ULAANBAATAR, 10 April 2023:  Globally renowned experts and researchers from the United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, Thailand, Latvia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as representatives of political parties, civil society and media are participating in the two-day international forum "THE PLEDGE FOR EQUAL REPRESENTATION IN DECISION-MAKING" on the importance of political party leadership for gender- equality and legislative reform for gender equality in decision-making sharing insights and knowledge within the framework of increasing women's representation in decision-making in Mongolia in the areas of improving legal environment, strengthening support mechanisms, enhancing the role of political parties and their leadership. 

"We need a concerted effort of all stakeholders, to accelerate Mongolia’s progress towards gender equality so that women are equally represented in decision making positions. No society can develop and prosper – economically, politically, or socially – when over half of its population, in this case women, are not actively engaged in decision making and are not able to fulfil their full potential.  Now is the time to take bold and decisive action to ensure that women, have an equal opportunity to participate in shaping the decisions that affect, not only women, but us all” says Ms. Elaine Conkievich, UNDP Mongolia Resident Representative, during her opening remarks. 

Deputy Country Director of KOICA Mongolia office Ms. Jongrye Kang highlighted the importance of gender quotas in the legislation and stated “This is a crucial step towards ensuring that women's voices are heard, and their interests are represented in decision-making processes. I urge all participants to support the pledge and place more importance on the implementation of the measures which are vital for a fruitful outcome” during the forum. 

Ms. Najia Hashemee, Regional Electoral Policy Specialist of UNDP, delivered a keynote presentation on the crucial role of political parties as "gatekeepers" in ensuring gender equality at the decision-making level. She further emphasized the importance of implementing mechanisms such as candidacy quotas, increased media coverage for women, nominating women for constituencies with higher chance of winning, putting in place a clear guideline for nomination within the party, and establishing a mechanism that provides policy support to women candidates in raising funds. 

Among the number of substantial topics to be discussed during the forum, a key highlight will be on signing of the “POLITICAL PARTY PLEDGE FOR EQUAL REPRESENTATION IN DECISION-MAKING” by leaders of the political parties. 

The forum is organized by UNDP’s 'Promoting gender equality in public decision-making and women's empowerment in Mongolia’ project, funded by KOICA, and the second day of the forum will take place at the Government Palace on "Legislative reforms for ensuring gender equality in decision-making.” 

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 KOICA

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) was established as a government agency in 1991, is dedicated to providing grant aid programs of the Government of the Republic of Korea. KOICA endeavors to combat poverty and support the sustainable socio-economic growth of partner countries. For more information, visit http://koica.go.kr 

Further information: Erdenechimeg.Erdene | Communications Officer | 'Promoting gender equality in public decision-making and women's empowerment in Mongolia' project | UNDP Mongolia | erdenechimeg.erdene@undp.org