United Nations 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:

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11 June 2024

Supporting Herders in Crisis: Humanitarian Aid for Mongolia's Dzud-Affected Communities

Mongolia experienced one of the most extreme winters in 2023-2024, resulting in the death of over 7.4 million animals and leaving thousands of herders impoverished. The Humanitarian Country Team in Mongolia, led by the UN Resident Coordinator, responded to the dzud-affected herders. A total of USD 10.6 million was raised and is being distributed to the most affected areas and populations to address urgent needs.A team led by Tapan Mishra, UN Resident Coordinator, visited Sukhbaatar and Khentii provinces—areas hit hardest by the dzud. They observed the aftermath and its impacts on the herders, and discussed ways to support and build resilience among herders facing future climatic hardships.Here is a brief video report showcasing the harsh reality faced by these vulnerable herders.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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12 December 2024

UN supports Mongolia’s effort to enhance digital literacy nationwide

Building the digital skills of the citizens, particularly in remote and underserved communities, is a vital step toward Mongolia’s goal of becoming a digitally connected nation. With a focus on its nomadic population, Mongolia aims to empower its people through accessible and inclusive digital services. The Government’s e-Mongolia initiative, a successful platform for delivering public services, strives to reach every corner of this vast land, connecting diverse social groups, including nomadic communities. In support of this vision, the UN’s joint programme on strengthening digital e-Mongolia services is working closely with the Government to increase digital literacy, expand access to digital services, and empower marginalized communities. This programme, led by the UN Resident Coordinator, focuses on Darkhan-Uul, Khentii, Dornod, and Ulaanbaatar. Darkhan-Uul: A Model for Digital Transformation The programme began in Darkhan-Uul province, which is set to become an "Exemplary Digital Province" in Mongolia. As the central region's pilot hub, the province has become a focal point for on-site implementation efforts of the joint programme, with a strong commitment from the local administration. "We are delighted to collaborate on this project to deliver faster and more accessible public services via online to the citizens of our province and also enhance our citizens' digital literacy," said Soyolmaa Namkhaijav, Head of Government E-Services Department, Darkhan-Uul Province. In response to critical needs for digital skills, the programme is partnering with the provincial administration to establish Mongolia’s first Digital Training Facility (DTF). This facility will be crucial in providing basic digital skills to underserved rural areas, equipping citizens with essential tools for the digital age. As part of e-Mongolia, the "KhurDan" (translated as “fast” in English) digital service kiosks will improve the accessibility and efficiency of public services. A mobile unit, designed to bring digital literacy directly to communities, is also in the works. The local administration has committed a vehicle for this unit and a venue for the training facility, demonstrating strong support for the programme. Empowering Communities Through Education The programme is developing a customized curriculum and training modules for both local communities and public servants. Schools, recognized as key community pillars, play a central role in this initiative. A network of Digital Community Information Workers (DCIWs) has been established in schools to enhance digital skills and connectivity. “I learned a lot from the training on the proper use of information technology and obtaining information in digital space. Besides learning some of the hard skills on ICT, I am also now able to teach my students digital skills to safely surf the internet while ensuring their safety online,” said N. Erdenetuya, a teacher in Oyunii Ireedui School in Darkhan-Uul province. On 22 May, the programme launched its year-long training efforts with an orientation session for 60 teachers from 30 schools, along with local education officers. This training, designed by digital literacy experts and supported by Giga (a joint initiative between UNICEF and ITU), is accessible and relevant to all participants. By improving school connectivity, trained DCIWs help bridge the digital divide, allowing students, teachers, and parents to access vital digital resources and services. This initiative also provides tailored training for parents, empowering them to support their children’s learning and development. A Digital Future for Mongolia “Digitalization is a key to unlocking Mongolia’s potential to reach sustainable and inclusive development. By building digital literacy of the most marginalized and remote nomadic communities, this joint programme will be instrumental support to enable Mongolia to become a Digital Nation,” said Tapan Mihsra, UN Resident Coordinator. The Joint Programme on Digital E-Mongolia Services and Communities implemented by UNDP and UNICEF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Communications of Mongolia, envisions providing much-needed training and skills for at least 3000 citizens, half of whom are women, in the three target provinces and Ulaanbaatar City. Additionally, the programme will train 12 master trainers, who will, in turn, train 300 public servants—again, with equal representation of women—at both the national and subnational levels. Thanks to seed funding from the UN Joint SDG Fund, this initiative represents an important first step in Mongolia’s digital transformation. The UN Mongolia team aims to scale up this programme, ensuring long-term impact and a more inclusive, connected society. The UN Mongolia team would also like to express gratitude to the European Union and the governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland for their contributions in accelerating progress towards the SDGs.

