. If this standard is amended, we can quickly perform our work without necessarily replacing curbstones that are not eroded by salt or damaged. There is absolutely no issue of the city doing curbstone business,” he informed.

The standards applied in Mongolia are approved by the Standard and Measurement Agency. Upon investigating the standard referred to by Mayor Kh. Nyambaatar, it appears to be the MNS 0842:2006 Standard for Concrete and Reinforced Concrete Barriers for Roads approved on November 30, 2006.

This standard pertains to concrete and reinforced concrete barriers (hereinafter referred to as barriers) intended for separating roadways from pedestrian and bicycle paths, ornamental plants, lawns, and other areas. Ordinary heavy concrete and fine aggregate (sand) concrete are used for the barriers.

1.2 The standard sets forth the technical requirements for the barriers, methods for testing, procedures for inspection and acceptance, as well as storage and transportation regulations.

In addition, according to the Urban and Settlement Planning and Construction Norm and Regulation BNBD 30.01.04 2.8 provision, "Pedestrian and bicycle paths must be elevated 15 cm from the road transport vehicular lanes." This norm and regulation were approved by the Minister of Infrastructure at the time.

The process of undertaking road and curbstone maintenance works in Mongolia follows these norms and regulations.

As of today, there are 6,666 standards in effect. However, how many of these are actually implemented? Urban standards are crucial for ensuring safe, healthy, and comfortable living conditions for citizens of Mongolia. We need to adhere to and enforce other standards as rigorously as we adhere to the curbstone standards.

The full content of the Urban and Settlement Planning and Construction Norm and Regulation BNBD 30.01.04 is provided.

Embassy: Attention to Students Studying in Russia

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

In connection with the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year, the Embassy of Mongolia in Russia has issued recommendations for citizens and students coming to study at Russian colleges and universities, as well as citizens temporarily or permanently residing in the country, and students studying there.

When traveling in Russia, it is advised to be vigilant in ensuring personal safety and protecting health, considering the internal situation of Russia. In particular, it is advised not to travel to regions bordering Ukraine unless absolutely necessary. Residents and students in those regions should remain extremely alert and contact the embassy directly with any requests or concerns.

Do not lose or misplace the immigration card (миграционная карта) that is issued upon entry into Russia.

According to the decree of the President of Russia dated March 2, 2022, on "Additional Measures to Ensure Financial Stability in Russia," customs restrictions have been set on cash withdrawals across the Russian border, with the limit being equivalent to $10,000 in foreign currency per person.

According to the "Law on the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens" in Russia, foreigners residing in the country for more than 90 days are required to register, undergo a medical examination, and consequently register their fingerprints and photographs. It is essential to complete these procedures on time according to the relevant regulations.

Failure to register will make it impossible to reside in Russia, and visas and registrations will not be extended, so it is advised that you, especially the young students, register within the timeframe mandated by law.

Students who are newly or continuing to study in Russia should pay particular attention to strictly complying with the rules and regulations set by their respective schools (“School’s internal regulations,” “Dormitory regulations,” and other requirements).

Carefully examine these matters, and if you lack information or understanding on this issue, it is advised to immediately contact the relevant departments or staff of your school or organization for information and guidance.

Please carefully study and properly implement the instructions and recommendations provided by the relevant departments and staff of your school or organization.

Students are encouraged to actively participate in the activities of the Mongolian Student Association in Russia and to engage in various studies and registrations conducted by the Association.

For these matters or if you need to contact us, it is recommended to reach out to the Embassy or the Consular Department:

  • Embassy: +7(495)690-67-92
  • Consular Department: +7(499)241-15-48
  • moscow@mfa.gov.mn, or mongolconsul@gmail.com via email.

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Environment

From the 30th of this month, hiking and walking on Bogd Mountain is prohibited

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Based on the pest control survey conducted by professional organizations in the forest areas of the Bogd Khan Mountain national park, it has been decided to conduct aerial spraying of bacterial preparations to eliminate pests for two days starting from the 30th of this month.

