In 2001, Mongolia had a severe natural disaster known as dzud, and the Mongolian government asked Switzerland for assistance. We came here and supported Mongolian herders, providing monetary assistance to buy new livestock and fodder. This was a difficult time, and without aid, many herders would have had to migrate to Ulaanbaatar and leave their herder lifestyles.
SDC decided to open an office in Mongolia in 2004, and humanitarian aid eventually shifted to bilateral development relations. SDC had excellent results from collaborating with partners at all levels, from citizens and NGOs to the government. We have cooperated at the micro level with civil society organizations and NGOs, at the meso level with local governments, and at the macro level with the national government.
The seeds SDC planted in 2004, with projects in education, governance, democracy, air pollution, agriculture, food security, and more, grew into strong trees. Because we worked at all levels, these trees bore good fruit that we can harvest today and in the future. SDC is sure this journey will continue beyond the SDC office’s time here.
SDC has had remarkable results in the governance domain. One of the most successfully implemented major projects was the One-Stop Service Center, which was developed and introduced with Swiss knowledge. This initiative evolved into Mongolia's premier integrated government services centre, streamlining access to over 450 government services for citizens and legal entities, delivered efficiently and without delay. Today, One-Stop Service Centers are all over the country, a good practice fully managed by the government and part of the running budgets of the provinces.
Another longstanding project was the Green Gold Animal Health project, which had the longest duration and delivered commendable outcomes. The sustainable management of Mongolia’s grasslands promoted development and increased the income of over 90,000 herder households. This initiative also rejuvenated 20 million hectares of pasture and established a system to trace the origin and enhance the quality of animal products like yak hide and fur, elevating their market value. Collaborations with entities like The Hu and Hunnu Brand leveraged traceable yak leather to create merchandise with assured Mongolian origin, fetching premium prices due to its provenance and sustainability.
Besides working with herders and improving livelihoods, SDC decided to work with smallholder farmers. Studies showed that Mongolia no longer produced enough potatoes in 2004. SDC decided to work with farmers, research centres, and the Ministry of Agriculture to introduce high-quality potato seeds adapted to Mongolia’s unique climate. This project was so successful that, later on, SDC decided to extend this approach and included the production of other vegetables. Together, all the different partners achieved significant milestones for food security in Mongolia. Mongolia now meets its demand for staple crops domestically and produces nearly all its main vegetable seeds locally. Moreover, around 70 percent of the country's vegetable requirements are met through domestic production, reducing dependence on imports and fortifying food security.
Our success in achieving project goals is rooted in our collaboration with the Government of Mongolia at the macro level. Projects like the Strengthening Representative Bodies in Mongolia initiative and partnerships with the State Great Khural (Parliament), for example, have strengthened parliamentary oversight to government oversight. Looking ahead, the SDC's future in Mongolia is focused on supporting democratic processes and advancing good governance practices. We are committed to continuing our assistance to the Mongolian government, including our ongoing support for the parliamentary service project, which has proven successful and led to a renewed contract with the State Great Khural. Despite closing the SDC office and officially marking the end of project engagement, the positive outcomes in Mongolia have garnered continued support from the Swiss Parliament. This commitment was reaffirmed with a new agreement signed in May 2024, highlighting the enduring partnership between the Swiss and Mongolian parliaments.
In collaboration with the Bank of Mongolia, SDC launched a project to support artisanal miners. These miners often used child labor and environmentally harmful methods and lacked legal and social benefits. We introduced eco-friendly methodologies, discouraged child labor, and helped establish a mining association. Today, with support from the SDC and the Mongolian government, artisanal mining is legally recognized, providing miners with social benefits and eco-friendly techniques, enabling them to access the fair-trade gold market.
We also worked with the Bank of Mongolia to set up decentralized gold assaying and purchasing centres, known as the One-Stop Service Centers, in Darkhan and Bayankhongor provinces. These centres are where miners can melt, assay, and sell their gold. This system simplifies the sales process, ensures transparency, and reduces risks for miners. It's a win-win: legalizing gold sales for miners and cutting off illegal trade for the central bank.
Today, Mongolia is a leading country in terms of democratic principles, protecting human rights, and good practices in the rule of law. Switzerland has partnered with the Mongolian people over the last 20 years, and over 297 million USD has been allocated to implement more than 350 small and big projects in Mongolia. SDC is very glad that with financial support—even more so with the ongoing exchange of knowledge—we could be part of the ongoing efforts of Mongolian women and men for the betterment of future generations and a peaceful world.
SDC is proud to say that we were able to contribute to people, the country’s sustainable development in many different sectors, and improve the livelihoods and quality of life of the Mongolian people.
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