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03 December 2024

Amplifying Leadership for an Inclusive Future: Mongolia’s Journey Toward Empowering Persons with Disabilities

This year’s International Day of People with Disabilities (PwD) highlights the theme: “Amplifying leadership of people with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future” which resonates with UN Mongolia’s ongoing initiatives for creating an inclusive society for over 110,000 people with disabilities, including 12,000 children in Mongolia.Building a More Inclusive Society for Persons with DisabilitiesMongolia has taken significant strides in advancing the rights of PwD over the decades, adopting the landmark Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2016. Since then, Mongolia’s government and society demonstrated a strong commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities. The 2023 Report by the UN Committee on the Rights of PwD further commended Mongolia’s comprehensive approach to ensuring the rights, participation, and development of persons with disabilities through key initiatives, such as the establishment of national councils and programs, amendments to labour laws, and targeted support mechanisms. However, challenges remain, as highlighted in the abovementioned Report. PWDs face various barriers in their day-to-day lives, leading to unjustifiable dependency and isolation from society. “Their rights, talents, and contributions are vital to every society. Yet many remain excluded from education, employment, and public life,” said Mr. Tapan Mishra, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Mongolia. “The United Nations in Mongolia is committed to supporting and working alongside persons with disabilities to build a more inclusive society”. Tackling Barriers in EmploymentWhile the country’s Labour Code includes provisions for reasonable accommodation, its inconsistent application across sectors limits workplace inclusivity. The Committee urges Mongolia to strengthen the implementation of the Labour Code and adopt effective measures to ensure access to inclusive employment and work environments for all persons with disabilities.One of the significant barriers to employment for people with disabilities is a lack of vocational education and training, which stems from learning environments and curricula that fail to be inclusive. UN Mongolia prioritizes equal opportunities for PцDs, with UNDP leading efforts to support their meaningful contributions and participation in society.Thus, within the UNDP’s “SDG-Aligned Budgeting to Transform Employment in Mongolia” project funded by the European Union, inclusive training curricula were developed in three occupations: Archivists and Office Assistants, E-service Staff and Support Service Workers in collaboration with the National Rehabilitation and Vocational Training Center. In this program, 27 students had successfully enrolled. One of many inspiring stories is that of Mr. Davaadorj Uul, who, with support from UNDP, transitioned from unemployment to becoming a loan specialist at one of Mongolia’s leading banks, Khan Bank. After sustaining a life-altering injury that ended his previous career, U.Davaadorj completed vocational training as an Archivist and Office Assistant. He now thrives in his role while pursuing his passion for wheelchair fencing, where he recently won third place in a national championship. Davaadorj’s story highlights the importance of inclusive employment initiatives, demonstrating how PWDs can thrive when given the opportunity to work in supportive environments.According to the Labor Law, businesses with 25 or more employees are required to ensure that at least 4 percent of their workforce consists of PWDs. However, compliance with this requirement is often lacking, particularly in rural areas where employment opportunities and accessibility remain limited.‘I’m living my best life, and I do believe in myself to make a bright future for PWDs’ Davaadorj said with a bright smile on his face. Monitoring of Housing Rights for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs): Progress Toward InclusionAs highlighted in the 2023 Report by the UN Committee on PwDs, access to adequate housing remains another critical issue for PWDs in Mongolia as the persons with disabilities with disability allowances and pensions fall short of covering the rising cost of living and meeting basic needs. To address these issues, the UN Committee recommends revising disability benefits to reflect inflation and living standards and establishing well-funded housing initiatives in consultation with persons with disabilities and their organizations.A key issue is the lack of accessible apartments and houses tailored to their needs. In Mongolia, many PwDs live in ger areas—traditional Mongolian settlements in the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar —that are not connected to essential services such as central heating, water supply, and sewage systems, exacerbating their challenges.The UN Resident Coordinator advocated for the housing rights of Mongolia’s people with disabilities. He invited their representatives to the table to discuss and elaborate a plan to address the issues. Thus, the Universal Progress NGO, chaired by Mr. Avirmed, who is struggling with mobility barriers, conducted a comprehensive monitoring of housing rights for PWDs in 2022, receiving support from the UN Resident Coordinator Office. The initiative assessed the extent of housing discrimination and identified gaps in infrastructure that prevented PwDs from enjoying equal access to basic amenities.Findings revealed that PWDs are 10-20% less likely than others to access basic amenities. “Nothing about us without us,” said Mr. Avirmed, highlighting the importance of inclusivity. By leading this critical monitoring effort, he successfully drew the Government's attention to the housing challenges faced by PWDs.The Government of Mongolia has introduced a National Program to address these challenges, increasing the housing quota for PWDs in rental projects from 5% to 15%. While progress is still unfolding, this initiative represents a critical step toward inclusive housing policies.