Therefore, residents living in the vicinity of Bogd Khan Mountain, as well as those who hike and walk on tourism paths, are warned by professional organizations not to hike or walk on the mountain from August 30 to September 16, and to refrain from picking or eating nuts and berries from Bogd Mountain.

The Bogd Khan Mountain National Park Administration has announced that the effects of the pest control treatment will last for 30 days.

Notification of Spraying Pesticide at Bogd Mountain Advises Against Picking and Eating Fruits and Nuts

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

Professional organizations are advising against picking and eating fruits and nuts collected from Bogd Mountain due to the spraying of pesticide.

Based on research conducted by professional organizations regarding forest pest damage, bacterial pesticides will be sprayed by plane over a period of two days starting on August 30, 2024, at the protected forest area of Bogd Khan Mountain.

Residents living in the surrounding areas of Bogd Khan Mountain and those who frequently hike or travel on its trails are warned not to hike or gather fruits and nuts from the area between August 30, 2024, and September 16, 2024. The administration of the protected area emphasizes that the effect of the pesticide and its residual impact can last for 30 days.

Insecticide Spraying and Pest Control at Bogd Mountain

Published: Fri, 30 Aug 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Based on the studies conducted by professional organizations in the forest reserve of Bogd Khan Mountain's protected area, it has been decided to carry out the spraying of insecticide for pest control from tomorrow over a two-day period using aircraft.

Therefore, residents living in the vicinity of Bogd Mountain and those hiking on the trails are advised not to visit the mountain, pick wild fruits, or purchase them between August 30 and September 16, according to the Bogd Khan Mountain protected area authorities.

The residual effect of the pest control insecticide lasts for 30 days.

Bring Your Own Bag and Take as Many Cucumbers as You Want From the Stall Without a Seller

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

Due to heavy rains this summer, the cucumbers intended for harvest grew too large even before being harvested. "Pig" is a widely used term among gardeners; this variety of cucumber was planted for pickling but has grown too large to fit in glass jars.

Currently, 1000 tons of fresh, juicy "pigs" are at risk of being left on the green fields. To address this issue, the "Vidan" brand has launched a volunteer campaign to save the pigs. Representatives of the Vidan brand have arranged to transport the cucumbers from the gardeners in Darkhan-Uul province’s Orkhon soum to Ulaanbaatar city, where they are setting up sellerless mobile stalls.

If this issue is not addressed promptly, gardeners will suffer economic losses, and the cucumbers grown in the country's soil will become useless and be discarded.

Furthermore, these overly large and ripe cucumbers disrupt industrial technology, as they crack and break during the pickling process and do not meet the standards of national manufacturers. In other words, the cucumbers have not achieved their original intended purpose.

The campaign started on August 25th from the Sodon colony and began circulating in the densely crowded areas of the city. Within the first two days, 3.9 tons of cucumbers were taken by the citizens. Additionally, the campaign is open to collaborating with organizations that can regularly offer outdoor spaces for setting up constant pig rescue points.

The mobile point has no seller, and citizens can bring their own bags, take as much as they want, assess the taken cucumbers themselves, and directly transfer the payment to the grower’s bank account listed on the information board at the mobile point. People are encouraged to transfer their payments to the grower’s account as much as possible and to avoid paying in cash.

This campaign aims to prevent unnecessary waste as part of the Vidan brand's goal to cherish the Earth.

Since it is a mobile stall, information about the current location of the pig rescue point can be regularly found on the VIDAN Facebook page. Progress is regularly reported on this page, encouraging others to spread the word by writing #GahaigAvray on social media pages and to buy cucumbers from the mobile points.

Violation of Harvesting Unripe Pine Nuts Has Been Addressed

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

In collaboration with the Ecology Police Department, the Environment Agency of the Capital City has detected and begun efforts to halt and prevent the illegal harvesting of pine nuts before they are ripe in the Bayan Zurkh, Sukhbaatar, and Songinokhairkhan districts, where pine forests predominantly grow in the green areas of Ulaanbaatar city since August 26.

