Latest
Video
23 November 2023
Joint Statement of the United Nations in Mongolia on the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
Learn more
Press Release
21 November 2023
National Forum on Risk and Standards for Sustainable Development
Learn more
Press Release
15 November 2023
Mongolia must consolidate transformation toward independent justice system with Human Rights at its core
Learn more
Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Mongolia
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Mongolia:
Story
07 September 2023
National Forum for Sustainable Development
The Government of Mongolia, in partnership with the UN in Mongolia, brought together more than 220 delegates, representing all groups of society and development partners to finalize Mongolia's National Commitment to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs at the National Forum for Sustainable Development, held on 7 September.
This paves the way for Mongolia to present its national renewed commitment to the SDGs along with 12 accelerators that will push forward the country's efforts to sustainable development at the SDG Summit on 18-19 September in New York.
Keynote presentation by Mr. L.Balchinluvsan, Director-General of the Integrated Policy and Planning Department, the Ministry of Economy and Development:
Download presentation
SDGs are everyone's business. In particular, the private sector plays an enormous role in achieving SDGs as it drives the economy and growth. Thus, this forum provided a stage for the local leading businesses to present their contribution and best practices to the SDGs.
Learn more about the Forum from Montsame - the media partner of the event.
Video Highlights from the Forum
APU Dairy presentation on its contribution to food security and healthy and nutritious food for the population
Khan Bank - national leading bank to sustainable development presents its commitment
Presentation of Golomt Bank - committed to invest for a brighter future of Mongolia
Invescore presents its commitment to SME development
MCS Coca-Cola presents its commitment to SDGs
The UN in Mongolia calls on individuals and communities, and businesses to Unite to Act for SDGs!
1 of 4

Story
21 June 2023
Narrowing Mongolia’s trade-led development gaps and tapping into its export potential
As a landlocked country, Mongolia faces a multitude of challenges in trade and export. Its export is largely dependent on mineral resources and primarily as raw material. Yet, we see tremendous opportunities to tap into the potential in trade and export with possible value-added processing, leveraging the advancement in digitalization, which will boost economic diversification and reduce reliance on the mineral sector.
After a few years of setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mongolian economy has shown a sign of recovery in 2022 despite the impact of the Russia-Ukraine crisis. Trade turnover for 2022 increased 32 per cent from that of 2021, helping Mongolia enjoy 4.8 per cent economic growth in 2022.
However, such recovery comes from regaining trade in a specific sector with a particular trading partner - minerals and China. Over 90 per cent of Mongolia’s export items are minerals, while China counts for more than 80 per cent of Mongolia’s total export. This represents a chronically narrow-based Mongolia’s trade structure, making its economy vulnerable to external shocks.
Furthermore, Mongolia, with its geographical disadvantage of being landlocked, suffers from higher costs and a longer time in transportation and trade logistics, moving its goods across borders. Mongolia, suffering from multi-faceted trade challenges, underperforms in the global market despite its huge trade potential.
According to the UN Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation 2021, Mongolia stands far lower than the Asia-Pacific regional as well as global averages in implementation. Mongolia’s trade is the least integrated with the world. While it is a member of WTO, it is a party to merely two regional trade agreements – the Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan and the Asia Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA).
Trade and logistics connectivity of Mongolia is significantly constrained. In World Bank’s latest Logistics Performance Index, Mongolia ranked 97th globally. In UNCTAD’s productive capacities index, capacity of a country to produce goods and services and enable it to grow and develop, Mongolia ranked 94th globally.
International trade has been the backbone of Mongolia’s economic growth. Its trade-to-GDP ratio has stood consistently at over 100 per cent. While domestic market expansion is one way of increasing a country’s economic growth, it is not an easy option for Mongolia, as it is a country with a relatively small population spreading over a huge territory.
Given that Mongolia has a limited domestic market base and tremendous natural resources to supply to the global market, trade-led economic growth is an obvious resort for which Mongolia should strive.
In driving trade-led economic development, Mongolia should take a holistic approach of enhancing its capacity in all four dimensions of trade:
Facilitation of streamlined procedures, which reduces trade costs.
Integration which accelerates Mongolia’s access to the global market, thus supporting its third neighbour policy.
Connectivity links its physical and digital networks to the World for an easier flow of its goods and services. and
Promotion helps Mongolia cultivate the export market, attracting investment and diversifying industries.
By taking such a holistic approach, Mongolia can address the challenges and leverage the untapped potential effectively. In strengthening Mongolia’s capacity in four dimensions, five cross-cutting enablers: policy/governance, human and financial resource, infrastructure, digitalization, and cooperation – should be levelled up to narrow capacity gaps and create a virtuous trade ecosystem.
The clear policy lays a foundation for creating a trade ecosystem while governance ensures its sustainability.
The human and financial resource is an engine for driving the implementation of a trade eco-system and keeping it operational.
Infrastructure, both soft and hard, stands as a backbone to ensure a seamless flow of goods and services.
Digitalization streamlines the way we do business and fosters new digital services and businesses.
Cooperation firms up linkage of Mongolia’s trade ecosystem to those of overseas trading partners for market expansion.
Recognized as one of the means of implementation for the SDGs, trade is directly related to supporting one of three strategic priorities of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) Mongolia for 2023 – 2027- green, inclusive, and sustainable growth. As a joint strategic planning framework for collaboration between the United Nations and the Government of Mongolia, the UNSDCF is aligned with the national sustainable development priorities of Mongolia, set in both the New Recovery Policy, a mid-term policy, and Mongolia’s Vision-2050, a long-term development policy.