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Tapan Mishra with youth Down with Syndrome

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25 October 2024

UN Day 2024: Celebrating the Partnership Between the UN and Mongolia for Sustainable and Inclusive Development

The UN family in Mongolia celebrated its most significant day together with many esteemed guests, forging strong partnerships with new and longstanding allies to achieve sustainable and inclusive development in Mongolia. This eventful day kicked off with the visit of H.E Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, the Prime Minister of Mongolia to the UN House. His visit signifies the 63 years of mutually beneficial partnership between the UN and Mongolia. H.E L. Oyun-Erdene addressed to the UN family and emphasized the invaluable contribution and support towards Mongolia’s progressive development, where Mongolia today boasts to be an upper-middle-income country. In his remarks to the UN Family in Mongolia, the Prime Minister emphasized that “UNSDCF 2023-2027, jointly implemented by the Government of Mongolia, serves as crucial support for the effective implementation of development policies and programs, including Vision-2050, the New Recovery Policy, Digital Mongolia.”The UN Country Team took great pride in presenting its substantive work in Mongolia, contributing to human development and well-being, green, inclusive, and sustainable growth, and as well as to strengthening governance, rule of law, and human rights. Partnering with the private sector for sustainable and inclusive development Our celebration continued with serious business talks and panel discussions with members of the private sector to build partnerships to advance sustainable development. Over 60 representatives from large and small-and-medium enterprises participated in the discussion on the UN’s meaningful engagement with the private sector. Mr. Mishra stressed in his remarks that “without meaningful engagement from the private sector, Mongolia will not achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” He further highlighted the important role of the private sector in the critical gap for financing development in Mongolia. Mongolia’s SDG financing gap was estimated in 2022 to require an additional $43 billion beyond the government’s current commitments, amounting to 17% of GDP annually. These figures highlighted that public funding alone is insufficient, making private sector involvement essential.Moderated by Mrs Bayasgalan Saranjav, Secretary General of the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI), an engaging and captivating discussion was held with the esteemed panelists, among whom were German Ambassador Mr. Helmut Rudolf Kulitz, who spoke on how Germany involves the private sector in achieving the SDGs in Germany as a best practice and in Mongolia through German Technical Cooperation (GIZ). Furthermore, UNDP Mongolia’s Deputy Director Mrs. Lin Cao highlighted the UNDP’s work on ESG standards and frameworks. Mr. Lkhamsuren Ganbold, Co-Founder and Head of the ICT group emphasized on green scoring of companies through real time data while Mrs. Amarjargal Khenchbish, Chief Executive Officer, Rio Tinto Mongolia and Mr. Sergelen Nyamdorj, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Trade and Development Bank of Mongolia shared their initiatives on empowering the SMEs for ethical and responsible businesses to achieve SDGs. At the event, the UN highlighted its successful partnerships with leading private-sector companies in Mongolia. This includes the collaboration between Mobicom and UNICEF on the "Let's Learn Together" initiative, which established eight digital classrooms in urban and rural areas to enhance educational outcomes. Additionally, Rio Tinto and UNESCO have partnered to create Mongolia’s first UNESCO Global Geopark in the South Gobi region, focusing on sustainable tourism through heritage conservation. Furthermore, URECA, a Mongolian start-up, is working with UNDP to install solar panels in Ulaanbaatar's ger districts, helping households transition from coal to solar heating, with future plans to connect them to a national carbon market.This event was geared to empowering and strengthening Mongolia’s SMEs to be further committed to SDGs through the application of ESG and other sustainability business models. Partnering with youth for leveraging science, technology and innovation for future generationsLast but not least of the series of events was the UNCT’s youth engagement, geared toward unpacking the recently adopted Declaration for Future Generations. With the keynote speech of the Advisor to the President on youth matters, Mr Davaadorj and further inspirational engagement with Ms. Sundari, who shared her journey to reimagine Mongolia education with the science, technology and innovations. The event also featured a lively panel discussion on how young people can leverage science, technology, and innovation to advance the SDGs and Mongolia’s social and economic development. With influencers, IT innovators including a visually-impaired engineer who makes the technologies accessible for visually-disable people, and youth advocates on the panel, the discussion sparked excitement among attendees about the future role of Mongolia’s youth in shaping the nation’s development through leveraging science, technology and innovations. Youth events can be not imagined without fun and entertainment, while celebrated youth band San Juniper added extra excitement and entertainment t with their live music. Over 70 young participants were called to act for a better future for the nation, joining their hands and efforts to make a difference through their real actions. UN Staff Day: Town HallFinally, it was time for the UN Family to get together for their annual gathering to celebrate this special day. It was a day for us to reaffirm our commitment and dedication to our organization’s noble causes, guided by the UN’s values and principles based on the UN Charter.The most exciting and inspirational part of this event was the connecting with some Mongolian colleagues who trailblazed the career paths for serving in the mission abroad. Their remarkable stories and achievements were true inspiration for the local staff who aspire to go internationally.As a tradition, the United Nations Day, observed annually on 24 October, was a great opportunity for the UN in Mongolia and its partners to reaffirm their commitment to the organization’s greater mission to achieve inclusive and sustainable development, leaving no one behind in Mongolia.

