UN Joint Programme on Strengthening Digital E-Mongolia Services and Communities Concludes

The DEMOSC programme, co-led by the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Communications (MDDIC) and UNDP, in partnership with UNICEF, was implemented from June 2024 to June 2025. It supported Mongolia’s efforts to close the digital divide by improving access to government e-services and boosting digital skills in Darkhan-Uul, Dornod, Khentii provinces, and underserved areas of Ulaanbaatar.

The final Steering Committee meeting, co-chaired by Mr. Jaap van Hierden, UN Resident Coordinator in Mongolia, and the MDDIC, brought together representatives from national and local governments, development partners, and civil society to reflect on the project’s achievements and chart pathways for sustainability and scale.

In his remarks, H.E. Baatarkhuu Tsend, Acting Minister of MDDIC, noted, “Digital transformation must be inclusive by design. The DEMOSC project gave us a practical blueprint to reach people where they are whether in urban ger districts or remote soums and equip them with the digital skills and services they need.”

In his remarks, Mr. Jaap van Hierden stated, “This Joint Programme has shown that digital inclusion is not just a technical ambition but also a social and economic imperative. Together, we have built a model that can be scaled to ensure no one is left behind in Mongolia’s digital future.”

The closing workshop, titled “Beyond DEMOSC: Building a Digital Nation Together”, highlighted key results and lessons learned. Through the mobile KhurDan units and a new Digital Training Facility, nearly 5,000 citizens accessed e-Mongolia services, and over 3,200 citizens and civil servants, 60% of whom women, were equipped with essential digital skills. The pilot Digital Training Facility and Khurdan Mobile Units in Darkhan-Uul aimag, where local government contributed its own resources, served as a flagship for community ownership and scaling up in other provinces.

The programme also contributed to institutional strengthening by supporting the development of tailored training modules, standard operating procedures for mobile service delivery, and real-time monitoring systems.

Ms. Matilda Dimovska, UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia, emphasized, “Digitalization, when inclusive, can be a powerful equalizer. By piloting community-based, gender-responsive approaches, this programme sets a strong foundation for a national movement that makes digital transformation a reality for all.”

The programme also strengthened digital inclusion at the community level by empowering schools as hubs for digital literacy. Over 70 teachers, now known as Digital Community Information Workers ( DCIWs)  were trained as digital leaders to support both students and parents in accessing and using government e-services safely and effectively. These efforts improved the digital skills of more than 10,000 community members while also enhancing the reliability of school connectivity through real-time monitoring tools. 

UNICEF Representative in Mongolia, Mr. Evariste Kouassi-Komlan added, “Children and youth are at the heart of Mongolia’s digital future. Through this programme, we have seen the power of school-based digital literacy initiatives in strengthening community resilience and enabling every child to thrive in a connected world.”

Looking ahead, partners expressed commitment to mobilize further resources and partnerships to scale the programme’s successful models across the country and integrate its principles into Mongolia’s long-term “Digital Nation” strategy.

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.