Challenges Facing Regional Development of Mongolia Within the Framework of the Sustainable Development Goals

Objective: This study explores the growing economic disparities between Ulaanbaatar and the rest of Mongolia. It aims to understand the reasons behind this imbalance and examine how it affects the country’s overall development, particularly in terms of social and economic oppotunities. The research focuses on how the concentration of resources in the capital has led to unequal growth across different regions Theoretical Framework: Drawing on regional development theories and economic inequality concepts, this study examines the factors that contribute to uneven development. It looks at how government policies, industrial growth, and the uneven distribution of resources play a role in shaping economic outcomes across the country. Additionally, the research considers the potential of decentralization to promote more balanced growth and improve regional autonomy. Method: This study adopts a quantitative methodology, analyzing secondary data from national databases and policy documents to explore regional economic inequality in Mongolia. Spatial analysis and descriptive statistics were employed to assess disparities in key indicators such as GDP per capita and public service access. Results and Discussion: The findings highlight a significant gap between Ulaanbaatar regions, particularly in terms of industrial development, employment, and access to services. The capital’s dominance in terms of GDP, infrastructure, and resources has created a cycle where smaller regions struggle to keep up. This has led to higher poverty rates and an increase in rural-to-urban migration. The discussion emphasizes how national policies have unintentionally worsened these imbalances and examines the broader implications for Mongolia’s development. Research Implications: This study contributes to the understanding of regional economic inequality in developing countries, with specific implications for Mongolia’s economic and social policy. It suggests the need for a more balanced allocation of resources, the promotion of local industries, and targeted investments in infrastructure to reduce disparities between regions of the country. Policymakers can use these findings to design more inclusive and equitable strategies for national growth. Originality/Value: This research is original in its focus on Mongolia’s regional development and the implications of centralization for the country’s broader socio-economic structure. The value lies in its contribution to regional development theory, particularly in post socialist nations, and in offering practical solutions for promoting sustainable development and reducing dependency on central government funding.