Ulaanbaatar, 22 July 2026. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) today signed a Grant Arrangement to launch the second phase of their partnership to promote gender equality and inclusive governance in Mongolia. The four-year initiative, “Promotion of Gender Equality in Public Decision-Making and the Empowerment of Women and Youth in Mongolia – Phase II,” will run from 2026 to 2029 and will be implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Secretariat of the State Great Khural, government institutions, political parties, civil society, academia, and media stakeholders. 

While Mongolia has made progress in advancing gender equality and democratic governance, women and young people remain underrepresented in public decision-making and leadership. Building on the first phase, the project will help address the institutional, structural and social barriers that continue to limit their equal participation and representation.

“The achievements of the first phase were recognized at the highest level through the Joint Declaration on Strengthening the Strategic Partnership between Korea and Mongolia, signed during President Lee Jae Myung's recent state visit — a testament to how far this cooperation has come," said Jo Haeng-Lan, Country Director of KOICA Mongolia Office. "Building on this momentum, we hope the second phase will generate even greater impact by extending support to local governments and empowering more young people, while serving as a bridge that further strengthens the strategic partnership between the Republic of Korea and Mongolia through the sharing of Korea's democratic governance experience." 

The project will strengthen leadership capacities, support legal and policy reforms, promote gender-responsive practices in political parties, and increase public awareness of equal participation and representation. Particularly, the project will focus on strengthening women’s and youth leadership through training, mentorship, fellowships, grants and networks; supporting institutional and legal reforms that promote equal participation and representation; and building public support for women’s and youth leadership through campaigns, media partnerships, research and engagement with universities and civil society.

“Inclusive governance is strongest when women and young people are not only represented, but able to influence the decisions that shape their lives and communities,” said Matilda Dimovska, UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia. “Through this continued partnership with KOICA, UNDP will support Mongolia in removing barriers to equal participation and building public institutions and political processes that are more representative, responsive and accountable.” 

By 2029, the project is expected to contribute to Mongolia’s commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 on Gender Equality and SDG 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, as well as Vision 2050.

About KOICA 

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is the Republic of Korea's official development cooperation agency, supporting sustainable development and strengthening partnerships around the world through development assistance, technical cooperation, and capacity-building initiatives. 

About UNDP 

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations' lead agency on international development. UNDP works in more than 170 countries and territories to help eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, build resilience, and support sustainable development for people and the planet.

Published Date:2026-07-23