International Day for Universal Access to Information Ensuring the Right to Access Environmental Information in the Digital Age

Your Excellency Ina Marčiulionytė, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Delegation of the European Union to Mongolia Dear Ms. Kh. Naranjargal, Chair of the Board, Globe International CenterDistinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good morning,

I am honoured to join you today to mark the International Day for Universal Access to Information. A day that reaffirms a fundamental human right: the right to seek, receive, and share information.

This year’s theme “Ensuring the Right to Access Environmental Information in the Digital Age” is especially relevant for Mongolia, a country where the environment is not only a source of identity and livelihood, but also a frontline in the fight against climate change, desertification, and biodiversity loss.

Access to information is not a luxury. It is a cornerstone of democratic governance, a tool for accountability, and a driver of sustainable development. It empowers citizens to participate meaningfully in public life, to monitor the use of public resources, and to demand environmental justice.

In Mongolia, this right is enshrined in the Law on Transparency of Public Information, revised in 2021, which mandates proactive disclosure of public data, including environmental impact assessments, land use, and government procurement. This law is a critical step toward building a transparent, responsive, and inclusive state.

We commend the Government of Mongolia for its efforts to implement this law and related reforms. The Monitoring Report on the Law’s Implementation shows that many public bodies have improved the availability of information on their websites. 

However, challenges remain: public awareness of the law is low, marginalized groups face barriers to digital access, and environmental data - though more available - is often fragmented, outdated, or difficult to use.

These gaps are particularly concerning in the context of environmental crises such as the recent dzud, which claimed millions of livestock. Timely, accurate, and accessible environmental information is essential for early warning, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience. 

Mongolia’s digital transformation through platforms like E-Mongolia offers a powerful opportunity to bridge these gaps. Over 600 public services have been digitalized, saving time, money, and reducing corruption. But digital inclusion must be a priority. We must ensure that no one is left behind - not the elderly, not rural communities, not those without internet access.

Transparency is also a pillar of Mongolia’s National Anti-Corruption Program, which emphasizes open data, fiscal accountability, and citizen oversight. The Government has taken some commendable steps. 

But more can be done to ensure that environmental permits, mining contracts, and land use decisions are fully transparent and subject to public scrutiny. 

Let me close by echoing the words of the UN Secretary-General:

“Access to information is a fundamental human right. It is the bedrock of transparency, accountability, and participation.”

Because when people are informed, they can act. And when they act, they can protect the planet we all share. 

For this purpose, the UN stands ready to collaborate with all parties. 

Thank you.Thank you – Bayarlalaa (bayrl-laa).