We interviewed one of the participants of Young Global Leader program under WEF J.Bayartsetseg, State Secretary at Ministry of Justice, who was invited to the attend the WEF for the second year.
Which panel meetings did you attend at the Davos 2015? What were the hot topics at the WEF?
WEF organizes Davos summit every year. This is one of the high level events, this year it involved presidents of 40 countries and 2500 delegates attended the summit. The summit expanded over last few years not just in terms of the size, but also in terms of the topics it discusses. It covers wide range like politics, technology and environment besides economic situation. Mongolia started participating in this event since 2000.
For developing countries this event is one of the best opportunities to meet with leaders of developed economies and hold the negotiations in terms of the location, as many leaders gather at one spot at the same time. I guess this is the main benefit for the participants.
Moreover the main objective of Davos is to determine the economic trends for the coming year. That is why participants eager to attend this summit, whether they are businesses or international organizations or leaders of countries. It helps them to navigate their activities in the coming year, as they can find answers to questions like where to invest, where is the most business friendly environment, which sector will see most growth and from which country experience one could learn the most. All this information is available at one place.
UN IS FACING DIFFICULTIES. IT FOCUSES ON RESTRCTURING AND DOWNSIZING
Have been included in the Government delegation?
No, I have attended the WEF separate from the Government delegation. There is the Forum of Young Global Leader under the WEF. It does elect youth for one particular year with most contribution in their fields. I have been selected in 2013 and have participated for two years in this summit. There were three participants from Mongolia selected to this program. It is an honor to be a participant in WEF together with world leaders.
What were the main topics discussed at the WEF this year?
The main topic of the Davos 2015 was the Uncertainty, because uncertainty is the main character in every sector such as finance, politic, geopolitics and etc. globally. Especially the financial crisis is not only attributed to Mongolia. It is global. Our neighbors Russia and China are in the same situation. Leaders of G-8 have given speeches at the opening of the WEF.
Prime Minister of China has acknowledged the slowest growth in 25 years. This is true and this is the economic downturn. But they have determined it as the new normal. If they were accelerating now they are slowing down. If China was the exporting country, now it aims to focus on domestic market as the US and EU markets are shrinking.
US, EU, China, Russia and BRIC countries are being observed globally as the global economy is much dependent on those countries. Every one is keen on the developments at these markets. Everyone is sure that economic growth will slow down and especially in EU. The main topic of this year’s WEF was on the ways to overcome such economic slowdown.
Another important topic was the safety. President of France François Hollande said in his speech that the safety is the essential for every thing and that the efforts to ensure the safety is not attributive to one person or just one nation, it is the global matter. The issue of safety is tightly linked with the political uncertainty or the terrorism. It was one of the hugely discussed topics as well.
Last but not least, I want to mention the innovation or the new products and new initiatives. Technological innovation and its economic application were most discussed. CEOs of Google, Yahoo and Alibaba have been present during the WEF. They have explained how their technological advances can be applied for public use.
Which panel meetings did you attend?
Over 20-30 panel meetings happen all at the same time daily until 10PM. I have attended panel meetings on leadership and gender, as those are my topics of interest. Those were significant in terms of introducing the scientific outcomes and interesting researches.
We are currently facing new challenges. Leadership is one the key one that will lead us through the rough times. Leaders with different approach and leadership skills should come up, because we are facing the times, which require totally new leadership approach.
Moreover, leadership is not about one person, now it has more broad and enhanced meaning to it as international leadership. For instance, US has been the dominant political leader up until now. Whereas China is emerging as the new leader, but the question is will Chinese leadership be acknowledged by others. Russia is losing its leadership in terms of geopolitics and who is to replace that.
Many were very critical about organizations such as UN, EU and IMF. Many were criticizing of their leadership and many were accusing them for holding back development and increased level of bureaucracy. They are losing their leadership and that is why many regional institutions have been popping up lately such as ASEAN and African Union being able to solve regional problems at much quicker speed.
All the participants have agreed on 2015 to be risky year and main focus was on the solution for overcoming it through integrated efforts.
What was the response from the International Organizations on criticism?
On one side they have acknowledged, but on the other hand, they said that bureaucracy is one of their traits. For instance, for EU it comprised of over 20 member countries. In order to come up with decision they have to conduct discussions with all of them.
UN is facing financial crisis, they have started restructuring and downsizing as main contributors such as US and EU have decreased their support, many member countries are not paying their taxes, most clear example was WHO. WHO was unable to do anything of big scale on the Ebola outbreak, just because of lack of funds. Private sector played great role in fight with Ebola. But there is still big institution like UN.
What were the discussions at the gender panel meetings?
Current talks are now more directed how the females can be supported and empowered, rather than discussing the importance of female involvement.
Suppose those who are talking about are mostly women?
Male representatives are talking about the involvement of females and those are CEOs. Currently female involvement in politics is at 20 percent globally, while at our parliament it is 11 percent. Every country recognizes this as low and is making efforts to improve it.