Trade is an important instrument for realizing two of the New Recovery Policy, recovery of operations of border ports and industrial recovery, as well as goal 4 of Vision 2050 – becoming a nation with sustainable economic growth.
The United Nations in Mongolia is committed to supporting the Government of Mongolia in narrowing trade development gaps and shaping up its trade ecosystem for sustainable development – an effort to continuously improve trade efficiency while diversifying its export markets and products.
In 2023, the United Nations in Mongolia has already embarked on a series of serious efforts on this front. The Global Digital Dialogue 2023 with a focus on trade and e-Commerce was organized in connection with the launch of the eT Ready report for improving Mongolia’s overall e-Commerce environment and the ICT Expo 2023: Mindgolia for accelerating Mongolia’s transition from mine-centric to mind-driven economy. The World Export Development Forum (WEDF) 2023 will be organized in the last week of June to help cultivate the unrealized export potential. All of them are being done in close partnership with UN agencies with proven professional expertise and experience in Trade, such as the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and International Trade Centre (ITC), as well as with the leadership of the Government of Mongolia.
The United Nations in Mongolia will stand as a strong partner in Mongolia’s trade development journey, in close coordination and cooperation with all relevant stakeholders and key players, including related United Nations agencies and other Development Partners.
1 of 4
Story
18 April 2023
Humanitarian Country Team in Mongolia helped herders affected by dzud
Together with Deputy Prime Minister S. Amarsaikhan, Mr. Mishra visited herders in Ugiinuur and Tuvshruulekh soum, Arkhangai aimag to be acquainted with the devastating impact of the dzud that occurred in the last winter and continued through this spring.
Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), consisting of international organizations, has mobilized humanitarian assistance under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator, and provided cash and in-kind support to more than 15,000 affected herder households in 240 soums of 21 provinces.
The loss of animals was expected to exceed 2 million, however, partly thanks to the early action and response by the joint efforts by the Government of Mongolia and the HCT, the loss has been contained so far to 1 million, according to NEMA officials.
Although herders tried their best to prepare for hardships in winter, they weren't able to save hay and fodder for their livestock due to drought in the summer that caused pasture degradation and increasing commodity prices. Many herders suffered heavy loss of animals during the winter and spring.
For instance, Mr Kh.Tumurbaatar, herder from Doit bagh (village) of Ugiinuur soum lost around 50 of his 200 animals. Mr A.Myagmar owned more than 1000 animals. But as of now, he lost around 70 per cent of his total livestock.
"It's heartbreaking to see the loss of livestock that brought enormous threats to the livelihoods of herders who suffered from the continued dzuds over the winter and spring", said Tapan Mishra.
"We must focus our efforts on prevention and preparedness rather than a response to disasters" added Tapan Mishra.
He further emphasized the importance of joint and coordinated efforts and policy support to build the resilience of herders to the natural shocks through comprehensive measures, including improving the quality of herds, value-added products development of the raw materials, and green fodder and feed production that would yield higher productivity of the animal husbandry.
1 of 4
Publication
14 July 2022
United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2023-2027) Mongolia
The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF 2023-2027) represents the joint strategic planning framework for collaboration between the United Nations and the Government of Mongolia in the next five years.
The UNSDCF represents the UN development system’s collective offer to support countries in addressing key nationalized SDG priorities and gaps.
By mutually committing to the UNSDCF for Mongolia 2023-2027, the Government of Mongolia and the UN agreed to work together for Mongolia to advance in sustainable development as a prosperous country characterized by an inclusive, resilient, healthy, and safe environment, and a cohesive society based on the rule of law and human rights.
1 of 4

Story
15 May 2023
Mongolian peacekeepers support refugees return home in South Sudan from war-torn Sudan
UNITY - South Sudanese refugees, who initially sought shelter from conflict in 2013 by fleeing to their northern neighbour, Sudan, are now heading back to their home country, given escalating violence in Sudan's capital, Khartoum.
These twice-displaced individuals urgently require humanitarian assistance and on 5 May 2023, a team of military, police, and civilian peacekeepers from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), visited the South Sudan-Sudan border area, Panakuach, to assess their situation.
The team coordinated with Mongolian peacekeepers during their visit and spoke with the South Sudanese border police area commander and humanitarian workers.
According to South Sudan's Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC), as of 4 May, some 1,198 returnees were recorded.
“We are doing everything we can to secure the populations returning from Sudan. In collaboration with officials from Rubkona county, we have allocated some land for them to temporarily settle, but they lack food and water. They need more assistance,” said David Lung Tuorek, an official from the RRC.
Rot Riak, a nearby town housing people displaced by climate change—their villages were destroyed by three consecutive years of flooding in Unity state—was identified as a host community for many recent returnees.
UNMISS met with community leaders and government officials in the town, who reported the arrival of approximately 292 returnees.
Walking around the area, the UNMISS patrol team noted shelter, food, and access to clean drinking water were pressing needs.
Despite their own meagre resources, the host community is lending a hand to these newcomers,
"All of us gathering here came from different areas in Khartoum, where the fighting was happening. Most of us fled war in South Sudan many years ago. We returned here in Rot Riak on May 27, and are overjoyed to be safe but we need more help. There is no food or clean drinking water. Host communities have been helping us with a small amount of money. We used it to buy a fish that all of us [292 returnees] shared," said Nyayian Gatdet.
