The Asia Foundation

51 Signatories agree to a Definition of Responsible Mining that will advance national objectives for the benefit of all Mongolians On April 4th, 51 signatories representing the public, private and non-governmental sectors met at the fourth...

51 Signatories agree to a Definition of Responsible Mining that will advance national objectives for the benefit of all Mongolians On April 4th, 51 signatories representing the public, private and non-governmental sectors met at the fourth Multi-stakeholder meeting and pledged support for a definition of Responsible Mining and eight underlying principles. The definition and principles establish a foundation for future collaboration and cooperation that engages diverse interests in a process that will advance national objectives. The process by which the definition and principles were developed was spearheaded by a working group comprising government, private and non-governmental sector representatives that began meeting in late 2006 following the first of the Multi-stakeholder meetings.              

In 2005, The Asia Foundation, in partnership with Center for Human Rights and Development, began to define the origins of trafficking by documenting a series of trafficking case studies through interviews with victims of trafficking and human...

In 2005, The Asia Foundation, in partnership with Center for Human Rights and Development, began to define the origins of trafficking by documenting a series of trafficking case studies through interviews with victims of trafficking and human rights lawyers and law enforcement officials. The Foundation is now developing an anti-trafficking benchmarking tool to identify the incidence of trafficking within, to, and from Mongolia. The first benchmarking study will be completed by August 2006.

In 2005, The Asia Foundation, in partnership with Center for Human Rights and Development, began to define the origins of trafficking by documenting a series of trafficking case studies through interviews with victims of trafficking and human...

In 2005, The Asia Foundation, in partnership with Center for Human Rights and Development, began to define the origins of trafficking by documenting a series of trafficking case studies through interviews with victims of trafficking and human rights lawyers and law enforcement officials. The Foundation is now developing an anti-trafficking benchmarking tool to identify the incidence of trafficking within, to, and from Mongolia. The first benchmarking study will be completed by August 2006.

A key threat to Mongolia’s economic growth and democratic governance is corruption. As mineral wealth accrues and the government works to regulate the industry, the potential for corruption increases. Corruption is pervasive in...

A key threat to Mongolia’s economic growth and democratic governance is corruption. As mineral wealth accrues and the government works to regulate the industry, the potential for corruption increases. Corruption is pervasive in Mongolia. A rapid transition to democracy and a market economy created huge demands on a bureaucracy that lacks the resources and checks,and balances to prevent corruption.

In Mongolia, trafficking in persons for commercial and sexual exploitation is on the rise, though relatively few cases have been tried, and fewer perpetrators convicted. Law enforcement and judicial officials face daunting challenges in...

In Mongolia, trafficking in persons for commercial and sexual exploitation is on the rise, though relatively few cases have been tried, and fewer perpetrators convicted. Law enforcement and judicial officials face daunting challenges in their efforts to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate human trafficking cases. Though Mongolian anti-trafficking statutes were significantly strengthened in early 2008, weaknesses remain in the interpretation and implementation of the legal code.

The Asia Foundation has been at the forefront of addressing human trafficking issues in Mongolia since 2002. In May 2009, the Foundation was awarded a two-year program to reduce and deter human trafficking, from and within Mongolia, through...

The Asia Foundation has been at the forefront of addressing human trafficking issues in Mongolia since 2002. In May 2009, the Foundation was awarded a two-year program to reduce and deter human trafficking, from and within Mongolia, through improved investigation, prosecution, and prevention.

The Books for Asia program provides U.S-published English-language educational and reference materials, such as books, software, and other educational supplements on a wide variety of subjects. These educational materials are provided to...

The Books for Asia program provides U.S-published English-language educational and reference materials, such as books, software, and other educational supplements on a wide variety of subjects. These educational materials are provided to schools, libraries, and non-profit research centers in Mongolia. The program encourages the free exchange of ideas by supplying materials in all fields of knowledge, thereby strengthening institutional resources for education and research.

The Asia Foundation's Books for Asia program distributes books and other reading materials for all educational levels to 18 Asian countries. Since its inception in 1954, Books for Asia has provided nearly 45 million books and journals to...

