Erkhem Shadar Said Dorjkhand 

Excellencies, Esteemed Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Ugluunii mend | Good morning 

My gratitude to all of you for being here today at the launch of the 2024 National Human Development Paper for Mongolia. 

My heartfelt thanks to all our partners, consultants, and technical committee members whose contributions helped shape this paper, ensuring that its insights and recommendations are on point. 

Special gratitude to the team that stands behind the report, the UNDP economist Yasin Janjua, and a number of other experts, including Ms. Bushra Ferdous Khan. And acknowledgment to my predecessor, Elaine Conkievich, who initiated this work.

Back in 1990, UNDP introduced the concept of Human Development, as an alternative ambition for development, reflective of the richness and different dimensions of human life, not just economic growth. 

For that reason, the Human Development Index was created - to measure a nation’s longevity, education, and income! In nearly 190 countries and territories, as well as global and regional averages.

This simple and powerful call for Human Development is what we in UNDP work on and prioritize in our development effort. This is what is in our DNA, and what UNDP strives to achieve through our work and with this paper. 

The paper we are to launch is the seventh edition of National Human Development documents for Mongolia. The first was published in 1997 and the last one in 2016. The one we launch today is the first Paper. 

As of 2023, the Human Development Index (HDI) ranks Mongolia 96th out of 193 countries, with a value of 0.741—a significant improvement of 28% since 1990. 

But, as in many countries, recent years have seen a stagnation in human development. The HDI has struggled to recover from recent declines since 2016. 

Inequalities persist (particularly the income) as well as the social norms of gender bias, poverty rate remains high at 27.1% as of 2022.

When the pressure that the current development model to the planet is accounted for - into the Planetary Pressure Adjusted HDI - the gap is very wide, among the widest in the region. The loss in the human development index for Mongolia when adjusted for CO2 emissions is 17%. With all the costs that come with it!

This paper starts from that point and reflects on the current global circumstances and trends – of unmet aspirations, heightened human insecurity, and a more turbulent future as outlined in our Regional Human Development Report of 2024. 

The report spotlights key interacting risks (existential threats stemming from climate change and pandemics, geopolitical tensions and disruptions to established drivers of growth and job creation, and the threats to the momentum of change from democratic backsliding, rising populism, and polarization.

It, therefore, argues that proactive approaches to the turbulent times are needed, and particularly: 

To more closely integrate Human development into the core decision-making, and 

Future generations' needs are protected, meaning urgent transition towards carbon-neutral and climate-resilient development.

To do so, there is a need to recalibrate growth strategies, so that countries can unlock new drivers of growth and job creation that stimulate positive upward spirals of opportunity, prosperity, and security.

The paper we are launching today is about Mongolia and in essence exactly about these I mentioned – the need to transition to a carbon-neutral development trajectory and the potential of this process to spiral new opportunities, prosperity, and security for its people. 

It comes at a time when the COP29 just started in Baku, aimed where the world will hopefully open new opportunities to accelerate action to tackle the defining issue of our time – the climate crisis. Energy lies at the heart of it, and the Paris Agreement. 

It also comes at a time when Mongolia faces critical choices about its energy future and pending reforms, with obvious significant implications of Mongolia’s reliance on coal-based energy systems for its human development, from health to education, livelihoods, and social equality.  

But it also argues that making the critical choice to move from a fossil fuel to a clean energy system can be an opportunity. A Just Energy Transition (JET) can not only address the carbon emission challenges but also unlock new avenues for growth, resilience, and equity.

In the case of Mongolia, a Just Energy Transition is more than an environmental strategy—it is a human development imperative. 

By shifting to renewable energy sources and building a green economy, Mongolia can create new jobs, improve health outcomes, and reduce social inequalities, all while safeguarding the environment for future generations.

However, as the paper emphasizes, this transition must be fair. While we move away from fossil fuels, we must ensure that those who are currently dependent on the coal-driven economy—especially women, youth, and vulnerable groups—are not left behind.

The transition must create opportunities for all and provide access to new skills and decent work for those affected by these shifts.

In sum - Just Energy Transition offers a path to reversing these trends by fostering inclusive growth and addressing inequalities—essential elements of a sustainable development.

The recommendations in this paper offer steps for ensuring that Mongolia’s energy future is sustainable and inclusive. By focusing on regulatory reforms, international cooperation, and empowering communities, this transition can work for everyone.

But the leap from strategy to action, will also require a shift in mindset among leaders and communities, as well as stronger institutions for implementation.

In other words, a future-fit governance and leadership is needed, such that can anticipate challenges, adapt to change, and respond with agility.

Finally, human development progress and just energy transition cannot be achieved through economic growth alone. Nor will it be achieved by any single entity or organization.

This is not a task for the government alone. The success of this transition depends on all of us—government, development partners, private sector, civil society, and individuals. 

I close by reaffirming UNDP’s commitment to supporting Mongolia in this endeavor, working side by side to ensure a future that is both sustainable and just.

Bayrlalaa | Thank you.