Climate Change Is Not Only an Environmental Issue, but Also a Family, Employment, Migration and Social Issue

The Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Protection of Mongolia participated in the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP17), highlighting issues related to the social security and protection of herders and sharing information with participants and delegates.

As of the end of 2025, Mongolia had 313,200 herders and 247,900 herder households. Herders account for 23.0 percent of the country’s total employed population.

Herders’ incomes are seasonal and highly dependent on weather and climate conditions, as well as the prices of livestock and livestock products. This creates income instability and can increase households’ reliance on loans.

The Government of Mongolia and the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Protection have been implementing measures to support herders’ employment and livelihoods. Under the “Livestock Provision” initiative, financial assistance of up to MNT 8 million is provided on a repayable basis to young herders who have no or few livestock, or who have lost their livestock due to severe winter conditions (zud).

In 2025 alone, 891 herders received a total of MNT 7.1 billion in financial assistance.

In addition, 945 people participated in training on livestock husbandry and the processing of livestock products.

During COP17, the Ministry also provided information on social insurance and social welfare services available to herders and reindeer herders, with a focus on strengthening their social protection and security.

Desertification, drought and pasture degradation not only reduce herders’ incomes and contribute to increased migration from rural areas to cities, but can also lead to family members living separately and increase stress and family conflicts. The Ministry also shared information on the draft Law on Supporting Family Development, which has been submitted to the State Great Khural of Mongolia for consideration.

As labour markets continue to evolve, the global community is placing increasing emphasis on the development of green jobs and a transition towards greener employment. The Ministry responded to participants’ questions regarding current conditions and emerging trends in Mongolia’s labour market.