The initiative to establish the center originated in 2023, when representatives from the Environmental Education Center of the National University of Mongolia (NUM) participated in the meeting of RCEs held in the Republic of Korea. The idea was successfully implemented, bringing together 12 organizations active in environmental protection and education under this national network. The center has now officially launched its operations in collaboration with the Department of Lifelong and Distance Education at the Mongolian National University of Education (MNUE).
Event
Official Launch of the Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development – Mongolia
Opening session
The opening session featured speeches by the following representatives:
- Felix Glenk – Resident Representative, Hanns Seidel Foundation
- Dr. D. Zayabaatar – Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Development, National University of Mongolia
- Dr. T. Ganbaatar – Director, School of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies, Mongolian National University of Education
- Shahidul Islam – Project Specialist, UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia
In their remarks, the speakers highlighted that RCE Mongolia serves as an essential structure for promoting education for sustainable development (ESD), enhancing collaboration among relevant national institutions, and fostering effective partnerships across sectors.
Research and Presentations
During the event, several research findings and presentations were shared:
- Dr. R. Sunjidmaa – Director, Environmental Education Center, NUM
→ Presented the process and stages of establishing RCE Mongolia. - Dr. D. Uuriintuya – Head, Department of Lifelong and Distance Education, MNUE
→ Shared research on integrating education for sustainable development into teacher training programs. - Prof. E. Batchuluun – Consulting Professor, MNUE
→ Gave a talk on “Education for Sustainable Development and the Role of RCEs.”
International Cooperation
At the end of the event, congratulatory messages were received from RCE Tongyeong (Republic of Korea), RCE Hangzhou (China), and RCE Kitakyushu (Japan), celebrating the establishment of RCE Mongolia.
The application for RCE Mongolia was submitted to the United Nations University (UNU), Japan in May 2024. After a thorough review by a special commission, the center was officially recognized and certified on July 9, 2024.
Significance of the Centre
The Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development – Mongolia (RCE Mongolia) aims to:
- Establish a national network for education for sustainable development (ESD)
- Strengthen intersectoral collaboration
- Expand partnerships with international organizations
- Implement joint initiatives in research, training, and innovation
With the establishment of RCE Mongolia, a new phase of cooperation to promote education for sustainable development in Mongolia has begun.