"We can work, we can support ourselves if we get help, but you can’t do anything if your stomach is empty. With food and water, we can manage to support our families," Nhial Yaat, another returnee, added. "There are no plastic sheets, food, or water. We need humanitarian support; if they give us some plastic sheets, we can build temporary shelters."
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been doing its part, receiving people coming in from Sudan, registering them and facilitating their transportation from Panakuach to Rot Riak, as well as liaising with partners to help boost the overall humanitarian response to this crisis.
"Many of the newly returned aren't sure if their original homes still exist, due to the excessive flooding in past years," reveals Miriam Mutalu, Head of the IOM sub-office in Bentiu. "However, many new arrivals in Rot Riak are tracking down their families, finding relatives either in nearby villages or the camp for internally displaced persons."
For Captain Munkhbyar Ganileg, patrol leader of the Mongolian peacekeepers, protecting these new returnees is key, but more needs to be done.
"The government and UNMISS peacekeepers are keeping the area secure, but many will need humanitarian assistance. Right now, these are women and children who have come here by foot, and more returnees will cross the border in the coming weeks and months. We will do everything in our power to support them."
The information gathered during the UNMISS visit will be used to coordinate a multidisciplinary response to the situation, in partnership with relevant authorities and humanitarians, by addressing urgent needs of both returnees and the host community.
Please check the Flickr for more photos: South Sudanese return amid Khartoum unrest, seek aid as UNMISS provides a protective presence | Flickr
This story was written by Peter Bateman and was originally published on unmiss.unmissions.org.
1 of 5

Story
31 March 2023
The UN Resident Coordinator’s commitment to advancing Mongolia’s SDG actions
Since taking office in 2019, with his convening power as a Resident Coordinator for the UN System in Mongolia, Mr. Tapan Mishra has strongly advocated for making the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) a national priority. He has engaged with the highest levels of the Mongolian government, including the President, the Prime Minister and his cabinet, Parliament Members, and the public.
Bringing the all-UN County Team onboard to offer collective UN support to Mongolia’s development, the Resident Coordinator has positioned the UN as a strategic partner to the Mongolian government on its path to the sustainable, green, and inclusive development envisioned in the SDGs and Vision 2050–Mongolia’s long-term development policy–based on Agenda 2030.
Committed to bringing the SDGs to the top of the national development agenda, the Parliament of Mongolia partnered with the UN in Mongolia to organize the first-ever High-level National Forum on the SDGs in October 2021. This was a groundbreaking forum on integrating and implementing the SDGs into national policies and programs in Mongolia.
Mongolia’s authorities have acted upon the nation’s promise, evidenced by its commitment to creating a ministry with a portfolio to deal with development priorities, the Ministry of Economic Development, which now spearheads the national development agenda envisioned in Agenda 2030 and Vision 2050.
Furthermore, Mongolia consolidated its commitment to the SDGs by establishing the Multistakeholder Council for Sustainable Development (MCSD), chaired by Parliament’s Sustainable Development Sub-committee, and reinstating the National Committee for Sustainable Development (NCSD), chaired by the Prime Minister of Mongolia.
On such fertile ground, the UN Country Team has entered into a new phase of its partnership with Mongolia, co-signing the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) with the Government of Mongolia—the blueprint for the UN’s collective support to Mongolia from 2023 to 2027.
Leveraging his convening and facilitating role, the UN Resident Coordinator in Mongolia brought 23 UN agencies, funds, and programs on board for the new UNSDCF, up from 17 in the previous UNDAF (UN Development Assistance Framework). The UNSDCF is designed to advance sustainable development in Mongolia as a prosperous country characterized by an inclusive, resilient, healthy, and safe environment and a cohesive society based on the rule of law and human rights.
Sustainable, inclusive, and green development is not only the agenda of the government and the United Nations but Mongolia’s communities—including the private sector and civil society—that have embraced the SDGs as guidance for a better future.
This was well demonstrated in the first-ever large-scale outdoor public event to promote local SDG initiatives and best practices, and to mobilize more collective action towards the SDGs in Mongolia, held in September 2022.
More than 150 partner organizations, ranging from government entities to leading national companies and civic movements, showcased their work towards the SDGs. At least 5,000 people roamed the city’s central square, going from booth to booth. SDG Open Day provided an excellent opportunity to see where Mongolia is and what needs to be done to inspire and further mobilize united and individual actions to achieve its development goals.
Mongolia’s efforts to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs are focused on localizing SDGs and the adoption of nationalized targets and indicators. For example, some provinces (Darkhan-Uul and Orkhon) have already taken up the challenge and championed the localization of the SDGs into their regional development plans and push for a climate-focused agenda.
The coordinating and convening role of the UN Resident Coordinator, along with the committed and empowered UN Country Team, has become more evident in the national ownership of SDGs, bringing all parties together with a commitment to creating a sustainable future for Mongolia.
Tapan Mishra, the UN Resident Coordinator in Mongolia, truly believes in the prosperous future ahead for Mongolia if development challenges are effectively addressed with the strong commitment of all stakeholders.
“Having a clear blue sky and sunlight for over 260 days a year, and with its vast and deep resources, both natural and human, Mongolia has great potential to develop as a regional role model for sustainable and green development and achievement of the SDGs, driven by human-rights and gender-equality principles to ensure inclusive and equitable prosperity for all,” said Tapan Mishra.
