LocationsNational Statistics Office and UNDP introduce Mongolia’s New Multidimensional Poverty Index Methodology
December 14, 2025
National Multidimensional Poverty Index 2025 Brief
Ulaanbaatar, 15 December 2025. National Statistics Office (NSO) presented the pilot results of Mongolia’s National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) developed under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s “Statistical Capacity Building for Sustainable Development” project funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea.
The National MPI is the outcome of an extensive collaboration led by the NSO MPI Working Group, supported by technical experts from the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and UNDP Seoul Policy Centre. Aimed to measure overlapping deprivations in health, education, labour and living conditions, this MPI pilot introduced the internationally recognised Alkire Foster method, tailored specifically to Mongolia’s unique context and priorities and based on pilot data from the 2024 Household Socio-Economic Survey. This establishes the methodology to be applied by the NSO for releasing the MPI results in 2027, using data from the 2026 Household Socio-Economic Survey.
Mr. Batdavaa Batmunkh, Chairperson of the NSO
Mr. Batdavaa Batmunkh, Chairperson of the NSO, highlighted that “The national MPI strengthens evidence-based and accountable decision-making and improves accuracy of measuring people’s living conditions, enabling the Government and its partners to better target resources and monitor the progress. The NSO will officially publish the MPI results in 2027 based on 2026 data and remain fully committed to regularly updating the index”.
Mr. Choi Jin-won, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Mongolia
Mr. Choi Jin-won, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Mongolia highlighted the importance of National MPI and pointed out that “Korea stands ready to continue working closely with the Government of Mongolia to deepen cooperation in development, governance, gender empowerment, environmental protection, and social policy”.
Ms. Matilda Dimovska, UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia
Ms. Matilda Dimovska, UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia, emphasized that “By looking beyond income to understand people’s real living conditions, this National MPI pilot results give Mongolia stronger tools to meet its SDG commitments. UNDP will continue working with the Government to apply this evidence to focus support where it is needed most and ensure that no one is left behind”.
The event concluded with reflections on how Mongolia’s National MPI can guide more targeted policymaking, strengthen integrated social and economic policies, and provide a robust evidence base for designing programmes that effectively reduce poverty and vulnerability. With this National MPI finalized, Mongolia will join more than 50 countries using multidimensional poverty measurement as an essential tool for advancing equitable, inclusive, and sustainable development.
For more information, please contact:
Khulan Bayarsaikhan | Communications Expert | UNDP Mongolia | khulan.bayarsaikhan@undp.org
About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.
About UNDP Seoul Policy Centre
UNDP Seoul Policy Centre is part of the United Nations’ global development and policy network. The Policy Centre is central to supporting effective development cooperation, South-South and Triangular Cooperation and higher quality programming and action through cutting edge development research, policy dialogue and knowledge sharing on key development issues.
