UNDP AND ERDENES MONGOL GROUP TO INTRODUCE SDG IMPACT STANDARDS

By T. Byambanaran

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Erdenes Mongol Group jointly hosted a high-level meeting titled "Erdenes Mongol Group and UNDP Partnership for Sustainable Impact on June 19. This aimed to raise awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals Impact Standards and explore the leadership role and impact of the mining sector in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Cabinet Secretariat of Government of Mongolia and the leadership of major state- owned mining companies. It aimed to promote the adoption of international best practices aligned with the SDGs, particularly through the introduction of the SDG Impact Standards for state-owned enterprises.

The SDG Impact Standard, developed by the UNDP, is an internationally recognized framework for integrating sustainability, transparency, and long-term value into an organization's strategy, governance, and operations. It provides practical guidance to help organizations align with the SDGs and generate tangible, measurable impact.

In Mongolia, state-owned enterprises and industrial plants are the main drivers of the economy, contributing significantly to the development of the mining sector and playing a vital role in generating GDP, employment, and government revenue. Implementing the SDG Impact Standards can guide these enterprises toward more sustainable and inclusive growth.

During the discussion, Devahuti Choudhury, SDG Impact Specialist for the Asia-Pacific region at the UNDP, delivered keynote speeches on "Global Trends in Sustainable Business and Investor Expectations" and "UNDP-ISO Sustainable Development Goals Impact Standards." Ts. Tugsbuyan, Head of the Geology and Production Policy Department at Erdenes Mongol, presented on "Erdenes Mongol Group's Medium-Term Strategic Plan and Sustainable Development Goals." This was followed by a thematic discussion related to the event's main focus.

Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, D. Tsolmon, opened the event by emphasizing, that "Mongolia's development path must be economically sustainable and socially responsible. Our state-owned enterprises and industries have a responsibility to lead the way in building a sustainable, inclusive, and future- oriented economy. Therefore, we welcome this timely initiative and urge state-owned enterprises to align their business practices with the SDG Impact Standards."

Sh. Munkhtseren, Chair of the Board of Directors of Erdenes Mongol LLC, emphasized the significance of the joint initiative, stating, "As a major state-owned enterprise, Erdenes Mongol Group will take a leading role in promoting sustainable development and transparency.

This comprehensive effort to introduce the SDG Impact Standard in collaboration with the UNDP marks an important step toward integrating long-term impact into business operations and setting an example for other state-owned enterprises."

The world is increasingly recognizing that sustainable business models are essential for a sustainable and inclusive future. According to the Better Business, Better World (2017) report, aligning business strategies with sustainable development could unlock $12 trillion in economic opportunities and create up to 380 million new jobs by 2030.

"The SDG Impact Standards, developed by UNDP, are designed to help businesses and investors make sustainable, responsible decisions and contribute meaningfully to the achievement of the SDGs," said Matilda Dimovska, UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia. "We are confident that these standards will play a crucial role in integrating sustainable development and accountability into the planning, investments, and operations of state-owned enterprises."

This initiative marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between UNDP and Erdenes Mongol aimed at promoting responsible governance in the country. The collaboration will focus on three key areas: integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and the SDG Impact Standards into all decision-making processes at Erdenes Mongol; fostering trust through inclusive governance and stakeholder engagement; and accelerating the green transition through nature-based solutions to ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization's operations.