Ulaanbaatar/MONTSAME/. The Covid-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented burden on Mongolia’s economy, especially, on small and medium enterprises and labour-intensive sectors. Furthermore, the pandemic could undermine Mongolia’s efforts towards achieving the SDGs and with diverse impact on vulnerable groups including youth, persons with disabilities and women.

During this critical time, the technical assistance project to the European Union Budget Support of Euro 50.8 Million was launched in December 2020. “SDG-aligned Budgeting to Transform Employment in Mongolia” project aims to support efficient, accountable, and responsive delivery of public services in the Labour and Employment sector and the strengthening of the Public Finance Management systems to accelerate the results oriented, evidence-based policies and planning and supporting institutional capacities of the system. 

The project is implemented by UNDP Mongolia in partnership with UN Food and Agriculture Organization and the International Labour Organization with a duration of 3.5 years. The project activities will be closely aligned to support the strategic plans of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry.

Today, March 30, the Steering Committee co-chaired by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the European Union, and UNDP and representatives of the key agencies and organizations of the Government of Mongolia launched the first meeting virtually to review and endorse the 2021 Annual Work Plan.

“One of the key priorities for the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection is to shift from welfare to labour. We are pleased that the project’s outputs are aligned with this priority. Specially, promoting youth employment through vocational education is critical. The project’s aim to support the employment of vulnerable groups including people with disabilities and women are aligned with the SDG 10 which focuses on reducing inequality. I am pleased to co-chair Project Steering Committee meeting today” said Her Excellency Ms. Ariunzaya Ayush, Minister of Labour and Social Protection during her opening remarks. 

His Excellency Mr. Traian Hristea, EU Ambassador to Mongolia, highlighted that “The European Union stands ready to continuously support Mongolia in those difficult times of the pandemic. We are looking forward to our enhanced policy dialogue and minimizing the financing gaps of the reforms through a strong and coordinated partnership. I wish all the partners to have the energy and enthusiasm to successfully implement this project.”

“Intersectoral cooperation and coordination of all participating institutions specified in the project implementation plan are critical for the project’s success due to its complexity and nature of the reforms expected. As a trusted partner and development solutions facilitator in Mongolia, UNDP remains committed to work with all of our partners to ensure successful implementation of the project” stated UNDP Resident Representative Elaine Conkievich. 

Source: undp.org