The IAAC organized a meeting and discussion on Anti-Corruption cooperation and participation among Non-Governmental organizations.
Mr. Azjargal, Deputy Director-General of the IAAC, and Mrs. Dulamsuren, Head of the Prevention and Public Awareness Department, participated in the meeting on “Anti-Corruption Cooperation: NGO Participation” held on September 30, 2021. Mr. Bayanmunkh, a Member of the Public Council under the IAAC, and leaders and representatives of more than 60 non-governmental organizations and professional associations participated in the discussion.
The National Anti-Corruption Program of Mongolia states that “the role and participation of citizens, public oversight, and civil society organizations in Anti-Corruption prevention activities must be increased” which the IAAC engages citizens, civil society organizations, researchers, and professional organizations in public awareness activities.
The IAAC staff provided information and presentations regarding Anti-Corruption activities at the meeting. “The IAAC has been working with civil society organizations since 2008 to establish a “Network of Anti-Corruption NGOs” at the local level.” said Mr. Tsend-Ayush, Senior Commissioner of the Prevention and Public Awareness Department. He called on NGOs to be more active in participating in public awareness activities and initiating initiatives.
M.Enkhbadral, Executive Director of the National Center for Integrated Development NGO, introduced the project “Citizen e-Monitoring and Participation” at https://www.uih.mn/ and said “Citizens should be able to measure the participation and initiative of their elected officials first. Therefore, we need to create as many open sources as possible.”
With the participation of NGOs in the fight against corruption, it is possible to cooperate in a wide range of areas, such as organizing public campaigns, creating innovative content, developing training and advertising materials, and conducting external monitoring. However, participants noted that the biggest challenges for NGOs are their lack of capacity, lack of financial support, and weak citizen participation.
“Article 4.1.7 of the National Anti-Corruption Program outlines measures to increase the role and participation of citizens, public scrutiny, and civil society organizations in the prevention of corruption, and to support initiatives, but non-governmental organizations are not limited to these provisions.” said Mrs. Dulamsuren.
