Around the world, countries have joined the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and governments and businesses are now placing greater focus on operating responsibly by reducing their negative impacts on the Environment, Society, and Governance (ESG). At the same time, citizens are increasingly inclined to support companies that prioritize sustainability and operate with accountability.

With that in mind, let us take a look at how Unitel Group focused on advancing sustainability in 2024.

ENVIRONMENT

“Manmade Pond” Project to Hydrate Wildlife

Since 2021, Unitel Group has constructed 71 manmade ponds in 21 ecologically important zones and Special Protected Areas across 15 aimags of Mongolia. The “Manmade Pond” Project, a flagship Project under Unitel Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, aimed at providing water sources for wildlife and improving their habitats, thereby contributing to the growth and recovery of animal populations.

“Bird Nest” Project to Combat Desertification

In Mongolia’s mountainous and steppe regions, the overpopulation of harmful rodent species has exceeded normal levels. This not only threatens to reduce plant yields and thin out vegetation, leading to pasture degradation but also poses a serious risk of becoming a major driver of desertification.

Therefore, Unitel Group launched a “Bird Nest” Project in 2022 to help prevent desertification by building nesting structures for birds of prey in Bagakhangai District. By improving their habitat and supporting the growth of their population, the Project aims to naturally control the number of rodents, the primary prey for these birds. As a result, the local population density of the Brandt’s vole in the area has decreased by 30–50 percent compared to 2022.

Electronic Waste Management

Through meticulous internal operations and implementing measures to minimize the environmental impact of its products, Unitel Group successfully recycled 6.7 tons of electronic waste from its customers.

Renewable Energy Integration

In 2024, Unitel Group installed 33 new solar-powered base stations, with one out of every six stations now running on renewable energy. This Project helps reduce energy consumption and lessen the company’s environmental footprint.

Energy Efficiency

Telecommunications operators rely heavily on energy to maintain their core operations. In response, Unitel Group has been consistently implementing practical solutions to reduce electricity consumption at its Data Centers and Mobile Base Stations, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions generated by its operations.

PEOPLE

Unitel STEAM HUB

As a leading technology company in Mongolia, Unitel Group has launched the Unitel STEAM HUB centers nationwide to provide children in rural areas with access to STEAM education, introduce them to digital tools, and guide them in the responsible use of the internet for self-development. In 2024, 712 children from 20 provinces participated in robotics assembly, coding, and engineering training.

For Senior Citizens

Unitel Group supported the “National Digital Ambassador” Program, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Communications of Mongolia and the World Bank. Through this initiative, 1,277 senior citizens were trained in the safe, responsible, and efficient use of digital tools and environments, equipping them with the essential knowledge to become capable users in the digital age.

Suppliers

The environmental and social impact of Unitel Group’s products and services is not only influenced by our own operations but also depends to some extent on the sustainability of the suppliers we collaborate with. Therefore, we aim to increase the positive changes we bring to society by partnering with organizations that engage in environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and ethical business practices.

• 90 percent of Unitel’s suppliers are Mongolian companies,
• MNT 237 billion worth of goods and services were procured from local businesses,
• This accounts for 52 percent of the Unitel Group’s overall procurement.

TECHNOLOGY

Unitel Group is advancing digital transformation to ensure that every citizen, regardless of geographic location, has access to information, opportunities to learn and grow, digital services, and the ability to participate in business through telecommunications. Services that were once only available through physical branches have been digitized, allowing customers to save time and reduce costs while providing reliable, convenient services.

For instance, customers use the Unitel app an average of 1.2 million times each month to access services. This has enabled users from remote areas, people with special needs, and elderly individuals — often from minority groups — to access necessary information and resolve issues, regardless of time or location.

By improving the accessibility of digital services, new opportunities are being created not only for customers but also for businesses.

In this way, Unitel Group connects everyone to the world through digital means, while striving to operate in a manner that is accessible to all, environmentally friendly, and aligned with ethical standards. Through responsible business practices, Unitel Group aims to positively impact the environment and society, emphasizing that the involvement of customers and partners is crucial in bringing about these outcomes.