Your Excellency Speaker Amarbayasgalan, 

Madame Deputy Speaker Bulgan-tuya, 

Honorable Bat-Erdene, 

Ms. Jo Haeng Lan, 

Honorable Members of the Parliament, Distinguished Guests, Generations of women parliamentarians, ladies and gentlemen,

It is an honour to be here today, in the presence of generations of inspiring leaders and women parliamentarians of Mongolia. It is rather inspiring to see your commitment and dedication towards our shared value of improving gender equality in decision-making.

As Mongolia approaches the 100th anniversary of its First Constitution, in 2024 it has demonstrated its dedication to human rights and representative democracy by enacting significant structural reforms. 

2024 was truly a landmark year for gender equality in Mongolia. The 32 women Parliamentarians, a record high, are the proof of this great milestone. 

This is the result of the dedication, and efforts of many individuals—parliamentarians, political parties, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, scholars, researchers, and international development partners. 

It is also a pleasure to be here today with many of those who have has been integral to this important achievement. At the forefront is our close partner and donor, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), which has provided strong support in promoting gender equality and increasing women's participation and representation in decision-making. 

I congratulate to all who have contributed to this achievement.  

Distinguished Guests, 

Achieving gender equality in Parliament is not merely a matter of numbers or representation, nor is it confined to any particular gender. It is about cultivating a healthy democracy.

Gender equality in decision-making is not an end goal but a fundamental pillar for ensuring a thriving and sustainable future. 

Recognizing this, Mongolia has enacted legal reforms to enhance the representativeness of the Parliament. In a groundbreaking move, the Parliament became the first in Asia to conduct its own assessment of a "Human Rights and Gender-Sensitive Parliament."

This collective effort to build a society where every Mongolian citizen can equally and fairly exercise their right to vote and to be elected are driving this great progress. 

Progress is synonymous with development, and development knows no limits. 

Our task now is to build upon the historic milestones that have been achieved and take them to new levels, creating even more accessible and meaningful reforms.

To achieve this, it would be important to:

• Remain committed to the legal reforms that have been crafted together for the development of Mongolia,
• Maintain active participation and leadership,
• Strengthen our solidarity, inspiration, support, and
• Ensure that everyone, at all levels, has and commits to their best ability and efforts.

Honorable Parliamentarians, we have a good standing when hoping for these.

We stand on the shoulders of the revolutionary women who came before us—former women parliamentarians who, with courage and determination, broke barriers and laid the foundation for the progress we continue to build upon today. 

Their pioneering spirit is and will continue to inspire and empower future generations of leaders. As is with the momentum in Mongolia. 

This new Parliament, which has pledged to create a legal system founded on human rights and people-centered principles, is on a reform path under the leadership of the Honorable Speaker, with the support of political parties and leaders. Under such strong leadership and with such noble aims, this reform journey shall only strengthen.

We also have the women parliamentarians of this generation, who have embraced the challenging and responsible role of being the voice of the people, including the women and girls who make up 51% of Mongolia’s population. 

Having overcome systemic and societal challenges, you now stand as members of Parliament. This is a crucial moment to take on even greater initiative, becoming pioneers, leaders, and champions of reform.

Distinguished Guests, 

Just as Mongolia was a pioneer in Asia by incorporating gender equality into its First Constitution 100 years ago, it upholds these principles and values at both the national and local levels. 

Mongolia’s leadership in strengthening and continuing this reform agenda is commendable. 

UNDP remains committed to working with all stakeholders on this agenda and thus for the sustainable development of Mongolia. 

Together, we will strive for more milestones, historic progress, advancing equality, and creating a future where every citizen enjoys more equal opportunities and access.

Bayrlalaa | Thank you