Joint Steering Committee of the Government of Mongolia and the United Nations Convenes to Review UN system development cooperation progress

The purpose of this meeting is to review the progress of the UN interventions in Mongolia within the UNSDCF to contribute to sustainable, green, and inclusive development. 

Currently, 23 UN agencies are signatories to the UNSDCF and are committed to contributing to the following strategic priorities:

• Human development and well-being
• Green, Inclusive, and Sustainable Growth
• People-centered Governance, Rule of Law, and Human Rights

At the JSC meeting, the UN presented its Annual Results Report of the implementation of the Cooperation Framework, highlighting the significant progress made in 2023 towards achieving the goals mentioned above. 

In 2023, the UN system in Mongolia implemented 158 programs and projects, totaling USD 51.4 million. Notable achievements include improvements in the quality of life for 250,000 elderly individuals, advancements in drinking water sanitation facilities for over 71,000 people, and significant increases in camel milk product exports and private sector investments. More than 92,000 urban residents in ger districts benefited from improved flood-resilient sanitation facilities and the building of flood protection dams. 

Additionally, our efforts led to the rehabilitation of 49,000 hectares of degraded rangelands and the adoption of improved pasture management practices in 82,000 hectares. Furthermore, the UN’s policy support played a pivotal role in the adoption of the new election law enabling a 30% gender quota for the 2024 elections.

The JSC members were also introduced to the priorities of the UN work in the coming years. The UN agencies are joining their resources and efforts to make the development efforts more impactful and achieve greater system-wide coherence that supports national priorities and needs.

In 2023, Mongolia pledged its renewed commitment to accelerate SDGs at the SDG Summit held in September 2023 in New York, based on its Second Voluntary National Review that was elaborated in wide national consultation. 

In his closing remarks, Mr. Tapan Mishra, UN Resident Coordinator, emphasized that the UN in Mongolia stands ready to support Mongolia to achieve sustainable and equitable development, leaving no one behind.

Representatives of the diplomatic community and development partners were invited as observers to this Joint Steering Committee meeting.