Mongolia’s cashmere industry, a globally recognized sector, faces a growing challenge as it fails to attract and retain young workers. Despite its international reputation, many positions in the industry struggle to appeal to the next generation, putting the sector’s long-term sustainability at risk.

📊 Survey Insights: What Youth Want 

A survey conducted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) under the Youth Employment Promotion Project (YEPP) and funded by the ILO-Korea Partnership Programme (I-KORP) examined nearly 600 young workers and prospective employees between March and November 2025. Findings revealed 10%–20% labor shortages and high early turnover. Crucially, youth prioritize skill development, supportive workplaces, and low-stress environments over higher wages.

🛠️ Finding Solutions: From Workshop to Action

Last November, government, employers, and worker representatives discussed practical steps to boost youth employment in Mongolia’s cashmere sector, including improved HR practices, skills development, and smoother school-to-work transitions.

• 🚀 5 enterprises piloted the ILO SCORE program, showing early gains in organization, communication, and productivity, with plans to expand youth-focused initiatives across the sector from 2026.

💡 Expert Insight: More Than Wages

Shin Hochul, Chief Technical Adviser of I-KORP, emphasizes, “Decent work is about more than wages. To attract and retain young talent, enterprises must invest in skills, foster collaboration, and create safe, supportive workplaces where youth can grow.”

Finally… Through these initiatives, Mongolia’s cashmere sector can maintain its global reputation while becoming a career destination for young workers, ensuring competitiveness and sustainability for the future.