On May 9, 2025, L. Enkhnasan, Chairperson of the State Great Hural’s Standing Committee on Social Policy, Ch. Undram, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Education, Culture, Science and Sports, and Member of Parliament S. Zulphar met with a delegation led by Alberto Rodríguez Pinzón, Director for Human Development in the East Asia and Pacific region of the World Bank.

L. Enkhnasan briefly introduced the structure, composition, and functions of the State Great Hural and its Standing Committees. She expressed gratitude for the ongoing cooperation with the World Bank in health and other social sectors. She noted her appreciation for the World Bank-funded project aimed at improving emergency medical services, highlighting the successful implementation of best practices. She also emphasized the importance of continuing this project to improve emergency services in rural areas.

Ch. Undram spoke about efforts to accelerate the implementation of the education package laws passed by the previous Parliament. She noted that the Government of Mongolia has declared 2026 as the “Year of Supporting Education” and is developing related policies and programs. She shared plans to establish new primary schools in rural, remote, and border areas and the initial pilot project implemented in cooperation with UNICEF. Additionally, she explained the policy to develop primary, secondary, and high schools separately, aimed at improving education quality. As part of this effort, the Pearson English language program has been introduced, and efforts to modernize school facilities—including equipping schools with modern sanitation—are nearing completion.

MP S. Zulphar acknowledged the World Bank’s cooperation in reforming Mongolia’s social insurance system and noted the pressing need to resolve several issues, including updating fundamental principles and conditions for social insurance services. He also expressed a willingness to collaborate on improving the performance-based financing system being implemented in health and soon to be introduced in education sectors. He highlighted that the Government’s program prioritizes energy and infrastructure development, and emphasized that the Standing Committees on Social Policy and Education, Culture, Science, and Sports support the Government’s policies while striving not to overlook human development and social issues.

Mr. Alberto Rodríguez Pinzón stressed the importance of investing in human capital for countries to develop rapidly and reach high-income status. He expressed the World Bank’s commitment to assist the Standing Committees in working with the Government to leverage international financial resources for social sectors. Particularly, in light of the upcoming “Year of Supporting Education,” he affirmed readiness to cooperate in ensuring equitable access to education for children regardless of their location—whether near or far from central urban areas.

The meeting was also attended by Tae Hyun Lee, World Bank Resident Representative in Mongolia; Christian Aedo, Education Manager for East Asia and the Pacific; Maria Ana Lugo, Program Leader for Human Development covering Mongolia, China, and South Korea; and specialists in health and education.