Ulaanbaatar, February 13, 2025 /MONTSAME/. On February 13, 2025, the "National Strategy for Big Data and Artificial Intelligence" Conference was held, involving public discussions on developing a national strategy. 

The Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Communications of Mongolia and the United Nations Development Programme jointly assessed the readiness of artificial intelligence and are working together to develop the national strategy, based on suggestions and opinions from the public and private sectors, scientists from the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, university teachers, and young Mongolians working in this field abroad. The strategy aims to prioritize mining and energy as key sectors for the development of artificial intelligence in Mongolia and leverage the country’s advantages in these sectors.

Particularly, Mongolia’s unique climate creates an ideal environment for operating energy-efficient data centers, combining abundant coal and renewable energy resources. Therefore, this strategy aims at making Mongolia an attractive place for investment in the field of artificial intelligence infrastructure from all over the world. Artificial intelligence (AI) has become the biggest field for competition among countries. In addition, while dramatically increasing productivity, AI allows countries to produce new products and services incorporating advanced technology.

According to studies, AI alone will bring an estimated USD 25.6 trillion to the global economy by 2030. Utilized not only in the economy sector but also in key sectors such as defense, education, and health, AI is considered a vital factor for the security, social, and economic development of a country. Therefore, countries around the world are developing their AI strategies. In 2017, Canada was the first country to establish a national AI strategy, while today, 75 countries around the world have national AI strategies.

At the conference, Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia Amarsaikhan Sainbuyan emphasized, “The world is transitioning to an era of artificial intelligence, big data, and digital development. This technological advancement has become a revolution that is changing economic structure, governance system, national security, human development, and further changing the balance of power in the world, and has a comprehensive impact on global peace and stability. At this time, the Government of Mongolia faces the urgent need to develop a national strategy for artificial intelligence and support investment in research and development. The national strategy should aim at properly using the latest technological advances nationwide, creating big data in each sector, and aligning digital transition with economic growth, social development, and sustainable development policies. Mongolia has the potential to become an artificial intelligence developer. We have the capabilities to establish an artificial intelligence innovation center, attract investment, and develop a startup ecosystem. Mongolia’s cybersecurity risk assessment will be presented to the public on February 19, 2025."

Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Communications of Mongolia Baatarkhuu Tsend said, “Mongolia is currently a consumer country when it comes to artificial intelligence. In order to transition into an AI developer country, we need to determine which sectors require greater investment and, accordingly, what policies and decisions the Government of Mongolia should make. This discussion has been organized to exchange views on public-private sector collaboration regarding this matter. Artificial intelligence has become the DNA of digital transformation in the modern era. Digital transformation is the main pillar of progress and development. The Government possesses a vast amount of data. It is essential to open up this big data to the private sector and research institutions specializing in artificial intelligence. The technologies we use consume a significant amount of energy. Therefore, we are initiating the establishment of an IT HUB based on artificial intelligence. Additionally, a feasibility study is being conducted to set up a Data Center alongside a National Council on Artificial Intelligence. Furthermore, AI specialists are crucial. Thus, we plan to launch a paid internship program for professionals conducting research in this field, in collaboration with the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, universities, and the private sector. In addition, the Government should ensure that these initiatives are not overly restricted by numerous laws and regulations. The private sector engaged in artificial intelligence research will also receive special tax incentives.”

UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia Matilda Dimovska said, “It is important that the Government of Mongolia is organizing a conference to define its artificial intelligence strategy. The private sector must take the lead in implementing this strategy. Through our ongoing research, we aim at determining which sectors in Mongolia require the most utilization of artificial intelligence. However, the study has not yet been completed. For digital transformation, it is crucial to collect a vast amount of high-quality data. Establishing green infrastructure and improving human resources is necessary. Having a sufficient workforce skilled in artificial intelligence is essential.

Additionally, creating a favorable legal environment for AI development is crucial. When advancing artificial intelligence, Mongolia should develop its own financial schemes and policies.”