Chairman of the State Great Hural D. Amarbayasgalan and MP M. Mandkhai attended the inauguration of the Legislative Information Center under the Citizens' Representatives Hural of Uvs Province during their working visit to Ulaangom.
In his opening remarks, Chairman D. Amarbayasgalan emphasized that enacting laws is one step, but ensuring public understanding, compliance, and implementation is the most critical and responsible phase for a rule-of-law-based state. Without proper awareness, legal inconsistencies, misunderstandings, and enforcement gaps arise, ultimately weakening the fundamental principle of upholding the law and potentially leading to human rights violations. He noted that addressing these issues is a key goal of the current parliament. The 2024-2028 strategic plan of the State Great Hural, approved during the autumn session, prioritizes enhancing public knowledge of parliamentary democracy, making parliamentary activities more accessible, and promoting civic education. The Legislative Information Center will play a crucial role in implementing this vision.
Uvs province is the sixth province to establish a Legislative Information Center and sign a memorandum of cooperation with the Secretariat of the State Great Hural. The center will serve as a model, ensuring that the rule of law is upheld and that legislative initiatives under the "Three Pillars of Excellence" policy are translated into practical implementation. Chairman Amarbayasgalan stressed that the center must remain open, transparent, and responsive, engaging closely with local authorities, media, and citizens in explaining legal provisions, providing advisory services, and facilitating discussions.
Another significant purpose of the center is to enhance public participation in the legislative process. It will not only educate citizens about existing laws but also foster dialogue on whether current regulations align with societal needs. The center will provide a platform for public consultations, debates, and hearings, allowing citizens to voice their opinions on pending laws through mechanisms like D-Parliament and other channels.
During the event, Chairman of the Uvs Citizens' Representatives Hural P. Battulga expressed gratitude for the initiative, highlighting that Mongolia’s Constitution grants sovereign power to the people, allowing them to participate directly or through elected representatives. He stated that the center would serve as a key bridge between the State Great Hural and local governments to institutionalize legal awareness efforts.
Deputy Director of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation’s East Asia section Christian Engler also delivered a virtual message, noting that although the agency’s projects in Mongolia were set to conclude in 2024, successful collaborations with the Secretariat of the State Great Hural led to an extension until 2026. He emphasized that improving access to reliable legal information is fundamental to a country's development and that the Legislative Information Center would enable citizens to obtain verified legal knowledge quickly and efficiently.
The opening ceremony concluded with the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the Secretariat of the State Great Hural and the Uvs Citizens’ Representatives Hural. Secretary-General B. Baasandorj and Chairman P. Battulga formalized the agreement, which outlines joint responsibilities in ensuring the center's continuous operation.
The center will focus on informing the public about national and local legislation, promoting legal education, and facilitating civic engagement in the legislative process. It will also work to instill democratic values among students by introducing parliamentary education programs and youth initiatives. Additionally, a dedicated library section will provide legal literature, including over 1,400 books and publications such as the State Information compilations for 2023-2025 and the Mongolian Constitution Sourcebook.
As part of the opening ceremony, Chairman Amarbayasgalan presented the center with the 33-volume Historical Records of Mongolia.
The establishment of Legislative Information Centers is part of a broader initiative under the “Strengthening Parliamentary Institutions” project, implemented by the Secretariat of the State Great Hural in cooperation with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. The program aligns with the State Great Hural’s 2024-2028 strategic plan, which prioritizes accessibility to parliamentary information and civic education.
The Secretariat is gradually rolling out these centers across Mongolia, having already launched them in Bayankhongor, Uvurkhangai, Govisumber, Darkhan-Uul, and Orkhon provinces.