Today, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Mongolia, in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Communications, launched the “The Next Great Divergence” report and convened a high-level dialogue on Mongolia’s readiness for artificial intelligence (AI). The report, published by UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, highlights AI’s potential to drive economic growth, improve public services, and advance human development, while cautioning that uneven digital infrastructure, skill gaps, and governance challenges risk deepening inequalities between countries. It identifies this emerging risk as the “Next Great Divergence,” stressing that current policy choices around AI adoption will shape long-term development outcomes.
At the opening of the event, Ms. Matilda Dimovska, UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia, emphasized that many countries lack the necessary infrastructure, skills, and governance systems to fully benefit from AI, and that these imbalances could exacerbate global inequalities. Mr. Batshugar Enkhbayar, Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Communications, outlined Mongolia’s policy priorities, emphasizing that AI should enhance human capabilities and contribute to societal well-being. He highlighted the importance of strong collaboration between government, the private sector, and international organizations, particularly in areas such as healthcare, education, and public safety.
Mr. Firuz Saidkhadzhaev, Climate Finance and Development Economist at UNDP Mongolia, presented the report’s findings, examining how rapid AI development is affecting countries differently. He underscored the importance of leveraging AI as a driver of economic growth in Mongolia while ensuring that policies are designed to reduce social and regional inequalities.
The event also featured a panel discussion titled “AI for Inclusive Development: From Global Risks to Local Solutions,” bringing together government officials, innovators, and private sector representatives. The panel explored Mongolia’s emerging AI policy framework, practical applications such as pastureland management and transparency, and the broader challenges and opportunities of scaling AI responsibly.
Overall, the event served as a platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue, contributing to the development of Mongolia’s National AI Strategy and reinforcing partnerships to ensure that AI adoption is inclusive, ethical, and aligned with human development priorities. UNDP continues to support Mongolia and other nations in building frameworks that harness AI for equitable and sustainable growth.