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UNCT members with Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene on UN Day Celebration 2024

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13 October 2024

From Crisis to Classroom: Safeguarding Mongolia’s Schools and Educating Youth as Pathways to Disaster Resilience

On this International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 2024, the CADRI Partnership reflects upon the vital role that safe schools and education play in protecting and empowering Mongolia’s youth for a disaster-free future.In response to a request from the National Emergency Management Agency of Mongolia (NEMA), in September 2023, the CADRI Partnership mobilized a multidisciplinary team of experts from the UN RCO, FAO, IOM, UNDAC, UNDP, UNDRR, UNFPA, UN-Habitat, World Vision Mongolia, and the Meteorological Administrations of China and Korea to facilitate a diagnosis of national and local capacities to manage and reduce disaster and climate risks, with an emphasis on systems for preparedness, early warning, and risk reduction. To mark IDDRR 2024, we take a critical look at the findings of this capacity diagnosis through the lens of youth empowerment through disaster education and the provision of safe schools.Chilling threats to learning Mongolia’s vast, rugged landscape makes it one of the most unique places on earth, but also exposes the country to some of the world’s harshest winters. The notorious dzuds, extreme winters marked by freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and ground so frozen that animals cannot reach pasture, bring devastation to livestock and livelihoods. Yet, the toll on children is more profound than meets the eye.When snow and ice block critical roads, children in rural areas are cut off from school, as well as vital health, nutrition, and protective services. In these conditions, many families are forced to make tough decisions, particularly herder families who are most directly impacted by dzuds. Older children often remain at home to support household tasks, while younger children may be left at school dormitories or with relatives, increasing protection risks and psychological stress. Alongside dzuds, Mongolia is also prone to dust storms, drought, floods, wildfires, and earthquakes.With 36% of the population under the age of 17, the vulnerability of children to disasters is a major challenge and one that is not adequately addressed in the country’s existing regulatory framework. Mongolia’s disaster law and disaster risk reduction strategy must urgently reflect the specific needs of children and other vulnerable groups. Creating a resilient education system is critical — not only to protect children during disasters but to ensure they continue to learn in the face of extreme conditions.Safe schools, safe childrenThe importance of safe schools in Mongolia cannot be overstated, particularly in light of the country’s seismic vulnerability. These institutions serve a dual role as vital service providers during normal times and evacuation centers during crises, making their structural integrity paramount.Recent upgrades to seismic building codes for schools and hospitals reflect a commitment to resilient infrastructure. From 2016 to 2019, seismic building vulnerability assessments were conducted on 199 public buildings in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital. As of September 2023, three educational facilities were earmarked for retrofitting.In May 2023, a government-initiated earthquake simulation exercise in Ulaanbaatar, engaging schools and communities, showcased the government’s dedication to preparedness. However, despite awareness of seismic vulnerabilities in buildings, sectoral strategies largely focus on service provision rather than disaster risk reduction. To address these challenges, it is essential to prioritize the reinforcement of buildings in education sector plans and the reprioritization of actions based on current and future risk scenarios.Every child deserves to be protected from disasters, especially at school. Investing in resilient school infrastructure is not just a necessity, it’s an investment in the future safety and well-being of Mongolia’s children and communities.From education to action“Decisions made today shape the disasters of tomorrow. We owe it to future generations to empower them to reduce their disaster risks” — Paola Albrito, UNDRRTo build a disaster-resilient future, we must equip young people with the skills and knowledge to take early action to protect themselves, their families, and their communities in times of crisis. Mongolia has made significant strides in this direction, with the systematic delivery of NEMA-led training programmes targeting both citizens and schools as part of the National Programme of Community Participatory Disaster Risk Reduction 2021–2025. Even children as young as pre-school age are taught safe life skills, aligned with Pillar 3 (Risk Reduction and Resilience Education) of the Comprehensive School Safety Framework 2022–2030.Mongolia’s efforts to promote a culture of safety and preparedness within schools underscore the vital role of disaster education in empowering young people to understand and respond to the risks they face, while also positioning them as agents of change within their communities. Agents of change for a disaster-free future“It is vital to build the resilience of children in times of disaster and crisis through preparedness, not just response” — Tapan Mishra, UN Resident Coordinator in MongoliaAs we celebrate IDDRR 2024, we applaud Mongolia’s significant strides towards building a safer, more resilient future for its children, while recognizing that more needs to be done. To forge a path forward, Mongolia’s efforts to advance the pillars of the Comprehensive School Safety Framework must be backed by robust systems and policies that prioritize disaster risk reduction and acknowledge the unique needs faced by children and those experiencing intersecting vulnerabilities. By implementing targeted programmes for infrastructure reinforcement, disaster preparedness training and community engagement, Mongolia can continue to transform schools into secure havens for learning.In this proactive approach, Mongolia is not just reducing disaster risks; it is cultivating and empowering a new generation of leaders in resilience. Together, we can build a disaster-resilient future for Mongolia, one where children thrive in safety and stand as agents of positive change in their communities.The full Capacity Diagnosis Report and Policymakers Digest for Mongolia will be made available in English and Mongolian on cadri.net, upon validation from the Government of Mongolia at the end of October 2024.The story was written by Rebecca Smith, Programme Coordinator for the CADRI Partnership Secretariat and originally published on Medium