At some countries it is obligatory to have female member at the Board of Directors, but this needs to be improved more. It is not just about having a female at the board; she should be seen as the representative of the 50 percent of the population, whether it is at a private business or politics. Female involvement in decision-making process is beneficial, whether it is company or a country.
Representatives of Rwanda have emphasized the importance of female involvement as the moving factor in post massive murder reconstruction and redevelopment.
You have taken part at Davos summit as the participant at Forum of Young Global Leaders. How can one become a part of it? What would be your advice?
About the Young Global Leaders participants should be under age of 40 and be successful in their field of expertise. It involves mainly young leaders from businesses, such as Marissa Mayer of Yahoo, Eric Schmidt of Google to name a few. This program gives a chance to get in touch with those leaders and learn from them.
Another Young Global Leader should nominate one and I would like to say as a voting member I could refer our youth for this program. The program is set to educate and share the experiences through multiple seminars and trainings abroad at universities like Harvard and Yale. I have a right to nominate a candidate for the 2016 Young Global Leader.
How many Mongolian nationals have been selected through this program?
One nominee can attend the Davos for five years. Ch.Gankhuyag of XacBank has completed his term. Before him it was MP S.Oyun. Asashoryu D.Dagvadorj has been selected from Japan, while I was elected in 2013, S.Byambasaihan was elected fro 2014 and U.Ganzorig for this year. But participation at Davos requires passing more criteria.
How is the perception of Mongolia at Davos?
Current image of Mongolia has shifted greatly, there is no need to explain where Mongolia is located or what mineral resources it has. Participants have acknowledged that Mongolia is a democratic and free nation that is on its development path. Many would ask for the opportunities they can enjoy in Mongolia.
We are seen as a potential partner, of course there are problems and issues we need to solve. In comparison to the other East Asian countries, African and some Middle East countries we are far more ahead with development. It is great to hear those things outside of Mongolia.
Last year when we talked with Ch.Gankhuyag he was mentioning that Myanmar would be the next country to attract the investments. Where investment flow is directed for this year?
Due to the uncertainty at many sectors investments will decline. This is not about Mongolia only, global economy slowed down. It is obvious that even for very attractive countries investments will decline.
Many like to ask for definite time or period when the economy will be back on track, when we will see the growth again.
It is not about giving the numbers like in 2018 every thing will be good. At Davos many have emphasized that development will be dependent on leaders and organizations leading the regions.
Thank you.
We interviewed one of the participants of Young Global Leader program under WEF J.Bayartsetseg, State Secretary at Ministry of Justice, who was invited to the attend the WEF for the second year.
Which panel meetings did you attend at the Davos 2015? What were the hot topics at the WEF?
WEF organizes Davos summit every year. This is one of the high level events, this year it involved presidents of 40 countries and 2500 delegates attended the summit. The summit expanded over last few years not just in terms of the size, but also in terms of the topics it discusses. It covers wide range like politics, technology and environment besides economic situation. Mongolia started participating in this event since 2000.
For developing countries this event is one of the best opportunities to meet with leaders of developed economies and hold the negotiations in terms of the location, as many leaders gather at one spot at the same time. I guess this is the main benefit for the participants.
Moreover the main objective of Davos is to determine the economic trends for the coming year. That is why participants eager to attend this summit, whether they are businesses or international organizations or leaders of countries. It helps them to navigate their activities in the coming year, as they can find answers to questions like where to invest, where is the most business friendly environment, which sector will see most growth and from which country experience one could learn the most. All this information is available at one place.
UN IS FACING DIFFICULTIES. IT FOCUSES ON RESTRCTURING AND DOWNSIZING
Have been included in the Government delegation?
No, I have attended the WEF separate from the Government delegation. There is the Forum of Young Global Leader under the WEF. It does elect youth for one particular year with most contribution in their fields. I have been selected in 2013 and have participated for two years in this summit. There were three participants from Mongolia selected to this program. It is an honor to be a participant in WEF together with world leaders.
What were the main topics discussed at the WEF this year?
The main topic of the Davos 2015 was the Uncertainty, because uncertainty is the main character in every sector such as finance, politic, geopolitics and etc. globally. Especially the financial crisis is not only attributed to Mongolia. It is global. Our neighbors Russia and China are in the same situation. Leaders of G-8 have given speeches at the opening of the WEF.
Prime Minister of China has acknowledged the slowest growth in 25 years. This is true and this is the economic downturn. But they have determined it as the new normal. If they were accelerating now they are slowing down. If China was the exporting country, now it aims to focus on domestic market as the US and EU markets are shrinking.
US, EU, China, Russia and BRIC countries are being observed globally as the global economy is much dependent on those countries. Every one is keen on the developments at these markets. Everyone is sure that economic growth will slow down and especially in EU. The main topic of this year’s WEF was on the ways to overcome such economic slowdown.