The Asia Foundation's Books for Asia program distributes books and other reading materials for all educational levels to 18 Asian countries. Since its inception in 1954, Books for Asia has provided nearly 45 million books and journals to more than 50,000 academic and non-academic institutions throughout Asia. In Mongolia, the Books for Asia program has donated more than 700,000 English-language books to Mongolian high school libraries, public libraries, university and college libraries, and government and non-governmental organizations throughout Mongolia.

The Asia Foundation’s Books for Asia program provides quality English-language educational and reference materials on a wide variety of subjects to schools, libraries, and non-profit research centers throughout Mongolia.  ...

The Asia Foundation’s Books for Asia program provides quality English-language educational and reference materials on a wide variety of subjects to schools, libraries, and non-profit research centers throughout Mongolia.  Khishig-Undur School is located in Bulgan Aimag (Province), Khishig-Undur Soum (Village) 318 kilometers northwest of Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia. Khishig-Undur School has received books from Books for Asia in 1997, 1999 and in 2007. Since 1998, the school has received the top awards for its students studying English language for Bulgan Aimag.

On March 31, 2006, The Asia Foundation donated 1200 English language text books, on various subjects, for adults and children, to 30 rural (soum level) public libraries throughout Mongolia. This moving event gave librarians, some from remote...

On March 31, 2006, The Asia Foundation donated 1200 English language text books, on various subjects, for adults and children, to 30 rural (soum level) public libraries throughout Mongolia. This moving event gave librarians, some from remote rural areas, the opportunity to directly receive the donation on their communities’ behalf. “I want to thank The Asia Foundation for donating these books, which will be useful to a variety of people in our community and will enrich their knowledge of English and the U.S.” said Dulamsuren from Sukhbaatar Province in Mongolia. “I have been a librarian for 33 years and these are the first English-language books that our library has received, thank you!”

Mongolian language version

On March 31, 2006, The Asia Foundation donated 1200 English language text books, on various subjects, for adults and children, to 30 rural (soum level) public libraries throughout Mongolia. This moving event...

Mongolian language version

On March 31, 2006, The Asia Foundation donated 1200 English language text books, on various subjects, for adults and children, to 30 rural (soum level) public libraries throughout Mongolia. This moving event gave librarians, some from remote rural areas, the opportunity to directly receive the donation on their communities’ behalf. “I want to thank The Asia Foundation for donating these books, which will be useful to a variety of people in our community and will enrich their knowledge of English and the U.S.” said Dulamsuren from Sukhbaatar Province in Mongolia. “I have been a librarian for 33 years and these are the first English-language books that our library has received, thank you!”

The Asia Foundation, the Mongolia Women’s Farmer Association (MWFA), local officials and citizens of the Bayanzurkh District inaugurated a poultry and vegetable farming training center on August 3rd. The center seeks to increase...

The Asia Foundation, the Mongolia Women’s Farmer Association (MWFA), local officials and citizens of the Bayanzurkh District inaugurated a poultry and vegetable farming training center on August 3rd. The center seeks to increase household incomes in this Ulaanbaatar district, and in surrounding communities.

On March 21st “The Pulse” premiered on C1 television with host Gerelt-Od as moderator. In conjunction with C1 TV, the Mongolia Anti-corruption Support Project will broadcast weekly updates based upon information recruited from the...

On March 21st “The Pulse” premiered on C1 television with host Gerelt-Od as moderator. In conjunction with C1 TV, the Mongolia Anti-corruption Support Project will broadcast weekly updates based upon information recruited from the 10 telephone hotlines that have been established in aimag centers and in Ulaanbaatar.

CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT PROVES EFFECTIVE IN PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE MINING Uguumur township in Toson Zaamar, the northwest corner of Tov province, hums with mining activity from dusk to dawn. Mining affects nearly everyone’s life in this...

CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT PROVES EFFECTIVE IN PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE MINING Uguumur township in Toson Zaamar, the northwest corner of Tov province, hums with mining activity from dusk to dawn. Mining affects nearly everyone’s life in this township, given that 80 percent of the 8,300 hectares of the territory has been licensed for exploration or extraction. In this village of about 3,300 people, 18 companies mainly owned by Mongolian, Russian and Chinese interests, actively mine placer gold deposits. This includes five major operations along the banks of the Tuul River, which is a shared water source for mining, town residents, and herders who depend upon the Tuul for watering their livestock.

Providing citizens access to economic information, which is relevant to decisionmaking that affects their lives, will yield better and more representative policy, and will underscore other government goals associated with transparency and good...

Providing citizens access to economic information, which is relevant to decisionmaking that affects their lives, will yield better and more representative policy, and will underscore other government goals associated with transparency and good governance. Through the USAID Economic Policy Reform and Competitiveness Project, The Asia Foundation is assisting the Government of Mongolia to communicate new economic policies to targeted groups and the public, in order to build a broad constituency that will fuel economic growth and job creation.

Mongolian version

Providing citizens access to economic information, which is relevant to decisionmaking that affects their lives, will yield better and more representative policy, and will underscore other government goals associated...

Mongolian version

Providing citizens access to economic information, which is relevant to decisionmaking that affects their lives, will yield better and more representative policy, and will underscore other government goals associated with transparency and good governance. Through the USAID Economic Policy Reform and Competitiveness Project, The Asia Foundation is assisting the Government of Mongolia to communicate new economic policies to targeted groups and the public, in order to build a broad constituency that will fuel economic growth and job creation.

The mining sector holds promise and potential for economic development and job creation in Mongolia. But mining also impacts social, environmental, and alternative economic values. The Asia Foundation is launching a major new programmatic...

The mining sector holds promise and potential for economic development and job creation in Mongolia. But mining also impacts social, environmental, and alternative economic values. The Asia Foundation is launching a major new programmatic thrust that will seek to advance mining in the national interest and mitigate its negative impacts.

The mining sector holds promise and potential for economic development and job creation in Mongolia. But mining also impacts social, environmental, and alternative economic values. The Asia Foundation is launching a major new programmatic...

The mining sector holds promise and potential for economic development and job creation in Mongolia. But mining also impacts social, environmental, and alternative economic values. The Asia Foundation is launching a major new programmatic thrust that will seek to advance mining in the national interest and mitigate its negative impacts.

Declaration for Responsible Mining Signed Members of government, mining companies, and civil society have formally committed to working on the implementation of responsible mining through signing a Declaration for Responsible Mining. The...

Declaration for Responsible Mining Signed Members of government, mining companies, and civil society have formally committed to working on the implementation of responsible mining through signing a Declaration for Responsible Mining. The Multi-Stakeholder Process for Responsible Mining held their fifth meeting on June 12, 2007, which was attended by 54 participants including six Members of Parliament. During this meeting. Sanjmyatav, Member of Parliament and Chair of the Environmental Standing Committee was introduced as the new co-chair, and the declaration was signed by 39 members of the group. The declaration remains open to additional signatories and parties wishing to commit to the implementation of responsible mining. This is particularly significant for Mongolia because minerals form an important economic sector representing an estimated 60% of exports in 2005, 17% of GDP growth in 2005, and 53% of foreign direct investment from 2000 to 2006 (World Bank).

Enkhjargal began working at the National Center Against Violence (NCAV) 10 years ago as a volunteer while finishing her law degree. Motivated by a traumatic childhood event and her mother’s strength, she became an outspoken advocate for...

Enkhjargal began working at the National Center Against Violence (NCAV) 10 years ago as a volunteer while finishing her law degree. Motivated by a traumatic childhood event and her mother’s strength, she became an outspoken advocate for peoples’ rights. And now, she is the driving force behind the NCAV, a human rights organization dedicated to protecting women and children against violence.

In Mongolian

Enkhjargal began working at the National Center Against Violence (NCAV) 10 years ago as a volunteer while finishing her law degree. Motivated by a traumatic childhood event and her mother’s strength, she became an...