1 of 5
Story
12 January 2023
Enhancing social protection and disaster response in rural Mongolia
20th February 2020 in Tosontsengel soum, Zavkhan Province. The temperature is -30°C, and the air is fiercely cold at the herders’ camp in the snow-covered hilly countryside. The deep snow made it difficult to continue our journey in 4-Wheel Drive vehicles, requiring us to walk uphill to reach our final destination – the mountainside winter camp of a group of herding families.
This was my first experience with Mongolia’s cold, harsh winter after arriving in Mongolia as UN Resident Coordinator. The joint UN team, including UNICEF, UNFPA, ILO, and FAO, was on a mission to launch the first-ever joint UN program funded by the Joint SDG Fund in western Mongolia’s Zavkhan Province.
Mongolia, a vast, sparsely populated, landlocked country, is prone to multiple natural disasters and shocks induced by climate change. At the time of our site visit, Mongolia’s western region was experiencing dzud – a natural disaster of extremely harsh and icy winter conditions due to a dry summer, which causes livestock to die in vast numbers due to the cold and a lack of pasture feed and green fodder. We were also assessing the preparedness for the COVID-19 pandemic.
The timing couldn’t have been better for the launch of the UN’s Joint Programme (UNJP) on Social Protection to reduce the vulnerability of Mongolia’s herders, who make up one-third of the country’s population, to natural disasters and other shocks through comprehensive social protection measures.
A semi-nomadic lifestyle, constantly moving in search of better pastureland for their herds, makes Mongolian herders and their families most vulnerable to poverty, pushing them to further margins. They also face many challenges in accessing basic social services due to the nature of their lifestyle.
Extending social insurance coverage to herders
Social protection is a means to reduce the negative impact of any shocks induced by natural calamities. Our joint programme determined that enrolling herders in social insurance is an effective approach to extending their social protection. We found that less than 20 percent of herders enrolled in social insurance schemes, and only 40 percent had health insurance.
In our efforts to reverse the reluctance of herders to enrol in social insurance, we had to find innovative and non-traditional approaches while building on existing institutional frameworks and resources for a quick win. More creative incentives and flexible ways to pay the premium were highly encouraged among herder cooperatives.
Non-traditional partners such as the National Center for Lifelong Education (NCLE), cooperatives and pastureland user groups, trade unions, employer organizations, and social insurance offices were invited to partner with us in advocating for the benefits of the social insurance program. Herders who had benefited from social insurance were also good advocates.
With the approval of the amended Labour Law in 2021, the UNJP further promoted key principles of labour rights, including freedom of association and collective bargaining. The project supported the trade union in expanding its membership to assistant herders, which was elevated to a nationwide campaign with support from ILO.
Enhancing shock responsiveness
One of the gaps identified in Mongolia’s social protection system is shock responsiveness. When a shock hits, assistance should be immediately available to those who are hit hard and the most vulnerable. Children are among the first to be hit hard and need the most support.
Negative impacts on children can include mortality and injury from extreme weather events, as well as disruptions in school attendance, heightened risk of food insecurity, and malnutrition due to declining livelihoods.
Our team visited Munkhjargal’s family, with four children aged between 1-15 years old, living in the most challenging and coldest area of Zavkhan Province. They raised their animals in a remote mountainous area and earned seasonal income mostly from their livestock.
Many rural children who were at risk due to dzud benefited from the financial support. The families said the cash assistance was timely and useful, enabling them to take early action for their children to prevent further suffering.
Seeing the direct benefit of such interventions to reduce vulnerability, the Government of Mongolia scaled up the programme to all children in Mongolia up to 18 years of age as of December 2022.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people struggled through prolonged lockdowns, and Children’s Money was a means for many to survive hardships.
Using existing systems, the cash grant pilot went smoothly without causing additional burdens for the national and local social welfare systems. As the cash grant was not subject to any bank fees and not used to pay for household loans or interest payments, piloting the programme through the existing system was the least costly administrative solution for directly reaching beneficiaries and meeting their needs.
Therefore, it is ground-breaking in terms of taking early and timely action to protect the well-being of children from extreme weather events, which are increasing because of climate change.
Further benefits of shock-responsive social protection measures
It was my utmost pleasure to witness some of the impactful results at the event held toward the close of the project when I visited Zavkhan again in April 2022.
Ultimately, the project sought to increase herders’ resilience to shocks and vulnerability through sustainable interventions that will make them more independent in the long run. FAO supported Herders for enhancing resilience through the Resilience Index Measurement and Analysis (RIMA) tool One of these interventions was supporting their entrepreneurial skills and helping them set up start-ups led by UNFPA
Otgondemberel, a herder from Ikh-Uul, Zavkhan Province, presented some of his work to the UN Secretary-General when he visited Mongolia in August 2022. Thanks to support from the UN’s joint programme, he started a small project to process sheepskin and hides for animal husbandry products. He was able to earn extra income that helped him to purchase social insurance for himself and his family.
Looking back at the work completed by the project, 14 start-ups have already stood up on their feet, contributing to the betterment of the livelihood of herders. These start-ups benefited from the project’s business incubation service, including financial and marketing training for improved entrepreneurship skills.
