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Dear Board Chair of the Globe International Center, Mrs. Naranjargal. Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished guests, participants
I am very pleased to celebrate with you the International Day for Universal Access to Information and open this important discussion.
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Globe International Center and the Independent Authority against Corruption, for keeping up this traditional initiative.
It is 35 years now since the European Union and Mongolia have established diplomatic relations based on the shared believe in the supremacy of democracy and human rights. These days, the ability for an individual to seek and receive information effectively becomes a fundamental human right that shapes open and democratic societies. Therefore, I am glad to reaffirm our commitment to the partnership with Mongolia in transparency of information and media freedom.
The recent drop of Mongolia in the global press freedom rankings was concerning. In addition to this, a series of journalist detentions leave a troubling feeling. Meanwhile, Mongolia’s civic freedoms and functioning democracy are drawing increased attention from all around the world.
On the other hand, I would like to congratulate Mongolia with the progress in digitalization. Mongolia has skyrocketed in E-Government Development Index. Online access to the information for procurements and online application process helps fighting corruption. "Paperless Government" initiative accelerates communication with the citizens and legal entities.
Mongolian society, especially young people are very active in social media. It gives citizens a lot of information and contributes to a vibrant democratic landscape. However, the autocratic forces in the region keep creating new challenges in cyber space, abusing the transparency and spreading disinformation.
Common effort and mutual understanding help to overcome the obstacles and secure greater access to information for all. Just recently, UNDP has launched a project funded by the European Union, Agents of Change: Youth and Media for Responsible Business Practices. The project will promote youth and media engagement as key civil society actors and drivers of change in the context of business and human rights. Earlier this year the Delegation of the European Union in Mongolia and the Deutsche Welle Academy have launched an initiative, Voices for Change. In this action, Mongolian Civil Society Organizations join forces to advocate for accountability, transparency and public awareness to contribute to good governance and social cohesion.
This multi-stakeholder discussion demonstrates our unity in understanding of the value of the access to information and participation in the public sector. Today representatives from the government, civil society, international organizations, media outlets and journalists came together to strengthen our collective efforts in pursuing greater information transparency.
I am confident that this discussion will inspire new partnerships and looking forward to hearing the speakers and audience’ ideas and proposals.
Thank you and I wish you all a successful event.