The Canada-Mongolia MERIT Project (2025–2030) officially launched on October 17. This five-year initiative aims to strengthen Mongolia’s public sector. Moreover, it ensures ethical, inclusive, and citizen-centered services. Civil service reform is central to the project. It aims to reinforce accountability and trust between the state and citizens.
The project builds on previous initiatives, including MERIT (2016–2024) and UNDP’s “Towards a Professional and Citizen-Centered Civil Service” (2018–2023). Additionally, the first Project Steering Committee meeting on October 14 validated the Project Implementation Plan and Annual Work Plan. These steps therefore define clear objectives for the coming year.
Stephen Doust, Canada’s Ambassador to Mongolia, highlighted the project’s long-term impact. He said civil service reform strengthens public institutions and improves citizen engagement. Furthermore, Tsedevsuren Lkhagva, Chairwoman of the Civil Service Council, emphasized adopting Canadian best practices. These practices aim to build a professional, ethical, and value-driven Mongolian civil service.
Jennifer Adams, Director of International Services at Catalyste+, said the project focuses on systems reform. She added that it reshapes the relationship between citizens and the state. Moreover, the initiative will enhance public trust through performance, ethics, and respect for human rights.
The MERIT Project will work closely with key national institutions. These include the Civil Service Council, Cabinet Secretariat, National Human Rights Commission, National Committee on Gender Equality, and governors’ offices in Dundgobi, Uvs, Sukhbaatar, and Darkhan-Uul provinces. Consequently, the collaboration ensures that reform reaches both central and regional levels.
By 2030, civil service reform is expected to deliver measurable results. These include a stronger legal and policy framework with human rights and ethics, improved civil servant capacity, and greater accountability in provincial service delivery. It also aims to boost citizen participation in governance.
The project reflects Mongolia’s commitment to advancing governance and promoting ethical practices. Therefore, experts suggest it could serve as a model for public sector reform in other emerging economies.
Civil service reform is not just administrative. Rather, it is a strategic move to build public trust, empower communities, and strengthen democratic governance.
