Background

The project aims to assist the Government of Mongolia in realization of its commitment to foster democratic governance and strengthen human rights as reflected in the Millennium Development Goal Nine (MDG-9). In particular, it will develop specific target indicators, institutionalize monitoring mechanisms to track its progress, and define specific MDG-9 related interventions. Development experts identified the missing link of governance in achieving the other eight MDGs; Mongolia’s nationally adopted MDG-9 is anticipated to reflect the achievement of the other MDGs, directly benefiting the poor and marginalized.

The project will largely build upon previous efforts made in ICNRD-5 Follow-up project, which consists of three main developments: Democratic Governance Indicators (DGIs), which adopted and customized the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) Democracy Assessment Framework, Country Information Note, and the National Plan of Action to Consolidate Democracy in Mongolia. Additional project outputs consist of a Desk Study on the State of Democracy in Mongolia, Comparative Desk Study on the State of Democracy in Central Asia and Mongolia, Urban Governance Index (UGI), and the Civil Society Index (CSI). Using the four main democratic themes of the IDEA framework, 117 core indicators, which measured common values of democratic governance, and 14 satellite indicators, which assessed national characteristics of democratic governance were formulated in the DGI exercise. These will be further refined and used to measure the progress of Mongolia towards the targets set under MDG-9. The project will also facilitate policy dialogue on democratic governance issues through the involvement of the civil society and establishment of a two-way communication between the citizens and the government.

Project Strategy

The most important aim of the project is to create, strengthen and sustain a monitoring and reporting system on the implementation of MDG-9. The project will build on the lessons learned and the existing capacity of national researchers built upon the ICNRD experience. To effectively utilize DGIs for the MDG-9 framework, the project will assist in streamlining DGIs into a manageable set of indicators and seek to get formal approval by the Government of Mongolia. The methodology for data gathering will be refined, and data collection will be institutionalized with the National Statistical Office.

The project strategy is to systematically integrate MDG-9 among all stakeholders, creating a strong network of government officials, foreign aid workers, civil society members, and citizens. Through this network, MDG-9 related interventions will be administered, especially reflecting the needs and concerns of the poor and marginalized. Participatory and accountable monitoring mechanism will ensure its sustainability.

Project Objective

The main objective of the project is to create, strengthen, and sustain a monitoring and reporting system on the implementation of MDG-9. The following are the intended project outcomes.

Outcome 1: DGIs institutionalized and used as a tool for measuring the progress of MDG-9 leading to relevant policy reforms
The DGIs were reviewed and the project drafted specific target indicators and methodologies for data gathering based on the selected indicators. The project researchers are actively corresponding with international consultancy and have attended and have forthcoming plans to attend international conferences, workshops, and seminars on governance. National consultations with the Parliament and NSO on DGIs and methodology are ongoing and will be formally approved by the Government of Mongolia, which will lead to policy reforms in time.

Outcome 2: The capacities of the government, NSO and CSOs to implement and monitor MDG-9 strengthened
Through analyzing MDG-9 relevance to the other eight MDGs, the project will identify key MDG-9 interventions that will comprehensively work to improve the achievement of the other eight MDGs. The main output is to define a system of interventions among government, NSO and CSOs in order to achieve MDG-9. Through the establishment of the system, coordinated MDG-9 interventions will be implemented and subsequently monitored.

Outcome 3: The level of commitment of all actors to achieving MDG-9 increased and consensus built over issues of public concern
This will mainly focus on institutionalizing a monitoring and reporting system on the implementation of MDG-9. The project will identify relevant actors as data sources and facilitate data generation with NSO. Through the establishment of this monitoring and reporting system, the project will assist regional and local level governments incorporate MDG-9 findings in local policy making and improve its reporting to citizens. In addition, MDG-9 findings will be published in the National MDG report, thus increasing public awareness.

Outcome 4: Mongolian people’s awareness and knowledge about democratic governance issues increased
A nationwide dialogue on MDG-9 related issues and democracy assessment results will be facilitated through implementing several outreach strategies such as conducting public forums, using media outlets, and organizing discussions among different stakeholders on MDG-9 related topics.

Outcome 5: Access to information by all, including women and the poor increased
Publications will be disseminated and workshops will be conducted targeting the women and the poor, the most disadvantaged group that suffers from poor governance. Through this educational campaign, knowledge of their rights and available public services will increase.