Ulaanbaatar
Chairwoman of the Standing Committee on Social Policy Meets ADB Country Director for Mongolia
Society
Ulaanbaatar, April 25, 2025 /MONTSAME/. Chairwoman of the Standing Committee on Social Policy of the State Great Khural (Parliament) of Mongolia Enkhnasan Lutaa met with Country Director for Mongolia at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Shannon Cowlin on April 24, 2025. The meeting focused on the ADB’s vision, future plans, and strategic initiatives in the sectors of health, social development, and education.
Chairwoman Enkhnasan expressed appreciation for ADB’s contributions to regional development, its support during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mongolia. The Chairwoman then provided a comprehensive overview of upcoming initiatives focused on enhancing Family Support, strengthening Social Welfare programs, advancing pension reform, and developing legal frameworks aimed at promoting inclusivity for people with disabilities. The Chairwoman further emphasized the need to address issues such as medical professional accountability, the connection of blood and organ donation systems, and regulatory improvements for schools and online environment, and emphasized the need to strengthen public health, improve the Human Development Index, and particularly promote healthy lifestyles among youth and support the mental well-being of men.
Country Director Shannon Cowlin affirmed ADB’s commitment to enhancing Mongolia’s social protection systems, with a strong focus on the education sector. The director stated that ADB will continue efforts to alleviate poverty, support anti-poverty initiatives, and manage employment opportunities for the elderly. The Country Director stated increased attention to policy development in the education and health sectors and expressed support for the implementation of the Law on Public Health and related legal frameworks. Ms. Shannon Cowlin also introduced plans to enhance the healthcare system by expanding the model hospital construction in the Songinokhairkhan district to other districts, aiming to establish a network of Joint Hospitals.
ADB’s previous Country Partnership Strategy for Mongolia
concluded in 2024, with a new strategy for 2025–2028 set to be approved in May
2025. Chairwoman Enkhnasan noted that the Standing Committee on Social Policy
and ADB will continue close collaboration, particularly in advancing
comprehensive research focused on environmental enhancements that support Child
Welfare.
