According to the young politician, air pollution in Ulaanbaatar is not a consequence of poverty. He also discussed corruption, ways to eliminate it, and the prospects of the new city of Kharkhorum.Recently elected member of the Parliament of Mongolia, Dr. Luvsanjamts Ganzorig, actively raises issues of air pollution, corruption, and political stability, as well as the need to relocate the capital of the country. In an interview with a journalist from The Diplomat, he spoke about how the Mongolian government plans to address these issues within the legislative framework.
— Ulaanbaatar has ranked first in air pollution for the past ten years. As an initiator of solutions to this problem, which has become critical for public health, how do you see the root causes of pollution? What steps have been taken in this direction by legislative and executive authorities this year?
— Some researchers link air pollution to poverty. However, I am convinced that the main reason lies in the government's inability to clearly define and implement effective projects aimed at solving this problem.
During the spring session of Parliament last year, hearings were held on air pollution. It was reported that since 2009, the government has allocated ₮5.6 trillion to combat this phenomenon, but pollution levels have not decreased. This confirms that a lack of funding is not the main reason. The previous policy focused on subsidies rather than long-term solutions, which did not yield the expected results.
Since my entry into Parliament, one of the tasks has been to address the issue of air pollution. We conducted research with scientists and concluded that political measures aimed at improving energy efficiency and resource conservation are needed. Based on these conclusions, we developed an action plan that includes improving building insulation policies and implementing renewable energy sources.
On June 19, 2025, Parliament approved Resolution No. 57, based on the work of my working group. This resolution mandates the government to optimize the "green" financing system and improve the legal framework for reducing pollution.
In December 2025, a resolution was adopted to accelerate the implementation of this policy. The executive branch is now actively supporting environmental technologies such as thermal insulation and electric heating, as well as expanding the use of renewable energy sources.
At the municipal level, in 2025, a project was launched to insulate 5,000 households with citizen participation. Additionally, in the Chingeltei district, projects involving the private sector and international organizations are being implemented to transition 700 households and educational institutions to environmentally friendly water supply systems. These initiatives are targeted and effective, and should be expanded nationwide.
To achieve a real reduction in air pollution, the involvement of not only the government but also local authorities, the private sector, civil society organizations, and the population is necessary. We must create an ecosystem to transition from "brown" technologies to "green" solutions. In this context, we launched the "Dulaanbaatar" campaign, held meetings with over 2,000 households in ger districts in 2025, and intend to expand this program.
— Considering your education and experience in architecture, what changes are necessary in Ulaanbaatar to reduce traffic congestion and create a comfortable urban environment?
— Traffic jams arise from a lack of social infrastructure: schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and green spaces. The lack of developed public transport forces people to use personal vehicles.
The key solution will be improving access to social infrastructure and developing the public transport network. I led a working group that developed the concept of a "20-minute city" and presented it to the relevant ministry.
I also proposed recommendations for improving public transport operations, such as the ability to pay with bank cards and optimizing routes. The capital administration has already begun implementing these changes and is preparing to optimize bus routes and develop major transport networks.
Additionally, this year the first line of a cable car is planned to be launched. As an urban planner, I support such projects.
I am also involved in developing the "Master Plan for the Development of Ulaanbaatar until 2040," where we aim to create a people-oriented city.
— Recently, several East Asian countries have relocated their capitals to historical sites. Mongolia is considering moving its capital from Ulaanbaatar to Kharkhorum. What are the prospects of this idea and how will it affect the lives of the Mongolian people?
— Mongolia is a highly centralized state with Ulaanbaatar as the only center. We need to improve living conditions in rural areas and create jobs. Relocating the capital could help in this process.
The government has already developed a regional development policy aimed at preparing for the relocation of the capital. This is a sensible approach, as the central city can be developed in the Khangai region.
For a successful relocation of the capital, active participation from the private sector is necessary, which will create jobs in the new city. The state must create infrastructure that is attractive for investment.
I am confident that by 2030, if we implement projects to increase the population in Darkhan and Erdenet to 200,000 and in Choibalsan, Khovd, Olgii, and Sainshand to 100,000 people, we will see real results.
I have also worked in the parliamentary group for the creation of the new city of Kharkhorum and believe that its development should be based on nomadic culture and ecology.
Modern cities are often car-oriented and have glass facades. I hope that the New Kharkhorum will develop as a city that takes into account the history of Mongolia and nomadic culture.
— The year 2025 was challenging for the political situation in Mongolia. We witnessed protests and a change of government. How do you assess the current political stability and its causes? How can the situation be improved?
— Political instability has been observed since the beginning of democratic reforms, but this year it has worsened. The main reason is the lack of clear ideological foundations in the parties. Strengthening intra-party democracy is necessary for participation in the discussion and development of policies.
Parties must adhere to their policies and work on their implementation considering budget allocations.
Citizens should participate in politics not only during elections but also in local assemblies. Their voices should be considered in party programs. This can strengthen democracy.
When society understands the roles of different branches of power and demands accountability, many problems can be solved.
— Mongolia continues to attract foreign investments; however, corruption hinders this. What can be done to improve the situation with corruption?
— Corruption exists in every country. Mongolia also faces this problem. Progress in combating it has been slow so far.
To attract stable investments, it is necessary to clearly define strategies and improve the legal framework. Political parties should coordinate their actions based on national interests.
Transparency and clarity of information about projects are very important for public trust. Information about what and where will be implemented should be accessible.
It is necessary to reduce the number of permits and approvals to lower the risks of corruption and increase investor confidence.
The public and private sectors should implement systems based on clear plans. We are working on creating a legal framework for this reform.
Transparency in the financing of political parties is also important for reducing the level of corruption.
Author: Bolor Lhaajav — researcher on Mongolia, China, Russia, Japan, East Asia, and America, holding a Master's degree in Asian-Pacific Studies from the University of San Francisco.
Translation: Tatar S.Maidar
Source: The Diplomat