While assisting herders with their hard skills, we needed to address their physical and social health by offering them life-skill training. Building their soft skills, like better communication, avoiding substance abuse, managing stress, awareness raising on sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, and the prevention of gender-based violence, was an essential part of a holistic approach.
Through these practical approaches orchestrated by UN Mongolia, social and health insurance coverage increased by five per cent among herders at the national level, according to the General Authority for Social Insurance. In the five target soums in Zavkhan Province, the program saw a 10 percent increase in coverage.
Moreover, thanks to the SDG Joint Fund, the four UN agencies in Mongolia joined forces and pooled funds for greater coherence and stronger impact to make a difference in delivering a development program that aimed to improve the resilience of herders – one of the vulnerable groups at risk to be left behind. Each agency brought its best and unique assets to the successful implementation of the program. This proved that through a unified and collective offer, the UN system can fulfill the promise to bring about substantial positive change in its partner country.
1 of 5
Story
22 December 2022
Year in Review 2022: UN Mongolia highlights
A new phase of cooperation for 2023-2027
The Government of Mongolia and the United Nations in Mongolia signed a flagship document that will strategically guide the UN’s development cooperation with Mongolia over the next five years.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for Mongolia 2023-2027 is closely aligned with the national development agenda articulated in Vision 2050, Mongolia’s long-term development policy, and UN development system reforms. The Government of Mongolia and the UN have agreed to work together for Mongolia to advance in sustainable development as a prosperous country characterized by an inclusive, resilient, healthy, and safe environment, and a cohesive society based on the rule of law and human rights.
UN Secretary-General’s visit and other high-level visits from the UN
In 2022, Mongolia received several high-level visitors, including the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who paid an official visit at the invitation of the President of Mongolia, Ukhnaa Khurelsukh. The visit highlighted that Mongolia is a valued UN partner, “a symbol of peace”, and an increasingly important contributor to the work of the UN.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix visited Mongolia in June and attended the International Women Peacekeepers’ Conference. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay’s visit to Mongolia in 2022 will strengthen the UN’s cooperation with Mongolia in education, science, and culture.
Prioritizing the SDGs in the national development agenda
The UN in Mongolia has strongly advocated for making the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) a national priority throughout 2022. More than 150 partnering organizations, ranging from government entities to leading national companies and civic movements, showcased their work towards the SDGs for the first-ever SDG Open Day at Sukhbaatar Square.
The event, attended by at least 5,000 people, provided an excellent opportunity to see where Mongolia is and what needs to be done to inspire and further mobilize actions to achieve its development goals. Mongolia’s efforts to accelerate the implementation of SDGs focus on localizing SDGs and the adoption of nationalized targets and indicators. Some provinces (Darkhan-Uul, Orkhon, and Dundgovi) have already taken up the challenge and championed the localization of the SDGs into their regional development plans and pushed for a climate agenda.
Transforming education in Mongolia
The Ministry of Education and Science led the first nationwide consultation with education stakeholders from across the country. Supported by the UN system, represented by UNICEF and UNESCO under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator, Mongolia successfully presented its unique initiative to close the gap in the digitalization of the education sector at the Transforming Education Summit held during the UN General Assembly in September 2022.
Global Digital Dialogue
The UN in Mongolia collaborated with the Mongolian Ministry for Digital Development and Communications (MDDC) to organize the first-ever Global Digital Dialogue (GDD) – a virtual event with over 400 participants from over 30 countries and five continents. Close to 800 people joined the event for more than one Deep Dive Session.
The GDD was a platform for countries to exchange their experiences, challenges, and solutions for implementing digital transformation at the country level to help accelerate the SDGs.
Developing a multisource information surveillance system for COVID-19
The UN in Mongolia continued its support to strengthen Mongolia’s response and preventive measures in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to WHO’s support, the Mongolian healthcare sector’s data collection system was strengthened. Daily aggregated data on services from all 700 state healthcare facilities in Mongolia and 28 private clinics/hospitals are used for critical decision-making processes, such as healthcare capacity and hospital bed management during emergencies.
International women peacekeepers’ conference
In June, Mongolia hosted the three-day international conference Strengthening Roles of Women in Peacekeeping.
The conference, attended by female peacekeepers from 30 countries, spotlighted Mongolia’s leadership in promoting women in peacekeeping to reduce gender parity in international peacekeeping operations. Mongolia pledged to increase its female peacekeepers by 15 percent by 2027, responding to the UN Department of Peace Operations call.
Accelerating climate action and youth engagement
In partnership with leading partners, including the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, UN Mongolia advocated for stronger actions in reversing climate change and leveraging youth power in leading action to save the planet. Facilitated by the UN Association of Mongolia’s Environment Leadership Programme, youth delegates further amplified the voice of Mongolian youth at COP 27. Platforms like the Nationally Determined Contributions: Climate Change and Cities Forum, held in Erdenet in August, are examples of how we facilitated stronger inter-sectoral coordination and the promotion of green finance, technology, innovation, and other solutions for greening Mongolia.
Promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment
As a fundamental human right, gender equality has been a top priority for UN Mongolia. To promote women’s leadership at the decision-making level, with the leadership of the UNDP, UN Mongolia provided crucial capacity building directly to over 27,000 beneficiaries nationwide, including aspiring women leaders and politicians, young voters, political party members, and journalists, all of whom would have a substantial impact on their communities and society in general.
