From Local Advocacy to National Impact
Khongorzul's story of climate action and youth empowerment
Khongorzul Gomboragchaa is an 18-year-old climate advocate from Darkhan-Uul province of Mongolia. During her summer holidays, she loved visiting her grandparents, who were nomads in Selenge province, and playing in the pristine river close by. However, the river soon started to become more polluted, and herders’ livestock were reported to have been poisoned by the chemicals used in the local mines. Khongorzul herself, while playing in the river, got an infection, which required months of treatment.
These incidents made her interested in environmental issues, especially water quality. She decided to join her school’s geography club and started conducting research and monitoring on water quality several times a year. Khongorzul encouraged her classmates to join the monitoring excursions, involving more than 1200 students in environmental learning activities. Together, they measured water Ph levels and observed the biodiversity close to the rivers, including the presence of certain insects that indicate the quality of water.
Looking into the causes of the pollution in rivers, Khongorzul and her classmates traced the route to illegal mining activities, specifically gold mining. They used the data to publish educational and informational content on social media. This was because Khongorzul believed that even though people knew that taking care of the environment is important, they lacked specific data and knowledge to take informed action. The data was also presented to local authorities through various letters, presentations, and meetings, to advocate for change.
The results of their advocacy were astounding. Not only did Khongorzul’s team succeed in shutting down the illegal mines, but the local authorities stopped issuing mining licenses to new mines and instituted strict quarterly investigations into existing mining activities. Water quality data for the year after these measures were taken showed the water Ph levels coming back to normal levels.
Khongorzul uses this story to inspire hundreds of other young people to create positive change through advocacy. She is achieving this by co-facilitating the UNICEF Youth Advocacy Guide (YAG) training as one of four Advocacy Champions from Mongolia. As former Secretary of the Mongolian Children’s Council (MCC) and current Head of the MCC Alumni Association, Khongorzul is passionate about empowering the 9000 members of the council, who hail from all parts of the country. She is utilizing this national network, which is supported by UNICEF, to build youth capacity in advocacy and social change. So far, she has championed the training of more than 140 youth in various locations
“Because the MCC accepts all children from all provinces, it provides a great opportunity for children and youth to be involved in decisions that affect them and take action wherever they are. However, it is important to support them in their journey through knowledge and capacity building, so that they can implement their activities effectively. That’s why the YAG training is important to young people in Mongolia, because it allows them to develop their knowledge and skills, expand their networks, and invest in their future,”
Because of her experience coordinating the national campaign on anti-bullying as Secretary of the MCC as well as leading the Darkhan-Uul province Children’s Council, Khongorzul had a good understanding of the local situation and social issues. This provided a positive entry point in establishing rapport with the YAG training participants. Khongorzul then used her advocacy story and that of other youth to inspire and empower participants to create their own advocacy stories and strategies.
Reflecting on her experience facilitating the YAG trainings, Khongorzul said “On a personal level, I gained a lot of knowledge and skills, including softs skills, from my involvement in the YAG trainings. I believe all participants and MCC members are proud to be able to contribute to the wellbeing of future generations through the work we are doing today.”
Khongorzul’s efforts to empower her peers and take climate action have been recognized by the Government of Mongolia, which presented her with the annual Children’s award in 2023. Her passion for climate and the environment led her to pursue her studies in Environmental studies. Currently a gap year student, Khongorzul is looking forward to supporting youth across Mongolia build their capacity to advocate for the issues they are passionate about.
When asked what her message to other youth would be, she replied: “Try new things, don’t beat yourself up by comparing yourself to others, and do something good for the environment every day.”
