Since its peaceful transition to democracy more than 25 years ago, Mongolia has established a political system that now represents a broad range of views and interests. Despite these promising reforms, the country struggles with a weakening system of checks and balances, blurring between business and political power, and inconsistent implementation of the law and government functions. In recent years, young people have become increasingly marginalized. With nearly 60 percent of the population under 30 years old, nurturing democratic values among the nation’s youth is critical to Mongolia's future as a democratic country.

USAID is helping Mongolia achieve more effective and accountable governance by grooming a new cadre of democracy champions. This opens unbridled avenues for citizen engagement and participation, especially for the youth.

By exposing young people to values of democracy and good governance, USAID is training leaders who are advocates for change. The environment is ripe for these young leaders to impact Mongolia’s democratic institutions to address corruption, foster inclusive growth, and serve the interests of people. This will also position Mongolia as a credible resource and partner for other emerging democracies in the region.

ACTIVITIES

U.S.-Mongolia Emerging Leaders Program

• Foster young Mongolian leaders’ exposure to democratic values and institutions, legislative processes, and anti-corruption procedures through both an exchange program in the United States, and training, mentorship, and leadership activities in Mongolia
• Develop an alumni network to continue leadership development even beyond the life of the project

Mongolia Emerging Leaders Alliance

• Establish a network of young leaders from Mongolia and other emerging democracies—namely, Bhutan, Burma, and Kyrgyzstan—to strengthen democracy within their countries
• Bring potential leaders from other emerging democracies to Mongolia for exchanges, internships, workshops, and summits
• Send graduates of the U.S. Mongolia Emerging Leaders Program to emerging democracies to mentor Alliance Fellows

Civic Education for Mongolia’s Youth

• Energize Mongolian high school-aged youth to participate in their country's democratic future
• Increase young people’s understanding of the principles of democracy and the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a democratic society

EXPECTED RESULTS

• 90 young emerging leaders hone leadership skills, advocacy skills, and understanding of public policy
• A thriving alumni network continues the thrust of the project, both in Mongolia and in other emerging democracies
• 15 Mongolian emerging leaders equipped to mentor democratic advocates in other countries
• New high school civic education materials adapted to Mongolian context produced; 2,000 copies printed, distributed to Mongolian secondary institutions
• 90 teachers trained in how to use new civic education curricula

GOAL

To increase citizen engagement in the democratic process, influence public servants to enhance good governance, and promote decision-making that responds to national and local needs

OBJECTIVES

• Strengthen the next generation of Mongolian leaders with the democratic know-how to engage constructively with and within their government
• Spread knowledge on good governance to young leaders of emerging Asian democracies
• Promote civic education among Mongolia’s youth to build the foundation for a sustained democracy

TARGET AREAS

• Nationwide, with particular focus on emerging leaders ages 25-40 with aspirations for leadership in Parliament, the judiciary, government service, the private sector, and civil society