Every year on September 28, the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) is observed worldwide, highlighting the importance of access to information, transparency, and the right to know.
In this context, on September 29, 2025, Globe International Center, in cooperation with the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO, Independent Authority Against Corruption, and partner organizations, organized a national dialogue in Ulaanbaatar on the theme ‘Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age.
The opening of the Dialogue featured remarks from the heads of the organizing institutions, as well as from Mr. Jaap van Hierden, UN Resident Coordinator in Mongolia, and H.E. Ina Marciulionyte, Ambassador of the European Union to Mongolia.
The opening of the Dialogue featured remarks from Ms. Kh. Naranjargal, Chair of the Board of Globe International Center; Mr. Jaap van Hierden, UN Resident Coordinator in Mongolia; H.E. Ina Marciulionyte, Ambassador of the European Union to Mongolia; and Ms. S. Uyanga, Deputy Chair of the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO.
The Independent Authority Against Corruption, the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs, the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Communications, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and Globe International Center delivered presentations on the following topics: The progress on the Implementation of Transparency Goals under the National Anti-Corruption Program, Implementation of the Law on Public Information Transparency and Strategies for Improvement, Implementation of the Right to Know and E-Government Services, Access to Environmental Information and Key Challenges, Monitoring Report on the Implementation of the Law on Public Information Transparency these presentation after discussion with the participants.
During the Discussion:
• The implementation of transparency objectives outlined in the National Anti-Corruption Program;
• The implementation of the Law on Public Information Transparency and strategies for its improvement;
• Accessibility of e-Government services;
• The current state of access to environmental information;
• Assessment by civil society organizations of the implementation of the Law on Public Information Transparency.
These issues were discussed by representatives from government agencies, sectoral bodies, researchers, civil society, and the media, who collectively identified potential solutions and future courses of action. The assessment of the implementation of the Law on Public Information Transparency was conducted jointly by the National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia and Globe International Center, using a methodology internationally recognized by the Canadian organization, Law and Democracy.
The Discussion held in Mongolia is not limited to the national level, but aligns with regional discussions and initiatives. For instance, at this year’s regional meeting of IDUAI, organized by UNESCO in Manila, Philippines from September 28 to 30, issues such as access to information in the digital age, environmental information, and the protection of human rights were also central topics of discussion.
Thus, the National Dialogue in Ulaanbaatar and the regional meeting in Manila form an integral part of a shared effort aimed at protecting citizens’ right to access information, strengthening transparency, and ensuring the protection of human rights. Globe International Center and the co-organizing institutions emphasized that guaranteeing the public’s right to know and enhancing access to information are fundamental to democracy and the foundation of a transparent society.
