Mongolia launches Partnership for Science and Research

The Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) today launched the Mongolia Partnership for Science and Research. This national platform aims at fostering collaboration among government institutions, researchers, academic organizations, development partners and technical experts to advance evidence-informed health policies and programmes and strengthen the use of research in decision making.

The launch brought together national and international experts to discuss the role of science, research and innovation in addressing Mongolia’s evolving health challenges and in shaping a healthier, safer and more resilient future. The partnership is convened by the Ministry of Health and WHO, with contributions from United Nations agencies, including UNDP, IOM and academic institutions, reflecting a broad, multi-sectoral collaboration to advance science and research for health.

Over the past decades, Mongolia has made significant gains in population health through investments in health services, public health programmes and scientific advancement. As the country responds to emerging health threats, demographic changes, environmental pressures and the growing burden of noncommunicable and communicable diseases, strong research systems and the effective use of evidence will be increasingly important for informed decision-making and sustainable health development and system resilience.

The convenors sign the Aide Memoire for the Mongolia Partnership for Science and Research, marking a shared commitment to advancing evidence-informed policies, research collaboration and better health outcomes in Mongolia. © WHO Mongolia 

Focusing on building stronger connections between research, policy and practice by promoting collaboration, the Mongolia Partnership for Science and Research will support research and innovation across areas including health security, communicable and noncommunicable diseases, One Health, environmental health, climate change and the social determinants of health.

As part of the launch, representatives of the Ministry of Health, WHO, United Nations agencies, academic institutions and development partners signed an Aide Memoire formalizing their commitment to work together under the Partnership.

“Evidence-informed decision-making is essential for a resilient and future-ready health system. This Partnership will strengthen the bridge between science, policy and practice in Mongolia,” said Dr Erdenebayar Namjil, State Secretary of the Ministry of Health, emphasizing the importance of science and evidence in guiding health sector reforms and improving health outcomes for all people in Mongolia.

Dr Erdenebayar Namjil, State Secretary of the Ministry of Health, highlights the importance of evidence and innovation in advancing health. © WHO Mongolia 

“Across the Western Pacific Region, WHO Member States, including Mongolia, are facing increasingly complex health challenges, from demographic shifts to climate-related risks and the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases. Strengthening national research systems and ensuring that the most robust evidence is used in decision-making is critical to building resilient health systems for the future,” noted Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. 

“The Mongolia Partnership for Science and Research reflects a shared commitment to strengthen the link between science, policy and action. When research is coordinated, relevant and effectively used, it becomes a powerful driver of better health outcomes and stronger health systems.”

Dr Saia Ma'u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, delivers the keynote address, emphasizing the role of science and research in building healthier and more resilient societies. © WHO Mongolia 

WHO Representative to Mongolia Dr Socorro Escalante noted that the Partnership provides an opportunity to strengthen collaboration across institutions and to ensure that research findings are translated into practical action more consistently and at scale.

“Science is one of our most powerful tools for improving health. By bringing together researchers, policy-makers, practitioners and partners, this Partnership can help ensure that evidence informs decisions and that knowledge is translated into better health outcomes for people and communities across Mongolia,” said Dr Escalante, reinforcing the importance of sustained collaboration beyond individual projects.

The launch of the Mongolia Partnership for Science and Research marks an important step towards strengthening the country's research system and promoting a culture of collaboration, innovation and evidence-informed decision-making. Through sustained partnership and shared commitment, the initiative seeks to contribute to better health, greater resilience and improved well-being for present and future generations.