‘No one left behind’: UNDP representative Matilda Dimovska on Mongolia’s development journey

For half a century, the United Nations Development Program has played a role in strengthening Mongolia’s democracy, civil society and development through numerous programs and initiatives. Matilda Dimovska, UNDP’s Representative in Mongolia since 2023, currently leads UNDP’s engagement and activities in the country. She spoke to The Diplomat about the current progress of UN-led projects and initiatives, and the impact on the lives of Mongolian people. (This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.)

UNDP opened its representative office in Ulaanbaatar in 1973. In the 51 years since, despite Mongolia’s growth, development and modernization, many challenges remain for both the government and civil society. As a local UNDP representative, what are your perspectives and assessment on some of the UN projects that have been successfully implemented in Mongolia?

Thank you for this opportunity to discuss UNDP’s work in Mongolia. For the past fifty years, UNDP has been a trusted partner, working closely with government to build a more just, equal and inclusive society. Our formal agreement with Mongolia dates back to 1976, but our partnership began even earlier. We look forward to celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2026. During this time, UNDP has played a crucial role in supporting Mongolia’s democratic transition, the shift to a market economy and now the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

UNDP’s key contributions include the development of the key pillars of a market economy, as well as democracy and accountability. For example, UNDP played a role in the establishment of Khas Bank, now one of Mongolia’s most important commercial banks. Or the creation of the Gobi Cashmere factory, then an emerging private company for the most important Mongolian raw material and now the leading cashmere company in the world.

We are also proud of our role in establishing the core institutions to protect human rights and the integrity and accountability of the public service – the National Human Rights Commission and the Independent Authority against Corruption. Likewise, UNDP helped establish the National Emergency Management Agency, the foundation for a more resilient Mongolia.

In January you wrote a piece titled “Mongolia’s Clean Energy Transition: A Path to Sustainable and Inclusive Development.” You emphasized that the government of Mongolia is being targeted, “as set out in the State energy policy 2015-2030 aims for a renewable energy share of 20 percent in 2023 and 30 percent in 2030 of the installed capacity.” What are some steps that Mongolia can and should take to overcome the challenges you mentioned in the article, such as “lack of infrastructure such as access roads, transmission and electricity networks, and the investments”?

Clean and renewable energy is the path to a sustainable future for Mongolia and the world. Indeed, Mongolia has several challenges that need to be addressed to successfully embrace the renewable energy transition, and there are several critical steps that are important.

In other cases, for example, we see how crucial it is to modernize the existing energy system and infrastructure, such as transmission networks and access roads, as these are essential to support renewable energy projects.

Phasing out coal-based energy production requires investments in renewable energy. Regulatory reforms are usually used for that purpose, to encourage investment in renewable energy.

It is crucial to avoid any negative socio-economic consequences of the transition to renewable energy. For these purposes, tailor-made social protection for affected vulnerable groups can be a very effective tool. A change in behavior – both in government policy and in public attitudes – towards clean energy will also play a crucial role.

Finally, securing the necessary sustainable financing for these efforts is critical to making Mongolia’s sustainable energy vision a reality.

Which UNDP projects or initiatives are helping Mongolia meet these challenges? Can you tell us more about the National Human Development Paper 2024 that was recently published?

Thanks for this question. Currently, UNDP is supporting Mongolia in overcoming some of the challenges of the renewable energy transition.

First of all, we recently got the National Human Development Document 2024which provides comprehensive policy recommendations for the implementation of a just energy transition, ensuring that such a transition is both sustainable and inclusive. We hope to provide good analysis and offer options and ideas for policy making. We plan to use this document as a basis for further support to Mongolia in effectively preparing a policy framework for a just energy transition.

In addition, we support addressing some of the burning issues, such as the use of coal-based heating, which is a major cause of extreme air pollution in Mongolia. In the ger districts of the cities of Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan, we are testing renewable energy-based heating solutions as a way to combat air pollution, support livelihoods and provide solutions for the larger transition. This intervention also introduces a climate finance mechanism through carbon credit trading, laying the foundation for a national carbon market.