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07 October 2024

Blog: Land-locked Mongolia's Journey Towards a Digitally Connected Nation”: Progress and Challenges

Mongolia, the land-locked country with “Open Blue Skies”, I believe has tremendous potential to be a role model country for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), leveraging its huge development potential. Mongolia has tapped into its digital development potential, progressing on the path towards digital transformation. During my recent conversation on 5th September with the Minister for Digital Development, Innovation and Communications (MDDIC), H.E. Mr. Ts. Baatarkhuu, emphasizing Mongolia’s digital potential, he reaffirmed that "Mongolia is landlocked, but we are not mind-locked; we have limitless opportunities in a digital world." He is right. For Mongolia, digitalization is not just about introducing technology, it is an essential pre-requisite for achieving the SDGs. In a country as vast as Mongolia, a landlocked developing country (LLDC), with a population of less than 3.5 million and an area of over 1.5 million square kilometers, one of the least densely populated country in the World, digital connectivity once was a distant dream for many Mongolians. Yet, Mongolia has made significant progress in digitalization, becoming an exemplary case in the Asia-Pacific region in recent years. Highlights of Mongolia's Digital Successes: On September 18, 2024, the Government of Mongolia proudly announced its milestone in its digital journey, moving up to 46th place out of 193 countries in the UN’s E-Government Index, a significant leap from 74th in 2022 and 92nd in 2020. The report also highlights that 99% of Mongolia’s population is now covered by 4G/LTE connectivity, with 117.9 mobile broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants. This impressive progress is largely due to Mongolia’s commitment to becoming a Digital Nation, a mission it embarked on in 2020 with ambitious goals.At the heart of Mongolia’s digital transformation is the e-Mongolia platform, a comprehensive online portal that provides more than 1,170 government services to over 1.7 million citizens. This platform has overcome geographical barriers of remoteness and bureaucratic administrative and logistics challenges, making government services more accessible, time-efficient, and cost-effective. Challenges on the Path to Digital AdvancementHowever, the country’s progress has been uneven across the country. As one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, Mongolia faces unique challenges in building a robust digital infrastructure, which is costly and difficult. Thus, providing reliable digital services to remote areas, where many herders still maintain a nomadic lifestyle, remains difficult and expensive.While Mongolia has made substantial improvements in its telecommunications infrastructure, which boosts connectivity, its human capital index, measuring digital skills and literacy, has seen a decline. Furthermore, Mongolia ranks 68th in the 2023 Global Innovation Index, highlighting the need for more efforts to foster digital innovation and inclusivity.A Holistic Approach to Accelerating Digital TransformationTo fully realize its vision of becoming a Digital Nation, Mongolia must adopt a holistic approach that addresses multiple dimensions of digitalization in a balanced way:Narrowing the Connectivity Gap: Despite impressive progress in digital infrastructure, remote areas of Mongolia still suffer from limited connectivity due to geographical challenges. Innovative solutions like satellite communication and internet services should be explored to ensure all communities have equal access to digital opportunities. Enhancing Digital Inclusion: It is crucial to make digital services accessible to all citizens, including marginalized groups such as people with disabilities. Alongside this, efforts must be made to improve digital literacy so that more citizens can benefit from these services and fully participate in a digital economy. The UN in Mongolia, together with the MDDIC, carries out a digitalization project funded by the Joint SDG Fund to spawn a digital demand-supply nexus in remote and underserved communities. It will equip local communities with digital accessibility and literacy, leading to digital inclusion of them and ultimately making them digitally self-sufficient and sustainable.Harnessing Emerging Digital Technologies: Mongolia must leverage cutting-edge technologies like big data and artificial intelligence to drive innovation and improve service delivery. At the same time, it must address the risks associated with these technologies, including data privacy, security threats, and potential social and economic exclusion. Promoting Digital Innovation: True digital transformation is about more than infrastructure; it is about integrating digital technologies across all sectors of the economy and society. Mongolia has taken an important step by adding an innovation portfolio to the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications, and Innovation. This expansion aims to foster digital innovation across all sectors, driving sustainable development. Way Forward: UN’s commitment to support Mongolia to become a role model in digital transformationBy advancing digital connectivity, inclusion, and innovation, Mongolia can not only overcome its geographical challenges but also pave the way for sustainable, inclusive development for its citizens. Our UN team looks forward to continuing working alongside the Government of Mongolia to implement its digital commitments under the Global Digital Compact (GDC). Moreover, Mongolia’s leadership in the upcoming 10-Year Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries will be instrumental in promoting digital innovation and development across the region.Recently, in partnership with the International Think Tank for Landlocked Developing Countries (ITTLLDC), the UN in Mongolia helped launch a research and innovation network. This network aims to enhance the capacity of landlocked developing countries like Mongolia in digital transformation and evidence-based policymaking. The path to becoming a Digital Nation may be complex and challenging, but Mongolia’s progress thus far has been a testament to what is possible with the right vision, commitment, and partnerships. The UN stands ready to support Mongolia every step of the way as a steadfast partner. Spotlight Video: Featuring Mongolian Entrepreneur Ms. Khulan Davaadorj: Overcoming Challenges of Running Business in A Landlocked Developing Countries and Leveraging Digital International Payment Solutions This blog is written with support from Sangwon Lim, RCO Mongolia Economist and Soyolmaa Dolgor, Communications and Advocacy Officer.

