THE SDG OPEN DAY 2022

Ulaanbaatar, 10 September 2022 – THE SDG OPEN DAY brought together the local and international communities to raise awareness on the work that the United Nations (UN) is doing to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Mongolia. More than 100 agencies participated in the event and showcased their efforts for achieving the SDGs.

As a lead agency for SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 6 (Water and Sanitation Hygiene), UNICEF engaged with children and youth in fun activities and interactive displays.

To achieve the SDG 4, UNICEF focuses on equity and inclusion where all children, without exception, have quality learning and skills development opportunities from early childhood to adolescence. Children, youth and their parents enjoyed several activities and displays presented at the SDG 4 on UNICEF’s projects on interactive learning and inclusive education. One of the interactive activities was a “wall” where people wrote their views on the “future of education”.

Encouraging children to share their feelings and treat each other with kindness is crucial to develop healthy mental well-being and creating a psychologically safe environment so that they can fight against negative social stigma. Working together with Bankhar Art Therapy, a local NGO supporting the mental well-being of children, UNICEF motivates children to share their feelings and voice their opinions. During the event, youth advocates from this local NGO performed a dance promoting the importance of friendship with care on the stage.

Providing “Clean Water and Sanitation” for children is also a vital part of UNICEF’s commitment to the  SDGs in Mongolia. On the day, scouts from the Mongolian Scouts Association distributed their very own hand-made soap for children. There was also a handwashing dance activity with children that teaches proper handwashing steps.

Through the activities that happened at the SDG 6 tent, children, youth and their families learned the importance of “handwashing with soap” as an easy, effective and affordable way to prevent disease and dramatically reduce the risk of diarrhea, pneumonia, and other infections. 

The SDG Open Day was also a great opportunity to introduce the “I-Check” initiative for the first time in the country. I-Checks are small booths equipped with easy-to-use devices, including a Blood Pressure Monitor, non-invasive Glucose meter, and pulse oximeter,. As it provides a private space for a quick health check-ups in public places, convenience stores, and offices, UNICEF Mongolia aims to promote healthy habits and provide preventative measures for health risks like heart attacks and strokes. The I-Checks will be available in public places and government offices after the event.

Creating a healthy environment for every child to survive and thrive is the core of UNICEF Mongolia’s work. SDG OPEN DAY brought attention and raised awareness to our commitments and efforts for SDGs, particularly in children’s education, and mental and physical well-being. It was also a great opportunity to build a tight partnership with other stakeholders who are working together towards the goals. To build a better future for our children, every stakeholder must work together and join our efforts to achieve SDGs in Mongolia.