The UN system also collectively led a campaign on combating gender-based violence in Mongolia. More than 34,000 people from over 260 public and private organizations joined this year’s campaign. They carried out various activities towards ending gender stereotypes, directly reaching over 1.3 million people through social media, traditional media, and other channels.
Completion of two joint programs
An important milestone in 2022 was the successful completion of two groundbreaking joint programs that facilitated the coordination of collective support from the UN system. The Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) is a key vehicle for mobilizing, aligning, and leveraging resources for SDGs in Mongolia. On August 12, the National Committee for Sustainable Development, Mongolia’s top SDG governing body, fully endorsed the draft Integrated National Financing Strategy, which is now pending final approval from the Ministry of Finance.
A joint program on Shock Responsive Social Protection carried out by four UN agencies in 2020-2021, including the ILO as a lead, and UNFPA, UNICEF, and FAO, collectively contributed to a five percent increase in social and health insurance coverage among herders at the national level, according to the General Authority for Social Insurance. In the five target soums in Zavkhan Province, the program saw a 10 percent increase in coverage.
1 of 5

Story
06 December 2022
Kana Endo: Voluntarism is a gate for you if you want to make a difference
Hello. I am Kana Endo, an international UNV from Japan at the UN’s Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) in Mongolia.
On this International Volunteer Day, please let me use this opportunity to introduce my UNV (United Nations Volunteers) experience in the hope to promote voluntarism among youths in Mongolia.
Currently, there are a national UNV and three international UNVs at United Nations in Mongolia. I am one of the international UNVs here, working as a Communication and Advocacy Assistant at the RCO in Mongolia from September 2022 to February 2023.
Looking back on my childhood, I liked learning new things but at the same time was very shy and introverted. However, I was very passionate about learning English and cultures in different countries. Therefore, I chose a high school with English course had been dreaming of one day studying abroad.
My childhood dream came true when I went to Oregon, the United States for starting my whole new life at Lane Community College in 2019. This was one of the most engaging and eye-opening experience in my life.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted my plan to explore my future in the United States just as it disrupted many people’s lives and plans.
The pandemic stirred up some prejudice and discrimination against people from the Asian race in the United States. This has made a profound impact on me and made me rethink my future plans, which resulted in my return to Japan once.
Now, I am a senior student at Meiji Gakuin University in Japan majoring in international studies. I was transferred to this university from my college in the States the due to the hardships related to the pandemic.
Now, I am grateful for the life experiences and opportunities that influenced and helped shape my worldviews and set my life values, which I will use to the fullest.
I found more purpose and ambition to make more impact on the world we live in. Therefore, I jumped on the opportunity to join the UN Volunteers when I heard about this international opportunity to make a difference.
As mentioned earlier, even now I am an introverted and shy person, especially in the new environment and with people. However, it does not matter if you have some courage and passion about something to dive into a whole new world.
I believe that I am the only person who can change me and make things possible. For this reason, I always challenge myself even keeping away from my comfort zone to learn and improve myself.
As a volunteer, I support communication and advocacy at the RCO in Mongolia. To do so, I create visual content and messages on social platforms to raise awareness of global issues, as well as communicate on what the UN is doing in Mongolia.
One of the most challenging parts of my work is how to localize global topics and find the most effective and interactive ways to communicate with people. Moreover, I am doing the best I can and learning at the same time.
This UNV experience also validated my life goal and dream to serve in an international organization like the UN as I am majoring in international studies. Before joining the UNV program, I thought I was well aware and knowledgeable about global issues. However, I found out that there is so much to learn.
Joining the world’s largest organization – the UN – and seeing its work towards the global issues from inside gave me a different perspective. I am now more confident than ever that our actions and engagement as youth are more important to bring positive changes in our communities.
I am very grateful for the opportunities to engage with youths in Mongolia through different existing platforms within the UN in Mongolia, such as UNYAP (United Nations Youth Advisory Panel), Youth Delegate event by the UN Association, and the Model United Nations Event at the National University of Mongolia. I am amazed to see how youths here are highly active and committed to learning about global issues and taking action.
So far, my UNV experience here has been remarkably interesting and meaningful. Before joining RCO in United Nations Mongolia as a UNV, to be honest I never pictured myself living in Mongolia. Even though Mongolia and Japan are only five hours of flight away but just didn’t have any chance to visit this country.
In conclusion, my message to you is to challenge yourself to gain meaningful knowledge. Sometimes the decision that seems difficult will turn out to be the best opportunity for your growth and give you new perspectives. Be confident and try to take a step away from your comfort zone! With these, you might see a new world.
I am sure that UNV experience is one of the best ways to find your passion and skills. It is also a great chance to practice for your future career.
So, if you are interested in something and have a chance, please give it a try!
1 of 5
Press Release
21 November 2023
National Forum on Risk and Standards for Sustainable Development
In his opening address, President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa emphasized that disaster risk reduction and building resilience stand as key national development priorities. The Deputy Prime Minister echoed these sentiments, stressing the vital role of adhering to standards in effective risk management. He underscored that the absence of standards creates an environment conducive to disasters and threats, potentially hindering progress and development.
Mongolia has witnessed a surge in hazardous events and incidents, particularly in climate-related phenomena, which have increased 2.9 times since 2015. Notably, the number of climate change-related natural disasters has tripled since 1990, with dzud being one of the prominent examples. Over the past 80 years, Mongolia has experienced an intensification of climate change, marked by a 2.25 degrees Celsius increase in the average air temperature – twice the global average. Approximately 77 percent, or 120 million hectares, of Mongolia's territory, is affected by desertification, with half of that classified as severely impacted.
