Bat-Erdene Bat-Ulzii

Labour and Employment - Mongolia (East Asia)

Bat-Erdene's homeland of Mongolia is a country in transition. Following 70 years of Soviet-style one-party state rule, Mongolia embraced sweeping political and economic reforms in 1990. Democracy and privatisation were enshrined in a new constitution, but the collapse of the economy after the withdrawal of Soviet support caused widespread poverty and threatened social stability. Even with generous funding by the international community, economic restructuring has proceeded slowly.

Bat-Erdene attributes the slow progress to a lack of skills, knowledge and awareness among Mongolia's predominantly rural population who are struggling to come to terms with the new business climate. "Before 1990, everything was planned and regulated by the government. However, now the role of individuals is important. People should understand their role and actively participate in the economic, social and political life of society."

In Bat-Erdene's own community, the closure of state farms has entrenched unemployment and poverty, and has led to the exploitation of natural resources as people search for new ways to survive. Bat-Erdene wants to help the people learn to help themselves in finding more sustainable livelihoods. With the support of OIYP2004, he hopes to provide the training, resources and business acumen necessary to establish local farming cooperatives. Bat-Erdene believes that by pooling their resources and entering into mutually beneficial partnerships, Mongolia's people stand a better chance of benefiting from the country's reforms and can play a more active role in the new Mongolia.