ULAN BATOR, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia has postponed the start of the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year for universities and colleges in the capital by 15 days, the country's Minister of Education Luvsantseren Enkh-Amgalan announced on Tuesday.
The decision is linked to preparations for the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which will be held in Ulan Bator from Aug. 17 to 28. Authorities said the measure is intended to help ease traffic congestion in the capital during the international event.
Mongolia has 68 universities and colleges nationwide, the majority of which are located in Ulan Bator, according to official data.
Traffic congestion has been one of Ulan Bator's most pressing issues. The capital is home to around half of Mongolia's 3.5 million people.
Traditionally, the academic year for educational institutions at all levels across Mongolia begins on Sept. 1. However, traffic volumes typically surge in the days leading up to the new school year as students and parents prepare for the start of classes.
Enkh-Amgalan also said that general education schools in Ulan Bator's Sukhbaatar and Chingeltei districts, which fall within the security and event management zone for the conference, are likely to switch to online learning during the same period.
Schools in other parts of the country will begin the new academic year as scheduled on Sept. 1, with no changes to the academic calendar. ■