LocationsUNDP Highlights the Importance of Moving from Representation to Influence at the World Women Parliamentarians’ Forum
October 12, 2026
Ulaanbaatar, 12 October 2026 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Mongolia participated in the World Women Parliamentarians’ Forum held in Ulaanbaatar on 12-13 October 2026 under the theme “From Representation to Influence in the Decision-Making Process.” The Forum brought together women parliamentarians, policymakers, and development partners from across the world to exchange experiences and discuss ways to strengthen women’s leadership and influence in public decision-making.
UNDP Mongolia Resident Representative, Lionel Laurens took part as a panelist in the second thematic session, “Enhancing the Impact of Women’s Representation in Decision-Making Processes and International Cooperation on Leadership and Professional Capacity.” The discussion explored how countries can ensure that increased representation of women translates into meaningful participation, influence, and leadership in decision-making processes.
Drawing on Mongolia’s experience, UNDP highlighted its longstanding partnership with national institutions, Parliament, civil society organizations, and development partners to advance women’s political participation and leadership. Over the past two decades, UNDP has supported legal reforms, leadership development initiatives, capacity-building programmes, and evidence-based policy dialogue that have contributed to significant progress in women’s representation and leadership in Mongolia.
“Mongolia has made remarkable progress in advancing women’s representation in public decision-making level. However, the true measure of success is whether women are able to influence decisions, shape public policies, and lead transformative change. UNDP is proud to support this journey together with Parliament, civil society, and development partners,” said Lionel Laurens, UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia.
UNDP Mongolia also emphasized the importance of continued investment in women’s leadership, mentoring, professional networks, and institutional capacity to ensure that gains in representation lead to more inclusive and gender-responsive governance. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with national partners and international supporters to sustain and expand progress towards gender equality and women’s leadership in Mongolia.
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