Information and Communication Technology as a Development Tool for Mongolia 

To make modern information and communication technology (ICT) into a tool for the development of Mongolia and its people is the central topic of a gathering of state officials, the private sector and representatives of civil societies on Feb. 7 at the Chinggis Khaan Hotel in Ulaanbaatar. The government of Mongolia, SIH Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, United Nations Development Program and the Mongolian Foundation for Open Society are jointly organizing the Development of Mongolia and ICT National Seminar.

Today’s global economy is rapidly shifting from business strongly focused on natural resources and manufacturing to service-based industries, particularly those using information and communication technology. These rapid changes open up new development opportunities for Mongolia, and the digital highway could bring many blessings to the landlocked country. However, to benefit from it, action has to be taken soon.

The Mongolian Parliament recognizes these new technologies as the intensifier for the development of the country in the 21st century, and approved ICT Vision – 2010, on February 4, 2000. The mission of the document is to promote the advanced social development of knowledge and intellectual potential, and to improve the quality of life of the Mongolian people.

This seminar aims at moving beyond ICT Vision - 2010 towards a national action plan—to move from words to actions. Now is the time to jump on the ICT train, to fully use the opportunities that exist. Mongolia has the ability to benefit from the opportunities ICT has to offer—for both the Mongolian economy and the country’s governance of human security.

Information and communication technology is an important tool for improving the efficiency and transparency of government, by improving administrative services available to the population and increasing accountability in all fields.

Furthermore, by enabling ICT-related businesses, new sources of sustainable incomes can develop and come to flourish. Other countries in our region—such as Malaysia, India and South Korea—have already recognized these opportunities.

Generally, Mongolians are well educated and talented in technical fields, and there is a large, young, eager and well-qualified workforce. The country has the digital infrastructure that is required, which is also growing, and there has been experience in the implementation of ICT in a variety of fields. The Mongolian Government is democratic and stable, and information is open and accessible to the population. All of these factors give Mongolia the solid potential to attract ICT-related business from overseas.

Presentations will be given on issues such as: E-Governance: The Way to Improve Decision Making by Using IT-PMIS.

There will be an ICT case study—E-Commerce Solutions for Mongolian Rural Development—as well as a case study on the knowledge-based industry entitled Software Development.

All will be presented by notable participants in the seminar, a prestigious list that includes: high officials; N. Enkhbayar, Prime Minister of Mongolia; several members of parliament; and Saraswathi Menon, Resident Representative, UNDP Mongolia.