"Realizing and managing these risks is key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals," remarked UN Resident Coordinator a.i Evariste Kouassi-Komlan, underscoring the imperative for stronger multilateral cooperation and cross-sectoral collaboration. He highlighted that such collaboration would enhance risk management through standardization.
The National Forum, scheduled from November 20 to 22, has drawn active participation from various UN agencies. Their collective aim is to provide comprehensive and multi-sectoral support to strengthen Mongolia's national resilience to disaster risk reduction, ultimately contributing to the broader goal of achieving sustainable development.
1 of 5
Press Release
15 November 2023
Mongolia must consolidate transformation toward independent justice system with Human Rights at its core
ULAANBAATAR (15 November 2023) – A UN expert today welcomed steps Mongolia has taken to improve the independence of its judiciary since its transition to democracy in 1992, in particular the strides taken to implement human rights recommendations made by international bodies.
“Mongolia must seize the moment to complete the transformation it has begun,” said Margaret Satterthwaite, the UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers at the end of her official visit to the country.
“I welcome Mongolia’s evidence-based approach to reform and call for further action to solidify an independent justice system with human rights at its core.”
The Special Rapporteur visited courts and prosecutors’ offices in Ulaanbaatar, Selenge province, Mandal soum, and the city of Baganuur, where she met with committed professionals. She also witnessed the damaging impact of the lack of investment on the judiciary, including inadequate, inaccessible, and insecure facilities for judges, staff and court users. “Mongolian Judges are underpaid and often overworked,” the expert said. “Together with their assistants, they deserve to be recognised for their dedication in the face of these difficult conditions.”
Satterthwaite urged Mongolia to provide robust funding to secure the future of the justice system, including by dedicating a guaranteed percentage of the national budget to the judiciary.
Measures comparable to those taken to strengthen the judiciary should now be implemented in the prosecutorial service. “Appointments, transfers and promotions should have an objective and transparent basis,” she said. “In addition, an independent body should be established to oversee discipline and provide accountability.”
The Special Rapporteur commended civil society for their work to assess and monitor the independence of the judiciary. She was concerned that surveys highlighted a lack of trust in the judiciary and heard that social media is being used to disparage judges, including by holders of public office. “It is imperative that the government take measures to rebuild public trust,” Satterthwaite said. “This is an opportunity for the government to better explain the important role the judiciary plays in upholding a fair system where everyone can participate equally.”
Satterthwaite observed that the government is responsible for protecting the rights of all Mongolians and ensuring they have access to justice without discrimination. “I call on all actors to support and complement the essential work undertaken by civil society organisations to extend access to justice, including to rural herders, persons with disabilities, and the LGBTQ community.”
The expert will present a report containing her findings and recommendations on the visit to the Human Rights Council in June 2024.
ENDS
Ms. Margaret Satterthwaite is the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers. She was appointed as United Nations Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers by the Human Rights Council in October 2022. Professor Satterthwaite is an international human rights scholar and practitioner with decades of experience in the field. She is a Professor of Clinical Law at New York University School of Law.
The Experts are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent of any government or organisation and serve in their individual capacity.
UN Human Rights, Country Page - Mongolia
For further information and media requests, please write to:
hrc-sr-independencejl@un.org
For media enquiries regarding other UN independent experts, please contact Maya Derouaz (maya.derouaz@un.org) or Dharisha Indraguptha (dharisha.indraguptha@un.org).
Follow news related to the UN's independent human rights experts on Twitter @UN_SPExperts.
Concerned about the world we live in?
Then STAND UP for someone's rights today.
#Standup4humanrights
and visit the web page at http://www.standup4humanrights.org Download the full statement of her preliminary observations below. ________________________________________________________
#Standup4humanrights
and visit the web page at http://www.standup4humanrights.org Download the full statement of her preliminary observations below. ________________________________________________________
1 of 5
Press Release
03 November 2023
UN expert to visit Mongolia to assess independence of justice system
During her visit, Satterthwaite will assess the measures taken by the Government to ensure the independence and impartiality of the judiciary and prosecutors, as well as the independent exercise of the legal profession.
The Special Rapporteur will address issues related to the structure, organisation and functioning of the judiciary; the administration of justice; the protection of the actors of the justice system; fair trial, including from a gender perspective. She will also examine equal access to justice and legal assistance, seeking to understand how ordinary people in Mongolia experience the judicial system.
The expert will meet Government officials and members of the Parliament, judges, prosecutors and lawyers. She will also meet representatives of civil society, academia, UN agencies, donors and the diplomatic community.
Satterthwaite will hold a press conference on Wednesday 15 November at 12:00 local time at the UN House. Access is strictly limited to journalists. Interested journalists and media must register via: soyolmaa.dolgor@un.org or 94111220 in advance to gain a permit to the UN House.
The Special Rapporteur will present her report to the Human Rights Council in June 2024.
ENDS
*The expert: Ms. Margaret Satterthwaite, Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers. She was appointed as United Nations Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers by the Human Rights Council in October 2022. Professor Satterthwaite is an international human rights scholar and practitioner with decades of experience in the field. She is a Professor of Clinical Law at New York University School of Law.
The Experts are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent of any government or organisation and serve in their individual capacity.
