The Government of Mongolia has declared 2026 the ‘Year of Education,’ and now the health sector will be the main focus in 2027. But will these declarations produce real change, or are they merely symbolic gestures? Are they an attempt to appease ongoing teacher and doctor strikes with promises?

😴 Where is the Roadmap?

It has been a year since 2026 was announced as the Education Year, yet no concrete action plan has emerged. The declaration of 2027 as the Year of Health aligns with the government’s 2024–2028 agenda, which includes the “Healthy Mongolian” campaign. The Minister of Health is tasked with developing a nationwide action plan, funded through the 2027 state budget.

But if health, education, and other sectors are already part of the 2024–2028 agenda, what is the added value of declaring separate “Years” without a clear roadmap?

• 🚩 Education outlook: Looking at key metrics, the National University Entrance Exam (2025) averaged just 39.9 across 10 main subjects—an “F.” Improving education quality and teacher conditions will require far more than symbolic declarations.
• 📉 Health sector challenges: The health sector faces a ₮140 billion debt and ongoing deficits. Access and quality remain critical: one hospital bed per 114 people, one nurse per 226. A practical, actionable plan is urgently needed.

👀 Lessons from the past

In January 2025, the capital city declared the “Year of Construction.” Within 10 months, 154 projects worth ₮598.4 billion were implemented, 52% of which went to infrastructure. Yet broken pavements, congested roads, and heavy pollution persist, showing that declarations alone cannot guarantee results.

Overall… Rather than slogans, the government must focus on identifying urgent sectoral problems and delivering measurable solutions. If 2026 is truly the “Year of Education”, it must include increased budgets, actionable plans, and coordinated decisions that produce tangible outcomes. The same standard should apply to the health sector!