Another important topic was the safety. President of France François Hollande said in his speech that the safety is the essential for every thing and that the efforts to ensure the safety is not attributive to one person or just one nation, it is the global matter. The issue of safety is tightly linked with the political uncertainty or the terrorism. It was one of the hugely discussed topics as well.
Last but not least, I want to mention the innovation or the new products and new initiatives. Technological innovation and its economic application were most discussed. CEOs of Google, Yahoo and Alibaba have been present during the WEF. They have explained how their technological advances can be applied for public use.
Which panel meetings did you attend?
Over 20-30 panel meetings happen all at the same time daily until 10PM. I have attended panel meetings on leadership and gender, as those are my topics of interest. Those were significant in terms of introducing the scientific outcomes and interesting researches.
We are currently facing new challenges. Leadership is one the key one that will lead us through the rough times. Leaders with different approach and leadership skills should come up, because we are facing the times, which require totally new leadership approach.
Moreover, leadership is not about one person, now it has more broad and enhanced meaning to it as international leadership. For instance, US has been the dominant political leader up until now. Whereas China is emerging as the new leader, but the question is will Chinese leadership be acknowledged by others. Russia is losing its leadership in terms of geopolitics and who is to replace that.
Many were very critical about organizations such as UN, EU and IMF. Many were criticizing of their leadership and many were accusing them for holding back development and increased level of bureaucracy. They are losing their leadership and that is why many regional institutions have been popping up lately such as ASEAN and African Union being able to solve regional problems at much quicker speed.
All the participants have agreed on 2015 to be risky year and main focus was on the solution for overcoming it through integrated efforts.
What was the response from the International Organizations on criticism?
On one side they have acknowledged, but on the other hand, they said that bureaucracy is one of their traits. For instance, for EU it comprised of over 20 member countries. In order to come up with decision they have to conduct discussions with all of them.
UN is facing financial crisis, they have started restructuring and downsizing as main contributors such as US and EU have decreased their support, many member countries are not paying their taxes, most clear example was WHO. WHO was unable to do anything of big scale on the Ebola outbreak, just because of lack of funds. Private sector played great role in fight with Ebola. But there is still big institution like UN.
What were the discussions at the gender panel meetings?
Current talks are now more directed how the females can be supported and empowered, rather than discussing the importance of female involvement.
Suppose those who are talking about are mostly women?
Male representatives are talking about the involvement of females and those are CEOs. Currently female involvement in politics is at 20 percent globally, while at our parliament it is 11 percent. Every country recognizes this as low and is making efforts to improve it.
At some countries it is obligatory to have female member at the Board of Directors, but this needs to be improved more. It is not just about having a female at the board; she should be seen as the representative of the 50 percent of the population, whether it is at a private business or politics. Female involvement in decision-making process is beneficial, whether it is company or a country.
Representatives of Rwanda have emphasized the importance of female involvement as the moving factor in post massive murder reconstruction and redevelopment.
You have taken part at Davos summit as the participant at Forum of Young Global Leaders. How can one become a part of it? What would be your advice?
About the Young Global Leaders participants should be under age of 40 and be successful in their field of expertise. It involves mainly young leaders from businesses, such as Marissa Mayer of Yahoo, Eric Schmidt of Google to name a few. This program gives a chance to get in touch with those leaders and learn from them.
Another Young Global Leader should nominate one and I would like to say as a voting member I could refer our youth for this program. The program is set to educate and share the experiences through multiple seminars and trainings abroad at universities like Harvard and Yale. I have a right to nominate a candidate for the 2016 Young Global Leader.
How many Mongolian nationals have been selected through this program?
One nominee can attend the Davos for five years. Ch.Gankhuyag of XacBank has completed his term. Before him it was MP S.Oyun. Asashoryu D.Dagvadorj has been selected from Japan, while I was elected in 2013, S.Byambasaihan was elected fro 2014 and U.Ganzorig for this year. But participation at Davos requires passing more criteria.
How is the perception of Mongolia at Davos?
Current image of Mongolia has shifted greatly, there is no need to explain where Mongolia is located or what mineral resources it has. Participants have acknowledged that Mongolia is a democratic and free nation that is on its development path. Many would ask for the opportunities they can enjoy in Mongolia.
We are seen as a potential partner, of course there are problems and issues we need to solve. In comparison to the other East Asian countries, African and some Middle East countries we are far more ahead with development. It is great to hear those things outside of Mongolia.
Last year when we talked with Ch.Gankhuyag he was mentioning that Myanmar would be the next country to attract the investments. Where investment flow is directed for this year?
Due to the uncertainty at many sectors investments will decline. This is not about Mongolia only, global economy slowed down. It is obvious that even for very attractive countries investments will decline.
Many like to ask for definite time or period when the economy will be back on track, when we will see the growth again.
It is not about giving the numbers like in 2018 every thing will be good. At Davos many have emphasized that development will be dependent on leaders and organizations leading the regions.
Thank you.