August 25, 2022
Press releases
ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia – The 8th Annual Civil Society Forum has been conducted successfully. This year`s forum was organized on the 19th of August under the “All for YOUth, YOUth for all” project co-funded by the European Union.
Youth make up the largest demographic group in Mongolia with more than one million people aged 15-34. Active youth engagement is a key pillar in a democratic society. Therefore, the Forum emphasized the need to increase the active participation of young people in consultations and decision-making processes in the country, which is the key to strengthening our democracy.
“We would like Mongolian civil society organizations, of which youth make up a large portion, to become key actors in upholding the rule of law and human rights. They are also key in promoting transparency and accountability. Youth active civic participation is crucial for strengthening democracies across the world. In a democratic system like Mongolia, civil society can make a difference by reinforcing domestic accountability at local and national levels and enhancing checks and balances. Youth is the future, and young people should be able to participate in the democratic process. This is an important component of the All for YOUth, YOUth for all project, which is part of our efforts to support and strengthen civil society organizations, especially youth.” said H.E. Ms. Axelle Nicaise, Ambassador of the European Union to Mongolia during the forum.
The 8th Annual Youth Civil Society Forum`s discussions revolved around strengthening youth-friendly democracy which included the two main topics of “Uniting Values to Strengthen Youth-Friendly Democracy ” and “Strengthening Youth Movements”. The young participants at the forum were excited to talk about youth movements and volunteerism in Mongolia at the last panel discussion.
Over 120 participants attended the forum in-person, and the inclusive forum also facilitated participants to remotely join through an online platform and with live coverage of the event broadcasted via Mongolian Youth Council`s Facebook Page. The link here connects to the live coverage video. The participants were representatives of youth-focused NGOs, social minority groups, government, and international organizations. The recommendations and concept notes drafted from the forum were sent to the Agency for Family, Children, and Youth Development to discuss further initiatives and solutions with the decision-makers.
About the project: “All for YOUth, YOUth for all” is co-funded by the European Union, and is implemented by Caritas Czech Republic INGO, in cooperation with Center for Citizens` Education NGO, and Mongolian Youth Council. The project is active since 2020 and has asan aim to empower the emerging youth and youth civil society organizations to participate in the development and decision-making in Mongolia. More information can be found here.
Contact info: For project or media-related inquiries, please contact Uyanga Ganchangaa, Project officer: uyanga@youthcouncil.mn / phone: +(976) 7730 8585
