Ulaanbaatar, 26 September 2024 – A local support programme, launched in May 2024 to enhance the capacity of civil servants in applying a results-based approach to development planning, budgeting, and reporting, concluded today with the presentation of key outcomes. In total 140 public officers from the Ulaanbaatar city Municipality and Governor’s Offices of 19 provinces participated in the programme. 

“Strengthening Local Capacity to Promote Result Based Management” support programme was co-organized by the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Economy and Development and the European Union funded “SDG aligned budgeting to transform employment in Mongolia” project, implemented by UNDP, ILO and FAO. 

As countries prioritize people-centered, sustainable development through results-based management, Mongolia is advancing fiscal discipline and resource efficiency through public financial management reforms. However, more work is needed to fully integrate results-based management, particularly in aligning policies with budgets to ensure transparency, participation, and stronger oversight. 

In line with this need, this five-month initiative supported the local public officers to apply results based approach to develop their local plans and budgets for 2025 and prepare their semi-annual budget performance reports for 2024. Following three rounds of selection and evaluation, the "RMB SB Team" from Sukhbaatar Province won first place, followed by the "Bulgan Team" from Bulgan Province, and "Borjigin Development" from Govisumber Province in third place. 

The programme beneficiary Ms. Ariunjargal D., Head of the Finance and Treasury Division at the Sukhbaatar Province Governor’s Office, shared the outcomes of the local support programme, stating, “The provincial annual budget is now fully aligned with local development priorities, ensuring consistency between policy and budget. Additionally, collaboration and commitment among local stakeholders in the planning, budgeting, and reporting processes have been strengthened, making their roles clearer”. 

Mr. Sanjaadorj M., Director of the Budget Policy and Planning Department at the Ministry of Finance in his closing remarks pointed out “This programme supports effective alignment of local budgets with regional development policies and sets important foundations for results based budget allocation, financing and reporting”. 

Her Excellency Ina Marciulionyte, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union to Mongolia, stated “Proactive involvement of local government actors demonstrates that the system-wide reforms introduced through the European Union assistance are not only being implemented but will be sustained and owned at both the central and local levels for many years to come.” 

Ms.Lin Cao, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Mongolia, highlighted the significance of applying and sustaining the results based management approach at local levels and expessed that “This is not a one-off intervention but rather the result of five months of rigorous work, commitment, and engagement from local governments. Their investment in more effective, result-oriented planning and budgeting has propelled local development practices to new heights.” 

About UNDP 

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. 

About European Union 

The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 European countries. It is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. It acts globally to promote sustainable development of societies, environment and economies, so that everyone can benefit. 

For further inquiries: 

Otgongerel Kh., SDGBE Project Communications Officer (otgongerel.khalzanbanid@undp.org) 

Tselmeg Ch., EU Delegation to Mongolia, Press and Information Officer (Tselmeg.chuluunbaatar@eeas.europa.eu)