The years of Mongolian independence since the breakdown of the Soviet Union have been a period of dramatic political, economic and social change. The path to democracy and the gradual transition to a market economy have brought about many new freedoms but have come hand in hand with rising poverty, inequality, unemployment and uncertainty about the future. Mongolia's youth, which represents almost a third of the population, are growing up in a world of diverse change. This is a crucial time to be working towards fresh perspectives surrounding the issues of youth development and participation.

The MYDF has established a framework of programmes specifically designed to target the problems faced by youth in the current economic and social climate. Our projects respond directly to the needs expressed by young people themselves and emphasise youth and peer participation to find solutions. We work closely with governmental and non-governmental local and international organisations to build a coordinated effort among agencies working for youth development in Mongolia.

Mongolian Adolescents Needs Assessment Survey Report 2000

This report documents the first comprehensive assessment of the overall development and participation needs of adolescents in Mongolia. It was conducted under an expansive collaborative effort including government, non-governmental and international organisations, the mass media and the general public, as well as adolescents themselves. UNICEF, UN Agencies, the Scout Association of Mongolia and the MYDC all took part in the project.

Prior to this study there was a lack of statistical information about adolescents' issues from which to form the basis of a systematic approach to youth development. The survey's results are a valuable source of material for discussion, to determine the design of new policies and programmes and for the formation of future strategies.

Statistical information presented in this web site has been taken from the results of the "Mongolian Adolescents Needs Assessment Survey Report".