LocationsUNDP Mongolia Launches “The Next Great Divergence” Report and Discusses Mongolia’s AI Readiness
January 12, 2026
Ulaanbaatar, 12 January 2026 — Today, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Mongolia, in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Communications, organized the presentation of the “The Next Great Divergence” report, published by UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, and convened a high-level dialogue on Mongolia’s artificial intelligence (AI) readiness.
The report highlights the potential of AI to drive economic growth, improve public services, and advance human development, while warning that uneven digital infrastructure, skill gaps, and governance systems risk deepening inequalities between countries. It defines this emerging risk as the “Next Great Divergence,” emphasizing that today’s policy choices around AI adoption will shape long-term development.
During the opening of the event, Ms. Matilda Dimovska, UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia, highlighted the Report’s point that “While artificial intelligence is advancing at an unprecedented pace, many countries lack the infrastructure, skills, and governance systems needed to fully benefit from it. Such imbalances pose a risk of further widening inequalities between countries.”
Ms. Matilda Dimovska, UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia
Mr. Batshugar Enkhbayar, Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Communications and Member of Parliament, outlined the country’s policy direction, emphasizing that “Our shared goal is not to use AI as a tool to replace people, but to expand what humans can do and create for the well-being of society. Strong collaboration among government, the private sector, and international organizations is critical to prioritizing the use of AI in healthcare, education, and public safety.”
Mr. Batshugar Enkhbayar, Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Communications and Member of Parliament
The event featured a presentation by Mr. Firuz Saidkhadzhaev, Climate Finance and Development Economist at UNDP Mongolia, who presented the report’s findings and examined how rapid AI development is affecting countries differently. He highlighted the need for Mongolia to leverage AI as a new driver of economic growth while ensuring that AI policies contribute to reducing social and regional inequalities.
A panel discussion titled “AI for Inclusive Development: From Global Risks to Local Solutions” brought together government officials, innovators, and private sector representatives to discuss Mongolia’s emerging AI policy framework, practical solutions including pastureland management and transparency, and the challenges and opportunities associated with scaling AI responsibly.
The event served as platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue, contributing to ongoing efforts toward Mongolia’s National AI Strategy as well as reinforcing partnerships to ensure that AI is adopted in a way that is inclusive, ethical, and aligned with human development priorities.
Indra Boldsukh | Communications Expert | UNDP Mongolia | indra.boldsukh@undp.org
About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.