We recently signed and agreed an MOU with the Ministry of Finance to deepen support and joint work on innovative financing instruments and leverage both public and private financing for key development issues, including the clean energy transition.

Gender equality has become an increasingly important issue in Mongolian society. Given Mongolia’s small population, the gender gap could be a major problem for the workforce, human resources and human capital. What are some of the key UNDP projects empowering women and girls and can you describe the results?

When we look at the world and Mongolia, one fundamental problem is the same for everyone. Women make up half, if not more than half, of the population. But women still face an uphill battle in securing equality, which reflects this fact.

UNDP is actively working to address this challenge, both globally and in Mongolia. One of our most recent milestones took place during this year’s general election. With the support of our close partner KOICA [the Korea International Cooperation Agency]Through effective advocacy, capacity building and strong partnership and engagement, we provided crucial support in the revision of two crucial laws: the Parliamentary Elections Act and the Political Parties Act. The new laws embraced a 30 percent gender quota for the 2024 elections, rising to 40 percent in 2028. These groundbreaking changes, along with measures such as zip lists and fee waivers, are breaking down barriers for women in politics, allowing more women to hold seats to get. at decision-making tables.

Accordingly, Mongolia’s representation of women in parliament reached a record 25.4 percent for the first time, moving Mongolia up 35 places in the global rankings and surpassing the regional average. This is a great achievement, but the road to full realization of equality remains long.

UNDP’s Gender Social Norms Index 2023 shows that 97 percent of Mongolians still harbor at least one gender-based bias against women, believing men make better political leaders. This highlights the deeply entrenched cultural and patriarchal norms that continue to limit women’s full participation in economic and political life – an area where we must continue to advocate to create more inclusive opportunities for all.

Research has shown that Mongolia’s rivers, lakes and waterbeds have shrunk – not to mention that Mongolia is a landlocked country. Are there UNDP projects helping Mongolia protect its water resources?

You’re absolutely right. Water scarcity is a growing problem in Mongolia, especially in rural areas, while it is part of the ecosystem vital to rural livelihoods. Overgrazing and climate change have led to 77 percent of Mongolia’s land being degraded by 2021. Economic policies that prioritized mining and other factors have contributed to the drying up of rivers and springs. As rivers and streams dry up, herders turn to groundwater sources, which is not sustainable, making these initiatives to protect springs and streams vital. Sustainable water management, together with reforestation and riparian restoration, has been proven to improve water quality, flow, biodiversity and groundwater resources.

In UNDP we are addressing this issue as part of our support for sustainable livestock-based livelihoods. We support measures to preserve water ecosystems for the benefit of people and nature, for example by protecting natural resources, constructing and repairing wells, and installing small-scale water collection systems.

The positive consequences are already clear: pastoralists see improved water availability, healthier pastures and a future where their nomadic way of life can continue in harmony with nature. Equally important, we see evidence that water supplies for wildlife have also increased and biodiversity has been protected.

For many, Mongolia is a land of nomads, horses and sheep. What are some things you experienced in Mongolia that make your appointment here unique? And what do you most hope to achieve during your time in Mongolia?

Thank you very much for the question. One of the most memorable moments I had in Mongolia was when I held a baby goat in my arms for the first time during my visit to Khovd province. I was always a little uncomfortable around animals, but at that moment something changed. As I overcame that fear, I felt a unique connection, not only with the animal, but also with the deep traditions of this land – a place where people and nature coexist in such a special way.

What is also striking is Mongolia’s vibrant, dynamic youth. Their energy and untapped potential fill me with hope and inspiration for the future of this beautiful country.

During my term here, I hope to contribute to Mongolia so that the country can use its current political and development momentum and ambition, but also maneuver through the uncertainties and global risks, to progress economically in a way that addresses all current and benefit future generations. building a future where both people and nature thrive. That means making progress in line with Vision 2050 and progressing towards the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that no one is left behind.