In Mongolian

Enkhjargal began working at the National Center Against Violence (NCAV) 10 years ago as a volunteer while finishing her law degree. Motivated by a traumatic childhood event and her mother’s strength, she became an outspoken advocate for peoples’ rights. And now, she is the driving force behind the NCAV, a human rights organization dedicated to protecting women and children against violence.

On March 21, 2006 The Asia Foundation and the Ministry of Social Welfare and Labor organized a consultative meeting for government, NGO’s and donors over launching a new nationwide effort to fight trafficking in persons (TIPS). The...

On March 21, 2006 The Asia Foundation and the Ministry of Social Welfare and Labor organized a consultative meeting for government, NGO’s and donors over launching a new nationwide effort to fight trafficking in persons (TIPS). The meeting rallies government commitment to strengthen efforts to prevent TIPS by improving coordination between domestic and international Law enforcement agencies.

In Mongolian -

On March 21, 2006 The Asia Foundation and the Ministry of Social Welfare and Labor organized a consultative meeting for government, NGO’s and donors over launching a new nationwide effort to fight trafficking in...

In Mongolian -

On March 21, 2006 The Asia Foundation and the Ministry of Social Welfare and Labor organized a consultative meeting for government, NGO’s and donors over launching a new nationwide effort to fight trafficking in persons (TIPS). The meeting rallies government commitment to strengthen efforts to prevent TIPS by improving coordination between domestic and international Law enforcement agencies.

As mining grows in importance to Mongolia's economy, local communities and the environment will increasingly feel the impact. Effective government institutions and citizen participation in local resource decisions will be imperative. Since...

As mining grows in importance to Mongolia's economy, local communities and the environment will increasingly feel the impact. Effective government institutions and citizen participation in local resource decisions will be imperative. Since 2006, The Asia Foundation has promoted responsible mining in Mongolia by supporting collaboration between industry, government and civil society.

The Asia Foundation in Mongolia has been promoting, facilitating, and supporting responsible use of water and minerals for the long-term prosperity of all Mongolians. The Foundation’s approach is to inform, engage, and empower civil...

The Asia Foundation in Mongolia has been promoting, facilitating, and supporting responsible use of water and minerals for the long-term prosperity of all Mongolians. The Foundation’s approach is to inform, engage, and empower civil society to participate actively in decisionmaking that has direct consequences on communities, households, and individuals.

The Asia Foundation in Mongolia has been promoting, facilitating, and supporting responsible use of water and minerals for the long-term prosperity of all Mongolians. The Foundation’s approach is to inform, engage, and empower...

The Asia Foundation in Mongolia has been promoting, facilitating, and supporting responsible use of water and minerals for the long-term prosperity of all Mongolians. The Foundation’s approach is to inform, engage, and empower civil society to participate actively in decisionmaking that has direct consequences on communities, households, and individuals.

EXPERIENTIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION GETS ROLLING IN KHENTII In late April the “Securing Our Future” (SOF) program team traveled to Khentii aimag to identify partner schools and communities for the Water Quality Monitoring...

EXPERIENTIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION GETS ROLLING IN KHENTII In late April the “Securing Our Future” (SOF) program team traveled to Khentii aimag to identify partner schools and communities for the Water Quality Monitoring (WQM) program. Five soums were selected, including: Norovlin, Dadal, Bayan-Adarga, Binder and Batshireet. Selection of these five sets the stage for the WQM program to rollout over the summer in Khentii, Khuvsgul, Bayankhongor and other aimags. This activity will engage secondary school faculty and students in experiential education that will improve their knowledge of ecology, biology and basic water chemistry.

In March 2008 the fifth semi-annual corruption benchmarking survey was completed. The purpose of the survey is to better understand the scope and incidence of corruption at the household level in Mongolia. Findings and conclusions serve to...

In March 2008 the fifth semi-annual corruption benchmarking survey was completed. The purpose of the survey is to better understand the scope and incidence of corruption at the household level in Mongolia. Findings and conclusions serve to benchmark changes in experience, attitudes and perceptions over an extended period of time, and thereby contribute to better-informed policy-making, and the refinement of interventions and activities that inform and engage citizens as active participants in the effort to combat corruption in Mongolia.