Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/. The Team Europe and international development team comprising of representatives from the European Union Delegation to Mongolia, the Embassy of Germany, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, German Technical Cooperation, Caritas Czech Republic and UN Food and Agriculture Organization are working in Selenge aimag to have dialogue with local stakeholders and youth civil society organizations (CSOs).

The mission organized a dialogue with the representatives of Youth Civil Society Network established under the EU-funded “All for YOUth, YOUth for all” project. During this dialogue, youth representatives from the youth civil society presented activities, achievements and experiences they have gained under the project, while raising youth challenges that needs attention from local and international community.

“It is tough for local young people to start and run business as they have to overcome many challenges until their business is mature. I believe government could be more supportive, through its policy, towards young people’s effort to start business, self-employment, generating income for other and creating new culture in their community. There could be support and incentives on infrastructure and services” said by Ms. Gantuya, ‘Together for Positive Change’ NGO and entrepreneur, Selenge aimag during the dialogue.

“There should be more collaboration and partnership between public, private and civil society sectors. Young people should be perceived as the driving force of development, not weakness nor beneficiaries of welfare system” emphasized by Ms. Saranchimeg, Tsagaan Nuur soum, Selenge aimag.

Several achievements mentioned during the dialogue were: civil society organizations are being empowered and more active as a result of the capacity building trainings under the “All for YOUth, YOUth for all” project. There is more synergy and networking of youth CSOs as a result of youth CSO network established. Moreover, small grant project was implemented under the project, in which the local NGO evaluated the “Opportunity for Young People” local program that was to promote youth employment in Selenge aimag The local authority is to collaborate with the youth civil society to improve the implementation of the program. The meaningful collaboration between decision makers and civil society is in place.

“Young people are more connected than ever before, and digital economy is to play major role in planning and doing businesses. Thank you for your honest views and opinion. You all have been very inspirational. Your voice is heard and we will stay committed to empowering young people and engaging closely with you” said by H.E Ms. Axelle Nicaise, Ambassador-designate of the European Union to Mongolia during the discussion.

About the project: Thanks to the support from the European Union and other co-funding entities the “All for YOUth, YOUth for all” project team has increased the capacities of youth CSOs and young people of Mongolia since January 2020. The project has been successfully implemented by the Caritas Czech Republic, the Mongolian Youth Council, and the Center for Citizenship Education.