Under the auspices of President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, the National Conference “Development and Participation of Persons with Developmental Challenges,” was held at the State Palace of Mongolia on November 29, 2024. 

The Conference saw the participation of representatives from nine districts of the Capital, 21 aimags, and 330 soums. The Conference is particularly notable as it was organized under the auspices of the President of Mongolia and the first national-level conference on persons with developmental challenges in the last five years. During the Conference, discussions were held on a wide range of issues, including the “State Policies, Achievements and Challenges in Ensuring the Development and Participation of Persons with Developmental Challenges,” “Reforms in the Legal Environment,” “The Role and Responsibility of Civil Society Organizations in Ensuring Social Participation,” and “The Involvement of Persons with Developmental Challenges in Sustainable Development-International Support and Cooperation.” Respective recommendations were made following the discussions and presentations.

Breakout sessions covered topics, including the role and responsibility of the Council for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Developmental Challenges, as well as partnerships and cooperation between the public-private sectors and public-civil society organizations. On December 3, countries worldwide will mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities under the theme “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.” There are more than 111 thousand individuals with developmental challenges in Mongolia, of which 84 percent, or 93 thousand, are of working age, however, only 15 thousand are employed. 

President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa gave opening remarks, saying, “The rights, development, protection, and participation of persons with developmental challenges take priority in the policies and activities of the President, Government, and State. We will support any policy, decision, proposal, initiative, and action aiming to improve the lives of persons with developmental challenges. The participation of people with developmental challenges in National Movements such as “Billion Trees,” “Food Supply and Security,” “White Gold,” “Healthy Mongolian,” and “Kharkhorum City” will be enhanced.”

The Head of State highlighted that public organizations and enterprises must fulfill their legal obligations by providing employment opportunities for persons with developmental challenges and improving their income and livelihoods. President Khurelsukh emphasized that social welfare, education, and healthcare services must be delivered in a quality and inclusive manner. In particular, the President emphasized the need to work towards making every person with developmental challenges a wealth creator and producer, with increased funding for projects and the development of innovative work and service models tailored to their specific needs.  

Additionally, President Khurelsukh called on the Government to improve conditions for housing loans, increase the availability and accessibility of rental, public, and private housing, and address the problem of the rising number of persons with acquired developmental challenges due to industrial and household accidents.

Minister of Family, Labor, and Social Protection of Mongolia Enkh-Amgalan Luvsantseren noted, “The most important thing is to make an accurate diagnosis. Going forward, we need to reform the system for providing social services to people with developmental challenges, ensuring that these services are comprehensive and available at the right ages and circumstances. In the past, the issues were solved temporarily. We need to create a clear framework for delivering health, education, and social welfare services tailored to specific developmental challenges. Studies have shown that 70 percent of persons with developmental challenges live in ger districts. Therefore, we must focus on building energy-efficient private homes in these areas that can be included in the housing loan system. Additionally, we aim to provide opportunities for people to rent houses with the possibility of gaining ownership in the medium to long term.”