During the inspection, 97 individuals located in 24 camps were found to be illegally harvesting or attempting to harvest unripened pine nuts. They were made to clean up their environmental waste and were escorted down from the mountains. Three criminal offenses related to the illegal transport of 34 sacks of Siberian pine seeds and products were identified and transferred to the Ecology Police Department.

In addition to receiving information about environmental violations from the public via the number 72720303 at the Capital City's Environment Agency, monitoring and inspection activities are being carried out based on information received through the organization's Facebook chat.

Innovation

The Ministry of Education Will Focus on Quality Rather Than Reducing the Number of Universities

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Minister of Education P. Naranbayar met with representatives of the Association of Private Universities of Mongolia. During the meeting, he introduced the current policy for the higher education sector and discussed the policy to be implemented in the future, while also listening to issues faced by private universities and exchanging opinions on possible solutions.

The Ministry emphasized that it will ensure academic freedom for universities and, as stipulated in the Higher Education Law, will not interfere in their internal affairs, with a focus on quality rather than reducing their number. The Minister of Education highlighted this point. He also stated that since they operate as non-state entities, their issues should be discussed with the involvement of various parties and included in policy decisions.

Leaders of private universities proposed that the state should treat all universities equally regardless of ownership type, establish rankings through assessments by independent bodies, and enhance the quality of higher education by creating competition based on market principles. They also suggested increasing the involvement of private universities in formulating policies and decisions.

Minister P. Naranbayar agreed on the issue of establishing university rankings and stated that representatives from private universities will be included in the Minister's Council. He also mentioned that universities should develop regardless of the students, teachers, or ownership type.

In Mongolia, there are 22 private universities and 24 private colleges, enrolling about 40% of the total student population.

P. Naranbayar: There are 502 people who have not repaid their Education Loan Fund loans for more than 10 years

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

During today's meeting of the Standing Committee on Education, Culture, Science and Sports, the execution of the 2023 consolidated budget of Mongolia and the consolidated financial report of the government are being discussed.

On this occasion, Education Minister P. Naranbayar provided the following information regarding the Education Loan Fund.

He stated, “The issue related to the loan fund has been a focus of public attention. We have appointed a person named Siilegdmaa as the head of this fund with the goal of improving loan repayment.

According to foreign loan collections, 1,380 people have not repaid their loans. Of these, there are 502 people who have not repaid their loans for more than 10 years.

From 1997 to 2012, individuals who received loans and studied abroad were exempted or given discounts on their loans if they returned to Mongolia and worked in government institutions. However, since 2012, this system is no longer in place. After that, ministers of that time issued orders five times to relieve loans. This is a violation of the law. We will resolve this issue. In order to provide opportunities for others, loans in the Education Loan Fund need to be repaid. It is not acceptable to simply exempt loans by order.

There are also issues with domestic loans. We are working with provincial prosecutors to enforce loan repayment.

We will revamp the system for collecting loans from those who have studied abroad. In general, if we want to attract competent civil servants, there is a history of using this system. We will initiate reforms in the Education Loan Fund," he said.

Measures to Make "TOMFL" and "ToPMON" Mongolian Language Proficiency Tests Official

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Minister of Education P. Naranbayar met with Ts. Unurbayan, a member of the National Council for Language Policy and a People's Teacher, D. Zayabaatar, Director of the School of Science at the National University of Mongolia (NUM), and B. Bayartuul, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mongolian Language and Linguistics at NUM. They discussed expanding and formalizing the proficiency tests for the Mongolian language for foreign citizens.

The Institute of Mongolian Studies at NUM conducts the "TOMFL" and the Mongolian State University of Education organizes the "ToPMON" tests to determine the level of Mongolian language proficiency for foreign citizens. By taking these exams, foreigners can study at universities in Mongolia or pursue employment opportunities. Additionally, civil servants, Mongolian citizens living abroad, and those interested in learning and studying traditional language and culture can also assess their skills and knowledge.

The organizers expressed their desire to have the results of both exams officially recognized nationwide and to expand the scope of these proficiency tests in the future.

