The European Union and the Mongolian Armed Forces General Staff are collaborating to promote gender equality in peacekeeping operations. They have launched the “Mongolian Peacekeepers as Agents for Gender Equality” project. Following the directive of the President of Mongolia and the Political Dialogue, this initiative will take place in 2024 and aims to enhance EU-Mongolia cooperation in peace, security, and international law while promoting gender equality in both society and the armed forces.
This flagship project coincides with the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and the EU. Supported by the Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI) of the European Commission, twenty Mongolian peacekeepers will participate in specialised gender mainstreaming training in Slovenia. This training will equip them with practical skills for integrating gender sensitivity into peacekeeping operations and empower them as advocates for gender equality and human rights in Mongolia and within United Nations peacekeeping missions.
The Mongolian government is committed to integrating gender equality strategies across all ministries and sectors. The EU has consistently supported these strategies and has worked closely with the Mongolian government. A significant achievement has been the Mongolian Armed Forces’ commitment to implementing sectoral gender equality policies since 2020, resulting in notable progress.
The EU commends the General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces for operationalising gender policy through the newly established Sub-Council on Gender and for introducing the role of “Gender Officer” within the leadership structure of peacekeeping missions. Furthermore, over 150 military personnel have completed training in gender responsiveness and sensitivity, marking a substantial advancement in this area.
During the launch event, Ms Ina Marčiulionytė, Ambassador of the European Union to Mongolia, highlighted, “Twenty Mongolian peacekeepers will participate in a Gender Mainstreaming Training in Slovenia. This training will ensure that they embody the highest standards of gender equality, projecting these principles not only in United Nations Peacekeeping Missions but also in Mongolian society and its security and defence systems.”
General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces, Major General Sünreviin Ganbyamba, stated, “Gender equality is not limited to one sector but is essential for the sustainable development and prosperity of society. We believe that this gender training will not only enhance the understanding of gender issues among military personnel but also provide a vital platform for experts to collaborate and exchange new approaches and experiences in the field.”
