Organized By Globe International, Independent Authority- Against Corruption and UNESCO National Commission of Mongolia

Venue: Independent Authority Against Corruption                                                                                            Date: 29 September 2025 | Time: 09:30-10:30

Dear Ms. Naranjargal, Dear Mr. Chinuukhee

Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished guests,

It is a great honour to join you today in celebrating the International Day of Access to Information — a day that highlights a fundamental human right at the heart of democracy, transparency, and sustainable development.

Freedom of opinion and expression are essential to human dignity and the foundation of democratic societies, the rule of law, and peace. In Mongolia, as in the European Union, these rights are at the core of our shared values and enshrined in our legal system.

Access to information empowers citizens to make informed decisions, fosters transparency, and builds trust in public institutions. It is vital for combating corruption and ensuring accountable governance.

The EU commends Mongolia’s commitment to uphold their obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, including Article 19, which guarantees the right to seek, receive, and share information.

Mongolia’s 2024 ranking of 46th in the UN’s E-Government Development Index shows progress in digital services. Yet, its 114th place in the Corruption Perceptions Index reminds us that challenges remain in transparency and governance.

While Mongolia guarantees access to information constitutionally, journalists and media face obstacles like bureaucratic delays and broad state secret classifications, which can hinder transparency and anti-corruption efforts. Mongolia’s 2017 State Secrets Law, in particular, poses challenges by limiting access to vital information. We encourage ongoing legal reforms to protect national security without obstructing public oversight.

In recent years, the EU has taken a number of initiatives to  strengthen media independence, resilience and sustainability and to protect journalists from harassment and political interference. The European Media Freedom Act, the anti-SLAPP Directive and the Digital Services and Markets Acts together promote pluralism, shield against abusive lawsuits, and foster a fairer, safer digital rules for our media and information environment.

Today, freedom of expression extends beyond traditional media to digital platforms and social networks, which must remain open and free from undue restrictions.

Worldwide, independent media face threats from disinformation, financial pressure, and censorship. Protecting access to information demands constant vigilance and cooperation.

On this International Day of Access to Information, let us reaffirm our commitment to these principles. Together, we must ensure every Mongolian can freely access information, express their views, and participate fully in democratic life.

In doing so, we uphold human rights and lay the foundation for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.

Finally, I thank the Globe International Center, the Independent Authority Against Corruption, and the UNESCO National Commission for their dedication to this important cause. 

Thank you.