The Minister of Education highlighted the importance of these proficiency tests in spreading and promoting the Mongolian language and decided to take necessary measures to make both exams official.

Furthermore, the Minister emphasized the potential to determine proficiency levels suitable for higher education qualifications, create opportunities for private enterprises to organize internationally standardized exams, enable embassies abroad to conduct these tests, and open up multiple possibilities through the completion of these exams to further promote and disseminate the Mongolian language.

Source: Ministry of Education

Selection of Courses for Senior Students in State-Owned Secondary Schools Has Begun

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

In the 2024-2025 academic year, senior students in state-owned schools will choose from 16 subjects to study.

Specifically, 10th graders will select four subjects, 11th graders three, and 12th-grade students will have a program to choose three subjects to study.

The subject selection will be organized nationwide through the student.medle.mn system until 22:00 on September 16, as reported by the General Education Department.

The 16 subjects to choose from are:

  1. English
  2. Business Studies
  3. Biology
  4. Geography
  5. Design/Drawing and Technology
  6. Mathematics
  7. Mongolian Language
  8. Information Technology
  9. Mechanical Electronics
  10. Social Studies
  11. Russian Language
  12. History
  13. Literature
  14. Physics
  15. Chemistry
  16. Fashion Design.

Warning

Discussed Increasing the Number of Students Studying in the Engineering Scholarship Program in Russia

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

Member of the Mongolian Parliament and Minister of Education P. Naranbayar received and met with A.N. Yevsikov, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Mongolia.

During the meeting, they exchanged opinions on the cooperation in the education sector between the two countries, particularly on increasing the number of students studying in engineering scholarship programs.

Additionally, they discussed the possibility of organizing scientific conferences as part of the collaboration between universities and hosting Russian students to study in Mongolia.

Health

GSSÜT: The Majority of Patients Injured While Riding Scooters and Surrons Are Aged 10-19

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

From January 2019 to July 2024, the National Center for Trauma and Orthopedics’ Emergency Department has provided medical services to a total of 539 individuals injured in accidents involving scooters and electric bikes (surron). Of these, 4.6% or 25 people have been hospitalized.

Children aged 10-19 are more affected by this type of accident. Based on injury diagnosis, elbow and forearm injuries account for 26.7%, brain injuries for 18%, and injuries to the knee and shin for 18%, which are the leading causes by the number of cases. Cases are classified by cause as follows:

  • Passengers with electric bikes, scooters falling or injured - 492 (84.2%)
  • Passengers with electric bikes, scooters colliding with cars and getting injured - 59 (10.1%)
  • Pedestrians hit by electric bikes, scooters and injured - 25 (4.3%)
  • Passengers with electric bikes, scooters colliding with bicycles, motorcycles and getting injured - 7 (1.2%)
  • Passengers with electric bikes, scooters colliding with pedestrians and getting injured - 1 (0.2%)

Most instances of scooter and electric bike (surron) related accidents and injuries have been recorded in the capital. By location, 480 or 82.2% of these cases took place on streets and public spaces.

According to GSSÜT, 60% of the hospitalized patients are children aged 0-18, while the rest are adults.

Free Screening and Diagnosis for Children with Cleft Lip and Palate

Published: Fri, 30 Aug 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn

For children in our country with cleft lip and palate, the Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation from Taiwan and Chang Gung Hospital are providing free surgeries, screening, and diagnosis from the 25th to the 31st of this month under the theme "Love Without Borders: Free Surgeries and Screenings for Mongolian Children with Cleft Lip and Palate in 2024."

The Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation has had a long-term partnership with Mongolia, and since their first visit in August 2010, the joint team of the foundation and Chang Gung Hospital has performed free craniofacial surgeries on over 250 Mongolian patients, giving smiles to children with cleft lip and palate. The foundation also continuously includes doctors from NCMCH in trainings, creating opportunities for conducting complex surgeries. Thirteen doctors and nurses have participated in these trainings, which have deepened and strengthened bilateral cooperation.