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Press Release

19 December 2024

UN Joint Programme Launches to Accelerate Just Energy Transition in Mongolia

This initiative, funded by the Joint SDG Fund, led by UNDP and co-implemented by UNICEF, seeks to enhance the alignment between national planning and financing processes for just energy transition. The Joint Programme is governed by a Steering Committee, co-chaired by the UN Resident Coordinator and the Ministry of Energy. The committee includes members from UNDP, UNICEF, the Ministry of Economy and Development, the Energy Regulatory Commission, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, and Asian Development Bank, Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Confederation of Mongolian Trade Unions, the Energy Economic Institute and Mongolian Renewables Industries Association. The programme aims to achieve three key outcomes: developing a Just Energy Transition Framework aligned with national and international climate goals, creating a climate financing framework to support the transition, and developing an inclusive energy transition roadmap for the health and education sectors to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all, especially vulnerable populations. Mr. Enkhtuvshin Ganbaatar, Head of Strategy and Planning Division, Ministry of Energy, stated "The launch of this programme is crucial for our country's energy transition journey. We are committed to working closely with our partners to develop innovative solutions that not only address climate change but also drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for our citizens." The Steering Committee will meet bi-annually to review progress, address challenges, and make strategic decisions, while the Joint Programme Technical Team will manage and monitor the project's regular progress with monthly meetings. Mr. Tapan Mishra, UN Resident Coordinator in Mongolia, stated "This Joint Programme represents a significant step towards a sustainable and inclusive energy future for Mongolia. By aligning our efforts with national priorities and leveraging international support, we aim to create a resilient and equitable energy system that benefits all Mongolians." “For Mongolia, a just energy transition is not just an environmental strategy, but a critical human development imperative. It will address carbon emissions while unlocking new opportunities for growth, resilience, and equity. We are excited to lead this effort, in collaboration with UNICEF and under the guidance of the UN Resident Coordinator,” said Ms. Matilda Dimovska, UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia. Representatives of the key donors of the Joint SDG Fund including H.E. Krzysztof Bojko Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Poland to Mongolia, Ms. Purevtogtokh Ganbold, Program Manager, European Union Delegation to Mongolia, and Ms. Hana Gabriele of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany to Mongolia also attended the Launch and Steering Committee meeting. For more information, please contact: Soyolmaa Dolgor | Development Coordination Officer for Communications and Advocacy | UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Mongolia | soyolmaa.dolgor@un.org Erdenesukh Otgonbayar | Communications Analyst | UNDP Mongolia | erdenesukh.otgonbayar@undp.org Ariunzaya Davaa | Communications Specialist | UNICEF Mongolia | adavaa@unicef.org About Joint SDG Fund The Joint SDG Fund offers United Nations Country Teams a unique opportunity to launch collaborative initiatives, promote integrated approaches, and channel strategic investments to accelerate the SDGs and, ultimately, lead to achievement of the 2030 Agenda. The Joint SDG Fund supports countries to accelerate their progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to deliver on the commitment of the 2030 Agenda to leave no one behind. About UNDP UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. About UNICEF UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.

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Press Release

25 November 2024

United Nations Mongolia Joint Statement: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

