Are We Ready for a New Era of Employment?

Under the initiative of Minister of Family, Labour and Social Protection T. Aubakir, 2026 has been declared the “Year of Employment Promotion” at the sector level. To mark the launch, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Mongolian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, organized the “Work in a Changing Environment” forum. The event discussed the current labour market situation, emerging trends, and key challenges, and provided a platform for generating recommendations on policy coordination and labour market reforms across institutions.

Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar, speaking at the forum, emphasized the impact of technological development, automation, and artificial intelligence on employment:

“Technological advancements are transforming the labour market. AI and advanced technologies are replacing some jobs while demanding new skills, increasing the need for lifelong learning. Countries must identify the skills required to adjust to market changes and ensure that people of all ages acquire new education and skills to enter and transition in the labour market. It is also crucial to manage the opportunities and risks arising from AI and expand cooperation between the education and employment sectors.”

He further noted the importance of evidence-based policy updates and results-oriented cooperation to respond to rapid labour market changes.

The government’s 2026–2030 development strategy highlights key employment goals, including preparing human resources aligned with labour market demand, improving coordination between labour relations, wages, and social insurance, supporting decent work, and increasing the share of the middle-income population. To achieve these objectives, the government approved the “300-Day Work Plan to Deliver Economic Growth to Citizens,” aiming to distribute economic benefits, protect incomes and livelihoods, foster a favourable business environment, and increase productivity diversification for stable macroeconomic growth.

During the “Year of Employment Promotion,” the Ministry will implement policies to:

·        Recognize and value caregiving work, address the gender pay gap, and resolve workplace issues faced by women.

·    Adjust labour  market policies to reduce occupational mismatches, which currently affect 53% of the workforce, and ensure continuous employment opportunities for youth.

·      Provide suitable employment opportunities for older adults and support their income generation.

Additionally, the Ministry is drafting a revised Law on Employment Promotion. Key reforms include:

·      Clearly defining target groups for employment support.

·      Introducing a case management methodology into employment services.

·    Expanding the labour registration and information system into a big-data–based, unified labour market information platform.

·     Strengthening public-private partnerships in employment support, clarifying the roles and responsibilities of employers and jobseekers, and enhancing legal compliance monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.