The representative of Taiwan to Mongolia, Wang Kai-Yu, stated, "The team led by Dr. G. Ayanga at NCMCH performs over 450 craniofacial and cleft lip and palate surgeries annually, which is a great example of the medical and health cooperation between Taiwan and Mongolia. This collaboration will continue to grow, embodying the spirit of 'Taiwan Can Help, Taiwan Is Helping.'"

G. Ayanga, a consultant surgeon from the Craniofacial Surgery Department of NCMCH, expressed gratitude for the training of medical staff and donation of medical equipment. They also highlighted the intention to further train more Mongolian doctors and nurses and enhance hospital capacity.

Noordhoff’s surgical team leader, Professor Luo Lungjou, and executive director Chen Yi-Lin mentioned that the foundation and Chang Gung Hospital have trained five surgeons, two anesthetists, three orthodontists, one speech therapist, and two nurses from Mongolia. Unlike traditional volunteer clinics, the foundation pays more attention to local patients. Despite the complexity of this free screening, the surgical teams from both countries successfully overcame challenges and performed the surgery successfully. They also expressed their intention to continue collaborating with NCMCH to provide assistance and services to more Mongolian patients.

Sports

O.Battulga: 25.7 Billion MNT from the State Budget Was Spent on Forming the National Team in 2024

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

At today's meeting of the Standing Committee on Education, Culture, Science, and Sports of the State Great Khural, the execution of the state budget for 2023 is under discussion.

During this occasion, the head of the State Physical Education and Sports Committee, O.Battulga, provided information about the budget for activities to form the national team.

He stated, "In 2024, 25.7 billion MNT from the state budget was allocated for activities related to forming the national team. This includes 26 sports disciplines.

According to the 2017 law, the responsibility for forming and organizing the team and ensuring training preparations is assigned to federations and non-governmental organizations.

We have requested the sports federations to submit reports on achievements at the Olympics. After receiving the reports, we will make assessments and present them to the national committee preparing for the Olympics to discuss what accountability decisions should be made.

Regarding the budget allocation for sports federations in 2024, 12.5 billion MNT has been allocated for competitions, 5.6 billion for salaries of team athletes, and 4.2 billion for domestic and international training.

The main goal is to develop a detailed plan on how the coaches who are part of the national team will conduct training preparations in the future.

There is an ongoing discussion with non-governmental organizations about the achievements at the Olympics. A unified conclusion will be reached after the Paralympics, and the ways to correct mistakes will be discussed."

Paris 2024: Today, Our Four Athletes Will Compete

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The XVII Summer Paralympic Games "Paris-2024" have begun today. More than 4,400 athletes from 168 countries across five continents will compete for 549 medal events in 22 sports disciplines.

From our country, a record number of 12 athletes in six sports disciplines are participating in the history of the games. Today, our athletes D. Selenge and B. Oyun-Erdene will test their skills in the archery positioning round of the para archery category, while in the women's 52 kg category of taekwondo, U. Sürenjav will compete. Our athlete passed the first round with her ranking and will face the winner between Salma Ali Abd from Egypt and Stancy Obonyo from Kenya in the quarterfinals.

Additionally, in women's 50-meter freestyle swimming, H. Nomuun will compete. Our athlete will race from the same starting point as the athletes from China, Ireland, Ukraine, the USA, and Switzerland.

H. Numuun Ranked 13th in Women's 50m Freestyle Swimming

Published: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

Competing in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Numuun Khureliin led the Mongolian national team in the swimming category.

Seventeen-year-old H. Numuun competed in the women's 50-meter freestyle swimming event in the S6 classification, securing 13th place.

A total of 14 athletes competed in her category, with the top eight advancing to the finals. H. Numuun completed the 50 meters in 47.77 seconds, 15.07 seconds behind the leading Chinese athlete.

This year marks the first time the Mongolian national team has competed in the Paralympic swimming category. H. Numuun previously participated in the 2022 Asian Games, setting a milestone achievement.

She will compete again in the women's 100-meter backstroke event on September 7.