The United Nations stands strongly united in condemning gender-based violence (GBV) in all its forms. The 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, observed annually from November 25th to December 10th, serves as a crucial reminder of the pervasive and long-enduring human rights violation that GBV represents. This year's global theme, "Towards 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women," underscores the urgent need to address this persistent issue.In Mongolia, the 2024 campaign theme, "WOMEN AND GIRLS ARE SAFE EVERYWHERE- #NoExcuse for all," highlights the growing threat of technology-facilitated violence (TFGBV), which exacerbates harm to women and girls both online and offline. While Mongolia has made strides through legislative reforms like the Law on Combating Domestic Violence, significant challenges remain, particularly in addressing TFGBV and underreporting of cases.Deep-seated gender-based stereotypes continue to perpetuate unequal power dynamics and normalize harmful behaviors, making them a root cause of gender-based violence in Mongolia. According to UNDP's Gender Social Norms Index 2023, a staggering 97 percent of Mongolians hold at least one gender-based bias against women, revealing that these stereotypes remain a fundamental barrier for women's empowerment.Women in rural areas are disproportionately affected by climate change due to their roles, cultural norms, and responsibilities. Vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, migrants, refugees, and indigenous women face even higher risks and barriers to seeking help.As the global community approaches the 30th anniversary review of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the United Nations call on government, civil society, private sector, development partner, and individuals to: Strengthen and enforce legal frameworks to address all forms of GBV, including TFGBV.Increase investment in comprehensive prevention and response services, ensuring survivors have access to justice, healthcare, and social support.Promote public awareness campaigns to challenge harmful gender norms and stereotypes.Leverage technology to create safer online spaces while holding perpetrators accountable.Invest on regular population-based data collection and Improve data analysis and use to inform evidence-based policies and ensure accountability.Ensure marginalized and vulnerable groups have a seat at the table, enabling their full participation in decision-making processes.Engage men and boys as allies in combating GBV and promoting gender equality.
Ending GBV is a shared responsibility that requires commitment from all sectors of society. As we embark on these 16 days of activism, let us not only advocate for change but also act decisively to create a future where women and girls are safe everywhere. Together, we can build a world where respect, dignity, and equality are not aspirations but realities for all, as envisaged in SDG-5 for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women #WOMEN AND GIRLS ARE SAFE EVERYWHERE- #NoExcuse for all

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Press Release

24 October 2024

UN Day Celebration in Mongolia: Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai Visits UN House

The visit of the Prime Minister of Mongolia to the UN House emphasized the long-standing and mutual partnership between the UN and the Government of Mongolia, committed to advancing sustainable and inclusive development in Mongolia. Mongolia, one of the early adaptors of the SDGs, has been championing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Under the leadership of Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene, the Government of Mongolia set forth its long-term development strategy, known as Vision-2050, which was closely aligned with the Agenda 2030.Furthermore, there is close alignment between the Action Plan of the current Coalition Government led by the Prime Minister and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023-2027, co-signed by the Government of Mongolia in 2023. “UNSDCF 2023-2027, jointly implemented by the Government of Mongolia, serves as crucial support for the effective implementation of development policies and programs, including Vision-2050, the New Recovery Policy, Digital Mongolia,” emphasized His Excellency L. Oyun-Erdene, the Prime Minister of Mongolia in his address to the UN staff. He expressed his commitment to further strengthening the partnership with the United Nations to enhance the cooperation framework and its impacts on the nation’s sustainable development. He underscored the collective support of the UN system in Mongolia, especially for the well-coordinated development cooperation under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team. The UN system in Mongolia, represented by 24 agencies, presented the UN’s substantial contribution to Mongolia’s development along with some of the notable results achieved within the implementation of the UNSDCF 2023-2027 to the Prime Minister and his delegation. The UN in Mongolia has prioritized its partnership in the areas of human development and well-being to ensure that all Mongolians can achieve their full potential. The second priority for the UN system in Mongolia is to support Mongolia’s green, sustainable, and inclusive growth. This approach aims to balance economic prosperity with environmental stewardship while its third priority area focuses on strengthening effective and efficient governance, upholding the rule of law, and protecting human rights.In his welcoming remarks, Mr Tapan Mishra, UN Resident Coordinator in Mongolia emphasized the UN’s recent landmark document Pact for the Future, which includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations. He further highlighted that the development agenda of the current Coalition Government is well aligned with the key priorities of the Fact for the Future: accelerating digital transformation and empowering youth as future generations. “Pact for the Future offers Mongolia opportunities to achieve sustainable and inclusive development, accelerate rural and regional development for reducing inequality and addressing climate challenges, and as well as pushing Mongolia’s ambitious digitalization agenda forward,” said Tapan Mishra. “The UN in Mongolia looks forward to strengthening its partnerships in implementing the Pact for Future and turbocharging our efforts for SDGs under the strong leadership of Prime Minister L.Oyun-Erdene.”United Nations Day, observed annually on 24 October, is a great opportunity for the UN and its partners to reaffirm their commitment to the organization’s greater mission to achieve global peace, prosperity and sustainable development, leaving no one behind.

