Mongolia

Switzerland contributes to improved citizens’ participation, inclusion of the civil society in state policy and better access to public services. It also supports the vulnerable rural and peri-urban population with programmes related to agriculture and food security, as well as to labour markets through vocational skills development. Based on the international cooperation strategy 2021-2024, Switzerland will phase out its bilateral cooperation programme in Mongolia by 2024, after 20 years of successful collaboration.

After the breakdown of communism in late 1989, Mongolia has undergone social and economic changes with a successful transition to a democratic multiparty system and a market economy. The country’s progress in poverty reduction, fuelled by an unprecedented mining boom until 2013, has suffered a setback. As a result, poverty increased from 21.6% in 2014 to 29.6% in 2016. Nevertheless, Mongolia’s rich mineral resources provide it with a historic opportunity to lift itself into the ranks of industrialised countries within a generation, but such rapid development is also linked to socio-economic risks as it may challenge and question traditional ways of life, hierarchies and access to resources.

Agriculture and food security

Improving living conditions of small-scale farmers and herders

Switzerland, through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), contributes to improving living conditions for the rural and peri-urban vulnerable population by addressing issues such as productivity increase in crop and livestock production, improved access to markets and reducing risks, especially related to recurrent natural disasters. To protect rangeland and increase the livelihood of herders, SDC supported the establishment of 1,300 pasture-user groups (PUGs), representing more than 42,000 households. The PUGs introduce sustainable rangeland management practices, establish micro-credit schemes, create linkages with raw material processors and improve winter preparedness.

Agriculture and food security 

Vocational Education and Training

Better access to employment with vocational training

Switzerland is seeking to improve the employability of rural women and men with vocational training. SDC interventions contribute to improvements in the quality and image of vocational training in the country by training school management and teachers, updating the curricula of selected professions, and providing modern equipment and tools. More than 10 colleges and almost 11’000 students benefited of the collaboration. Through partnerships with the governing authorities and the private sector, vocational training is focused on the needs of the labour market. It mostly targets middle-aged herders and ex-herders who cannot enrol in formal education. In secondary education, the core curriculum was revised in line with the Education for Sustainable Development concept and applied to all 628 Mongolian schools by ministerial order.

Basic education and vocational training

Reform of the State, local governance and participation of the citizens

Supporting decentralisation efforts and civic participation

SDC contributes to improved access to and quality of public services at the local level, the strengthening of citizens’ participation in decision-making, and the improvement of the legal environment for local governance. Through the SDC’s projects, members of provincial and municipal governments acquire the skills necessary to take on new fiscal, political and administrative responsibilities. SDC contributed to the introduction of 45 One-Stop Shops (OSS) at the sub-national level, offering a series of public administrative services. The government established more than 150 OSS with their own funding. Thanks to the SDC’s projects in pilot mining sites, artisanal miners’ conditions have improved through the gradual formalisation of the sector. Artisanal mining activity is now legally recognised. Registered miners can benefit from social and public services. The average income increased by 67% between 2014 and 2016.

Advocacy and Good Governance

Gender

Gender is addressed in all the SDC’s projects throughout the three domains of activity. Equal access to assets and knowledge, and balanced participation in project processes and decision-making are supported. Moreover, a comprehensive intervention to fight gender-based and domestic violence started in 2016 addressing a key concern in Mongolia.

Gender equality

Approach and Partners

Mongolian, Swiss and international implementing partners, including governmental organisations at national and sub-national levels, UN organizations and International Financial Institutions, Civil Society Organisations and private sector entities. In terms of policy development and dialogue, Switzerland is committed to develop alliances and advocate for joint donor positions.

History of cooperation

Switzerland’s cooperation with Mongolia started in 2001, initially providing humanitarian aid for herders who had lost all or large parts of their animals due to extremely harsh weather conditions. In 2004, the humanitarian programme evolved into a development programme. According the Cooperation Strategy 2018-2021, Switzerland is active in three domains: Agriculture and Food Security, Basic Education and Vocational Training, and Good Governance. Based on the international cooperation strategy 2021-2024, Switzerland will phase out its bilateral cooperation programme in Mongolia by 2024. Switzerland will ensure a responsible phasing out and pay particular attention to maintain the results achieved so far.