EITI Mongolia - some important facts

[Bulgan Batdorj]

Hi Everyone,

I hope everyone is enjoying their long weekend.  As part of my contribution for the paper we are preparing, I am studying the Mongolia EITI in more up close. So I wanted to share some of the news  and reflections. (I am having some difficulties in weaving my thoughts in constructive manner, so I am going to bullet point, feel free to send me an email if you have questions.)

Some facts:

1. According to the National Multistakeholder group's meeting minutes of January, 2015 the Ministry of Mining asked follow up actions on the last year's UBC EITI classes recommendations - thumbs up for the last year's class.

2. Two important laws that will further strengthen the EITI in Mongolia. First is the "The law on Glass Account" - budget transparency law,  in force from Jan.1.2015. The second law is the extractive industry transparency law - which will be discussed (likely be passed) this spring session of parliament (will start end of next week).

3. The world bank funding for EITI in Mongolia will end this year. So important year for Mongolia to make the most of it. 

4. Rt Hon. Claire Short, EITI chair will visit Mongolia this May.

5. Mongolia is pulling more than its weight with regards to the EITI SNR. 20 provinces established SNRs, and some soums have SNRs and work plan (very comprehensive for a start up) is submitted to the EITI secretariat from dozen provinces.

6. Agenda #1 for this year is to advocate the EITI to the public. (So high chance of our paper group to succeed)

So, as you can see a milestone year for Mongolia. I am thinking of writing a blog entry on success of Mongolia in implementing EITI. I was very impressed with the documents I have read. It is nothing close to perfect, but the passion of the people who are trying to make is successful is deep. If it was a movie, it would be an inspirational one.

One of the EUREKA I had was that the terminology was causing it some difficulties to sell EITI. It is four words in English, in Mongolian, it is 6 words and all has rather new and foreign concepts for citizen's to digest.

Oлборлох Үйлдвэрлэлийн Ил Тод Байдлын Санаачлага

I want to apologize to everyone for not looking into it a bit earlier. I realize that I should have done the country research on Mongolia. There are many great documents and trainings they have carried out in Mongolia which could be example for other countries. Well, I guess it is better late than never. I will keep you posted.

Once again, feel free to send me an email if you have any questions.

Kindly,

Bulgan