A recent survey conducted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) highlights that improving job quality, rather than merely increasing wages, is crucial for attracting youth to Mongolia’s cashmere sector. Carried out by the Korea Labor and Employment Service (KLES) between March and November 2025 under the Youth Employment Promotion Project (YEPP) funded by the ILO-Korea Partnership Programme (I-KORP), the study examined employment structures, skill demands, working conditions, and youth employment preferences in the industry.
The survey involved nearly 600 respondents and identified 10–20 per cent labour shortages along with high initial turnover rates, underscoring the need to enhance job attractiveness and working conditions. Young people emphasized that skill development, supportive workplace relationships, and low-stress environments are key factors influencing their choice and retention in jobs.
The findings were shared at a workshop in Ulaanbaatar from 17 to 21 November 2025, which brought together government officials, employers, and workers’ representatives to discuss translating the evidence into practical measures for strengthening youth employment. Proposed initiatives included improving enterprise-level human resource practices, expanding skills development opportunities, and supporting smoother school-to-work transitions within the cashmere sector. The workshop also explored options to extend I-KORP’s support beyond 2027.
Five cashmere enterprises that piloted the ILO SCORE (Sustaining Competitive and Responsible Enterprises) Programme presented early results and examples of good practice. SCORE aims to enhance productivity and working conditions in small and medium-sized enterprises by promoting workplace cooperation, quality management, and human resource development. Preliminary outcomes showed improved workplace organization and communication, with plans to expand the programme’s focus on youth employment starting in 2026.
Shin Hochul, Chief Technical Adviser of I-KORP, emphasized that “decent work is about more than wages,” noting that enterprises must invest in skills development, strengthen workplace cooperation, and create safe, supportive environments to attract and retain young workers in the cashmere sector. The Youth Employment Promotion Project is implemented in partnership with national bodies including the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Protection, the Mongolian Wool and Cashmere Association, and the Mongolian Industrial Trade Union Federation, aiming to provide sustainable and decent employment opportunities for young Mongolian women and men.
