SUMMER SCHOLARS BLOG: Gadha Raj

A traditional Mongolian Ger (house) powered by solar energy and Peter Morrow’s ‘My Mongolia’, an amazing read I’d highly recommend to anyone who wishes to know Mongolia better

Sain baina uu? (Mongolian version of ‘How are you?’)

As I write this, I’m wrapping up my work as Sustainable Economic Development Fellow with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Mongolia as part of the UNA-NY Summer Scholars program. Three months of knowing and exploring this spectacular country have left me with multiple moments of amusement, learning, and sheer joy. Traveling about 15,000 kilometers from New York to Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia (via South Korea) was my longest journey ever. (Yes! I traveled half the world and it took more than 30 hours on one side!)

Due to its geographic location, Mongolia is exposed to extreme weather conditions and has fragile ecosystems. Ulaanbaatar, aka Ulan Bator, or UB as we fondly call it, is the coldest capital on earth. Google says the temperatures could dip up to -40C (-40F) or lower in winter. Well, I was there largely during the pleasant summer months of July and August, and I must say this place is just magical during its warm sunny days. Mongolia is also one of the most sparsely populated countries, though you don’t really feel it if you’re stuck at the traffic block in UB for hours ;)

Mongolia, a lower middle-income country (LMIC) is yet to recover from the social and economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Sandwiched between Russia and China, the country is also facing both short-term and long-term impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war.

UNDP Mongolia country office is strengthening its efforts in response to this double burden of pandemic and war. I was involved in policy research on key socio-economic development issues, in particular poverty reduction, equity, social policy innovation, and social welfare under the guidance of Senior Economist Yasin Janjua and Deputy Resident Representative Nashida Sattar.

Horseriding with my supervisor in the Mongolian steppes. Yes, we work hard and party harder ;)

My billion-dollar moment with the UNSG and Mongolian President!

One of the most important aspects of my work here is the contribution to the concept note and the project document for the upcoming National Human Development Report (NHDR) of Mongolia.

Mongolia’s heavy reliance on coal mining and its use in energy and industrial processes is of concern due to its contribution to CO2 emissions, which makes UB one of the most polluted capitals of the world as well. The NHDR envisions a Just Transition focusing on Green Growth with investments in Renewable energy to advance Mongolia’s national development in a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable manner.

The fellowship has not only helped me delve deeper into the climate crisis and the need for actions like an increased focus on renewable energy but also get a first-hand understanding of the initial steps in a successful Human Development Reporting process.

I made it to the official Twitter page of UNSG too :)

I am extremely excited to share that I got an amazing opportunity to meet the UN Secretary-General. Being one of the volunteers of the UN Resident Coordinator's working group, I was able to join the UNSG and Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh in the 'one billion trees by 2030' initiative. Besides, I was responsible to document the stories shared by program beneficiaries to the UNSG. As I listened to the experiences and challenges faced by herder community members, rural families, and minority youth, it also gave me a closer understanding of various initiatives by UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO, IOM, and UNIDO in Mongolia.

I was privileged to be invited as one of the Panelists and to interact with the passionate and committed young changemakers at the first International Forum on Climate change and Youth conducted in Mongolia. Apart from learning new perspectives on climate change and listening to the viewpoints of future leaders, it further connected me with a whole bunch of young minds who are really enthusiastic about climate action and work towards the common good.

The fellowship also gave me multiple avenues to travel across Mongolia and experience how communities live in the Mongolian countryside. I am extremely grateful for all these incredible opportunities and many more that I’ll share with you all soon!

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Our Summer Scholars Blog, a collection of reports from post-grad scholars that UNA-NYC has sponsored globally, showcases our fellows' experiences with UN agencies and non-governmental organizations in the country where they are working. Learn more about our Summer Scholars fellowship program and fellows here.