May 24, 2023
Stories
Young people in Mongolia make up more than a third of the local population. They are driven and passionate about finding their dream jobs. However, they are struggling with unemployment. Uribold Bayaraa wants to change that by establishing a thriving ecosystem, built on diverse connections, to nurture young startups and cement Mongolia as a hub for innovation.
Barriers abound
Young people in Mongolia carry something with them every day, it is all they have ever known, all but invisible to them. They have dreams that could cross the grand sky over the steppe, but with each step the horizon is never closer.
The most unemployed group in Mongolia are young people. They persist through short contract jobs, balancing full time work and study, and a minimum wage that does not match the cost of living. Mongolian youth are driven; they dream of meaningful careers in Mongolia but with engaging work feeling out of reach, they set their sights on countries that can offer them enriching opportunities.
Old culture supporting new innovation
For one persistent young person, his dream is to stay and sculpt the system to give young people opportunities to meaningfully contribute to their community. Uribold Bayaraa is a startup and innovation policy expert in the Ministry of Education and Science and recently participated in a study tour to Europe with the All for Youth, Youth for All project, funded by the European Union and carried out by Caritas Czech Republic, Center for Citizenship Education, and the Mongolian Youth Council.
Uribold’s vision is to establish a thriving ecosystem, built on diverse connections, to nurture young startups and cement Mongolia as a hub for innovation. Leveraging the flourishing culture in Mongolia, he thinks the Mongolian startup scene can blend tradition and innovation to create a distinguished niche.
Unlocking new synergy
All for Youth, Youth for All is all about creating new connections that support young Mongolians. In September 2022 the project organised a study tour for key representatives of youth civil society organisations and representatives from government agencies in Mongolia to exchange skills and experiences with youth community groups and government representatives in the Czech Republic and Germany. Read about the Study Tour here https://mongolia.charita.cz/media/press-releases/study-tour-to-europe-to-learn-best-experience-in-youth-employment-and-development/
“In particular, I learned that NGOs play a vital role in filling gaps left by the government and providing services that the government cannot offer to youth and the public” reflected Uribold upon his return. Additionally, he says he recognised the significant role that volunteering plays in youth development and community building, and the importance of supporting NGOs by giving them opportunities and responsibilities in public development.
“This experience has motivated me to continue to work towards promoting youth involvement and building strong partnerships between government, NGOs, and private entities in Mongolia. I believe that by encouraging youth participation and supporting NGOs, we can create a more vibrant and engaged society, with opportunities for all to thrive” says Uribold.
Forging opportunities
Uribold goes on to share how participating in All for Youth, Youth for All has inspired him to explore pathways for government and civil society to use their combined strength to unleash emergent outcomes that would have been impossible individually. “With the knowledge I have gained from the project, I have initiated and successfully carried out the "Mon-X" social innovation program in collaboration with local NGOs that have rich expertise in this field” Uribold shares.
Through this program, he and his team have trained thousands of participants in innovation and design thinking and supported numerous social projects such as a virtual interpreting application, a hybrid greenhouse, conversion of plastic waste to saddle, eco-paper, and wound bio-adhesives projects. “These projects have demonstrated the potential of collaboration between the government and NGOs in fostering innovation and driving social impact. I believe that such initiatives can contribute significantly to the development of a sustainable and inclusive society in Mongolia” adds Uribold
Only the beginning
With the All for Youth, Youth for All project preparing another European study tour this summer, the team is already inspired to see how in just a few months the previous study tour has led to such significant ripples through society for youth. Uribold’s initiative and passion for youth empowerment is only the beginning of what’s possible.
When he thinks of young Mongolians, he says: “My message to the young people of Mongolia would be to pursue their goals and aspirations with passion and never give up, even when faced with obstacles. Our country has a rich cultural heritage and a rapidly growing economy, so there's a lot of potential to drive positive change and innovation.”
Uribold believes that it “It’s really important to make the most of the educational opportunities available, whether it's through traditional academic institutions or practical vocational and technical training programs. These opportunities can help you develop your skills and broaden your knowledge in areas that interest you and align with your goals. Don't be afraid to take risks and think outside the box".
Lastly, "Always stay curious and keep learning. As the world keeps changing, you have a chance to be part of that change and make a difference in a positive way.”