UN Human Rights, Country Page - Mongolia
For further information and media requests, please to hrc-sr-independencejl@un.org
For media enquiries regarding other UN independent experts, please contact Maya Derouaz (maya.derouaz@un.org) or Dharisha Indraguptha (dharisha.indraguptha@un.org).
Follow news related to the UN's independent human rights experts on Twitter @UN_SPExperts.
Concerned about the world we live in?
Then STAND UP for someone's rights today.
#Standup4humanrights
and visit the web page at http://www.standup4humanrights.org
Then STAND UP for someone's rights today.
#Standup4humanrights
and visit the web page at http://www.standup4humanrights.org
1 of 5
Press Release
24 October 2023
President of Mongolia Celebrates the United Nations Day with UN family in Mongolia
During his visit, President Khurelsukh presented to the United Nations family in Mongolia, a sculpture entitled, “Consciousness”, by Mongolian artist Ochirbold Ayurzana, where its symbolic meaning highlights that humankind walks a path of goodness on earth and yet conflicts with greed and want in the world. The same sculpture also stands erect near the United Nations headquarters in New York presented to Secretary General Antonio Guterres by Mongolia’s former President.
United Nations Day, observed annually, marks the anniversary of the UN Charter's entry into force in 1945, establishing the first and only organization globally recognized for its legitimacy, convening power and normative impact. Since then, the UN has been at the forefront of addressing global challenges, including conflict resolution, peacebuilding, humanitarian aid, climate action, and the promotion of all human rights.
His Excellency Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, the President of Mongolia, stated in his address to the UN Mongolia team:
“We greatly value the United Nations as a crucial partner, offering comprehensive support for Mongolia's socio-economic development, environmental protection, and the promotion of democracy and good governance. Mongolia fully supports the UN Secretary-General's reform policy and is willing to expand our relations and cooperation with the United Nations.”
The United Nations' global impact extends to Mongolia, where it plays a vital role in advancing the nation's development priorities set in Vision 2050 and New Recovery Policy as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ever since its accession to United Nations in 1961.
The SDGs represent a universal call to action, aimed at ending poverty, protecting our planet, and ensuring prosperity for all. In Mongolia, the UN works alongside the government, civil society, and the private sector to accelerate progress towards these goals, recognizing the urgency of addressing challenges such as climate change, economic disparities, and recent global health crises.
Mr. Tapan Mishra, UN Resident Coordinator in Mongolia, stated “I am deeply humbled and honored, proud and privileged that President Khurelsukh joined our UN family on this special day. This is a strong indicator of the nation’s commitment towards achieving the SDGs and the importance it places on the mission and mandates of the UN. I would like to take this opportunity to salute the hardworking UN staff, both in Mongolia and globally, who dedicate their lives to making the world a better place. Your unwavering commitment to the UN's mission is truly at the core of its success.”
As an organization born out of hope for a peaceful and prosperous world, the moment to come together with unwavering dedication is now, as we have multiple crises unfolding in the world.
On this day, let us recommit to building a brighter, more inclusive and sustainable future for Mongolia and the world, leaving no one behind. Together, we can achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and create a world where every individual can lead a life of dignity and opportunity.
1 of 5
Press Release
11 October 2023
UNCT Mongolia Statement on the International Day of the Girl Child 2023
On the International Day of the Girl Child, the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Mongolia reaffirms its commitment to promoting the full spectrum of girls’ rights. It is a day to recognize the rights of girls and mobilize our joint efforts to end discrimination, violence, and economic disparities and to change the negative social norms and gender stereotypes that disproportionately affect girls.
We are proud of Mongolian girls, who have demonstrated resilience, creativity, and leadership in the face of obstacles. We also recognize the efforts of the Mongolian government, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to realize girls’ rights to education, health, safety, and empowerment.
Nevertheless, we are gravely concerned about the pervasive and persistent forms of violence against children, especially against girls in Mongolia, including neglect, sexual violence, exploitation, and abuse in their families, schools, communities, and online.
Our studies reveal that violence against children remains high, with 49 per cent of children aged 1-14 having experienced violent discipline at home. With increased access to the Internet, children face dangers online, such as exposure to inappropriate content, conduct, and contact, including emotional and sexual abuse, grooming, and exploitation. In a 2017 survey of gender-based violence prevalence, 10.7 per cent of women reported experiencing sexual abuse before turning 15, with family members often being the perpetrators.
Achieving gender equality and women and girls’ empowerment is integral to the Sustainable Development Goals. We believe investing in girls and young women is investing in our future.
Under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and other international human rights instruments, we urge the Government of Mongolia to take immediate and comprehensive action to prevent and tackle all forms of violence against girls and young women. The UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women recommended Mongolia accelerate the effective enforcement of laws and policies addressing violence against women and girls. We also appeal for providing adequate resources and support services for survivors of violence, including sexual violence, and for the prosecution and punishment of perpetrators.
UNCT Mongolia stands ready to support government and civil society organizations in their efforts to stop all forms of violence against girls and young women and to create a safe, inclusive, and enabling environment for them to realize their full potential.
On this International Day of the Girl Child, we invite all stakeholders to join us in unleashing the potential power—economic, political, ICTs, and social—of girls for a more peaceful, prosperous, just, and violence-free Mongolia.
1 of 5
Latest Resources
1 / 11
Resources
14 July 2022
1 / 11