Advancing sustainable development through social impact assessment 

Organized by the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) in partnership with UN Mongolia, Oxford University’s School of Geography and the Environment, and Steps Without Borders NGO, the event underscored the critical role of SIA in fostering inclusive and responsible development.  

SIA may be defined as researching, planning and managing the social consequences stemming from industrial and infrastructure projects and is widely recognized as an effective means to ensure inputs from local communities to mitigate any negative impacts and ensure fair benefit-sharing. 

In his opening remarks, UN Resident Coordinator Jaap van Hierden emphasized the importance of integrating SIA into Mongolia’s national policy framework to safeguard the human rights and well-being of communities, particularly the most vulnerable. 

“Sustainable development is not just about economic growth; it is about creating a harmonious balance between economic, social, and environmental dimensions. SIAs provide us with the insights needed to make informed decisions that promote long-term sustainability, social justice, and environmental protection,” added Mr. van Hierden.  

The event featured an array of expert-led discussions, beginning with a presentation by Dr. Ariell Ahearn from Oxford University’s School of Geography and the Environment, who examined the human rights challenges faced by Mongolia’s nomadic herders amid the country’s surge of extractive industry and infrastructure projects.  

This was followed by a presentation from Bayarsaikhan N., Chairwoman of Steps Without Borders NGO, who explored key issues on integrating SIA principles into Mongolia’s mining sector to ensure meaningful social and environmental protections. 

A representative from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change provided an overview of national policies on Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), while Ms. Ariunbileg Radnaa, National Project Manager at UNDP, shared insights on UNDP’s ongoing engagement in strengthening SIA frameworks.  

Panel discussions, moderated by Dr. Ahearn, included local government and herder community leader inputs on the impacts of major industrial projects, and an exchange of challenges and best practices in implementing SIA as a tool for advancing sustainable development.  

This dialogue represents one step toward establishing a comprehensive, standalone initiative dedicated to establishing best practice SIA throughout Mongolia.  

The initiative, advanced by IDLO, Dr. Ahearn, and Steps Without Borders, currently seeks donor support and partnership from within the international community to strengthen human rights, climate resilience, and social safeguarding for rural, steppe, and nomadic herder communities—for the benefit of the entire Mongolian community. 

UN Mongolia remains committed to advancing sustainable development and is pleased to partner with IDLO—the intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting the rule of law—to support governments and empower people in reforming laws and strengthening institutions that foster peace, justice, sustainable development, and economic opportunity. 

For more information: 

• UN Resident Coordinator Office: D. Soyolmaa – Soyolmaa.dolgor@un.org
• IDLO Representative: Agizul Sumber – asumber@idlo.int