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Press Release

06 September 2024

National Stakeholders’ Consultation on Sustainable Development Goals Prepares Mongolia for the UN 'Summit of the Future

In his opening remarks, Mr. Tapan Mishra, UN Resident Coordinator emphasized that this consultative engagement is a crucial platform to ensure that Mongolia has a unified voice on the global stage, stating:“The Summit of the Future recognizes that the solutions to all development challenges are in our hands.” The consultation brought together representatives from key stakeholder groups, including the government, private sector, academia, youth, and civil society, to collectively envision Mongolia’s path toward inclusive and sustainable development.During the discussion, the Ministry of Economy and Development presented Mongolia’s Medium-term Policies for Sustainable Development, outlining the nation’s plans and aspirations for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are integrated into the country’s broader development agenda.Mr. Balchinluvsan L., Head of the Integrated Development Policy and Planning Department of the Ministry, emphasized that "leaving no one behind" – the core principle of sustainable development – ensures that everyone benefits from progress. “As a priority of our human development policy, we are committed to implementing development strategies that are tailored to the needs of all population groups,” he said. Participants explored the key topics to be addressed at the upcoming Summit of the Future, preparing actionable recommendations for the Government of Mongolia to incorporate into its medium- and long-term development policies and programs. Discussions focused on accelerating SDG implementation, financing sustainable development, enhancing the role of the private sector, and strengthening partnerships to ensure comprehensive and inclusive progress. The importance of leveraging science, technology, digital transformation, and innovation to achieve the SDGs was highlighted, with a special focus on the role of youth as drivers of future development. The insights, recommendations, and solutions put forth during the consultation will be presented to the Government of Mongolia for integration into national development strategies, and subsequently, will form part of Mongolia’s contribution to the Summit of the Future in New York.The Summit of the Future is a high-level event that will bring world leaders together to forge a new international consensus on how to build a better present and safeguard the future. This once-in-a-generation opportunity aims to restore trust in international cooperation, demonstrating that it can effectively tackle both longstanding and emerging global challenges.Here are the highlights of the consultation in a video: To learn more: https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-futureHere are photos of the consultation:

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Press Release

04 September 2024

Empowering Landlocked Developing Countries: New Research and Innovation Network Launched for Sustainable Development

In May 2024, the UN Resident Coordinator's Office (UNRCO) Mongolia and the International Think Tank for Landlocked Developing Countries (ITTLLDC) signed a Declaration of Intent to collaborate strategically in supporting Mongolia’s achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a pilot LLDC model, with potential for replication in other LLDCs. As part of this partnership, the UNRCO Mongolia and ITTLLDC co-organized the International Forum on Facilitating LLDCs’ Sustainable and Digital Transformation on 14-15 August 2024, in cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Communications (MDDIC) of the Government of Mongolia.The forum featured key events, including the Global Digital Dialogue (GDD) 2024 and a consultation meeting focused on establishing a Research and Innovation Network for LLDCs under the ITTLLDC. Experts and researchers from Mongolia and beyond participated in the consultation meeting, finalizing the terms of reference for the new network. This global network will support the ITTLLDC’s core activities in research, capacity building, and policy advocacy, while fostering strategic partnerships with other networks to promote sustainable development in LLDCs. Key areas of focus will include trade, transport, economic diversification, and digital transformation/innovation.UN Resident Coordinator for Mongolia, Mr. Tapan Mishra, highlighted that “LLDCs suffer from higher trade and transport costs and limited access to the world market due to their geographical disadvantage. At the same time, LLDCs need a support for human capacity development, as they score far below the world average in human development index,” He further added that “Being duly aware of LLDCs’ special needs, the United Nations has consistently supported LLDCs, like Mongolia, with tailored programs, including the 10-Year Program of Action for LLDCs, which is set to be renewed this year. I am confident that the newly established network will enhance the capacity of LLDCs to achieve the SDGs and contribute to the implementation of the upcoming 10-Year Program of Action for LLDCs.” Mr. Dulguun Damdin-Od, Executive Director of ITTLLDC, also emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, “This network is a much-needed asset for us to effectively support LLDCs in improving human development and addressing the economic and social impacts of their geographical challenges. We will soon issue a call for participation to attract experts and researchers from around the world to contribute to the network.”ITTLLDC: In accordance with the Multilateral Agreement for the Establishment of an International Think Tank for Landlocked Developing Countries, the International Think Tank for LLDCs (ITTLLDC) was established in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia in 2009 with Mongolia being a host country. The objective of the ITTLLDC is to use top-quality research and advocacy to improve the ability of landlocked developing countries to build capacity with the ultimate aim of raising human development and reducing poverty.UNRCO Mongolia: The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2018 to reposition the United Nations Development System with a stronger, better-defined collective identity as a trusted, reliable, cohesive, accountable, and effective partner to the country within the 2030 Agenda. The UN system in Mongolia is led by UN Resident Coordinator, who is the highest-ranking development official to represent the UN system in the country and lead the UN Country Team. The Resident Coordinator is supported by the Resident Coordinator’s Office, which coordinates activities related to common programming including Agenda 2030, joint programmes, joint programming activities, and development coordination work.For more information: 1. D. Soyolmaa, UNRCO Communications and Advocacy Officer, United Nations Resident Coordinator Office Mongolia (Email: Soyolmaa.dolgor@un.org)2. Dulguun Damdin-Od, International Think Tank for Landlocked Developing Countries (Email: thinktank@land-locked.org)

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