Locations
Ulaanbaatar, 4 April 2025 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Mongolia, in collaboration with visiting researchers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), organized a multi-stakeholder dialogue on “Supporting Women in Mongolia’s Clean Energy Transition.”
The event featured preliminary findings from a joint research study exploring how digital and behavioral tools can empower women in Ulaanbaatar’s ger districts. The study was conducted with beneficiaries of UNDP’s project “Supporting Renewable Energy Transition in Ger Districts for Increased Livelihood Benefits,” which is implemented with the support of the Government of France, the Municipality of Ulaanbaatar, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, URECA LLC, and Ger Hub.
Given the gendered nature of energy usage, women are disproportionately affected by the negative consequences of coal-based energy, particularly in terms of health, safety, and economic opportunities. Despite this, they are frequently excluded from energy planning and decision-making processes.
The UNSW research team, led by Associate Professor Carmen Leong of the Digital Frontiers Research Lab, is working with UNDP Mongolia, URECA LLC, and GerHub to explore how digital interventions such as energy dashboards and online peer networks can address barriers to women’s participation in the renewable energy transition. Their research identifies environmental, individual, and identity-based factors that impact women's adoption of clean energy technologies.
“A just energy transition must be people-centered—and gender-informed,” said Matilda Dimovska, UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia. “This collaboration demonstrates that when women are empowered with information, community support, and the right tools, they become agents of change not only for their households and the community, but for Mongolia’s clean energy transition.”
“Australia is proud to support initiatives that amplify women’s voices and leadership in tackling climate challenges,” added Andrew Berryman, Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy. “This research reinforces the importance of inclusive, community-driven solutions to accelerate Mongolia’s shift to renewable energy.”
As the project advances to its next phase, the behavioral insights derived from the UNSW study will contribute to the expansion of UNDP’s Solar Facility project, implemented in collaboration with Chingeltei District, Ulaanbaatar. This will ensure that Mongolia’s clean energy transition is not only technologically robust but also socially inclusive and gender-responsive.
***
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 planet.
For further inquiries:
Erdenesukh Otgonbayar | Communications Analyst | UNDP in Mongolia | erdenesukh.otgonbayar@undp.org
