UN-Mongolia Cooperation: Deputy PM Nomtoibayar Nyamtaishir met UN Resident Coordinator Jaap van Hierden to review UN support for Mongolia’s regional development, transport-logistics modernization, special economic zone legal reforms, standardization/metrology, and disaster risk reduction ahead of COP17. Desertification Talks: Mongolia’s COP17 president Battsetseg Batmunkh held a call with Saudi Arabia’s environment minister and COP16 leadership to ensure a smooth COP16-to-COP17 transition and practical outcomes. Critical Minerals Diplomacy: India says it is expanding critical mineral partnerships with Australia, US, Mongolia and others, aiming to secure refining/processing access and sustainable supply chains for clean energy and semiconductors. AI Data Centers in the Region: Reports say RedNote is planning a ~US$2.2bn, 600MW data centre in Inner Mongolia, while DeepSeek targets a 1GW buildout by 2028—signals of fast-growing compute demand that can affect regional power and logistics. Mongolia Winter Readiness: The State Emergency Commission reviewed winter preparedness, while Ulaanbaatar’s winter plan update put preparations at 57%, with major pipeline repairs and fuel/food stockpiles underway. Energy & Industry Infrastructure: Mongolia’s first oil refinery construction received a vacuum column delivered from India via China, a step toward energy independence and reduced fuel imports. Agriculture Risk: Heat has pushed IRIMHE to revise wheat harvest timing, warning farmers to mobilize equipment as wax ripeness may arrive 3–5 days earlier than usual. Mining Skills Spotlight: A Mongolian welder at Erdenes Tavantolgoi is gaining recognition for heavy-industry work, highlighting growing technical talent in the sector.