We invited Axelle Nicaise, Ambassador аn Head of Delegation of the European Union to Mongolia to our Ambassador interview series.
In 2021, 8th of Novermber she met with President of Mongolia H.E. Mr Khurelsukh Ukhnaa and the honour of present her credentials as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union to Mongolia.
Ms Nicaise is a career official of the European Union since 1998. For the last 24 years, she has been working in various capacities in Brussels as well as in Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine and India. Before coming to Mongolia she served as the Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to Vietnam. She holds a Master in International Law and an MBA in Political Sciences and International Relations at the Université Libre de Bruxelles. Her mother tongue is French, and she speaks fluent English and Russian.
We invited Axelle Nicaise, Ambassador аn Head of Delegation of the European Union to Mongolia to our Ambassador interview series.
In 2021, 8th of Novermber she met with President of Mongolia H.E. Mr Khurelsukh Ukhnaa and the honour of present her credentials as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union to Mongolia.
Ms Nicaise is a career official of the European Union since 1998. For the last 24 years, she has been working in various capacities in Brussels as well as in Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine and India. Before coming to Mongolia she served as the Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to Vietnam. She holds a Master in International Law and an MBA in Political Sciences and International Relations at the Université Libre de Bruxelles. Her mother tongue is French, and she speaks fluent English and Russian.
- First of all, congratulations on your appointment as Ambassador of the European Union to Mongolia.
-Thank you. I am very happy to represent the European Union in Mongolia. It is my great honour to serve in a country with such a fascinating history and promising future.
-Tell us about your first impression after you came in Mongolia?
- I have been impressed by three things. First the people: very friendly and caring. I feel welcomed and helped by everyone. Second the landscape: I keep my eyes on the horizons and the eternal blue sky. Third, the climate: it shows that you are every resilient people!
So far, I had a privilege to visit Selenge and Darkhan-Uul aimags to kick off Sustainable, Resilient Ecosystem and Agriculture Management - STREAM project. Together with our partners we aim at increasing the capacity of Mongolian communities to implement innovative and sustainable long-term landscape management to address food system challenges and climate stresses. We happy that through this project we can synchronize our mutual goal to fight climate change and that we are in line with the recent commitment of the Government of Mongolia at COP26.
-What are your goals for the coming years?
-For the European Union, Mongolia is a most valued partner. For Mongolia, the EU is a 3rd neighbour. I am enthusiastic about continuing developing and deepening our relations.
Our ambition is to make Mongolia more resilient and diversify its economy to reduce the dependency on mineral products and promote trade exchanges with the EU. At the same time we encourage the reduction of carbon emissions by investing in renewable energies in line with Mongolia’s latest commitments at COP26. I am impressed by the level of commitment of Mongolia.
We hope also to open cooperation path in the field of digital transformation and connectivity. We will continue supporting Mongolia’s democracy and rule of law. I am also here to explore your beautiful country, meet its citizens and learn about its fascinating history, culture and traditions.
- First of all, congratulations on your appointment as Ambassador of the European Union to Mongolia.
-Thank you. I am very happy to represent the European Union in Mongolia. It is my great honour to serve in a country with such a fascinating history and promising future.
-Tell us about your first impression after you came in Mongolia?
- I have been impressed by three things. First the people: very friendly and caring. I feel welcomed and helped by everyone. Second the landscape: I keep my eyes on the horizons and the eternal blue sky. Third, the climate: it shows that you are every resilient people!
So far, I had a privilege to visit Selenge and Darkhan-Uul aimags to kick off Sustainable, Resilient Ecosystem and Agriculture Management - STREAM project. Together with our partners we aim at increasing the capacity of Mongolian communities to implement innovative and sustainable long-term landscape management to address food system challenges and climate stresses. We happy that through this project we can synchronize our mutual goal to fight climate change and that we are in line with the recent commitment of the Government of Mongolia at COP26.
-What are your goals for the coming years?
-For the European Union, Mongolia is a most valued partner. For Mongolia, the EU is a 3rd neighbour. I am enthusiastic about continuing developing and deepening our relations.
Our ambition is to make Mongolia more resilient and diversify its economy to reduce the dependency on mineral products and promote trade exchanges with the EU. At the same time we encourage the reduction of carbon emissions by investing in renewable energies in line with Mongolia’s latest commitments at COP26. I am impressed by the level of commitment of Mongolia.
We hope also to open cooperation path in the field of digital transformation and connectivity. We will continue supporting Mongolia’s democracy and rule of law. I am also here to explore your beautiful country, meet its citizens and learn about its fascinating history, culture and traditions.
-Would you please introduce your Delegation?
-The decision to have a permanent based representation in Mongolia was taken in the framework of the Asia–Europe Meeting Summit organized in 2016 in Ulaanbaatar.
The EU Delegation to Mongolia is responsible for the conduct of official relations between the European Union and Mongolia. We are a fairly small Delegation of 15 people, so we need to work together seamlessly irrespective of our job title, division and nationality.
-Over the past three years, the amount of EU funding in Mongolia has increased from 12 million euros to 140 million euros. What specific field and project was it spent on?
-The Multi-Annual Indicative Programme was a success, increasing the amount of the grant from 12 to 140 million euros. I would say this is the result of the opening of a Permanent Delegation in Ulaanbaatar in 2017, bringing our cooperation with Mongolia to a new level. It can be said that our cooperation has significantly expanded not only bilaterally but also regionally.
The programme had two focal sectors on improved governance of revenues for inclusive and sustainable growth, and support for better employment opportunities.
Through this Programme we have been working with the Government at national and local level to further develop a conducive policy environment to improve the functioning of the labour market and enhance quality employment.
We have focused one the one hand on improving conditions and capacities for private sector employment creation by strengthening value chains: meat, dairy, fibre, leather and vegetables.
-Would you please introduce your Delegation?
-The decision to have a permanent based representation in Mongolia was taken in the framework of the Asia–Europe Meeting Summit organized in 2016 in Ulaanbaatar.
The EU Delegation to Mongolia is responsible for the conduct of official relations between the European Union and Mongolia. We are a fairly small Delegation of 15 people, so we need to work together seamlessly irrespective of our job title, division and nationality.
-Over the past three years, the amount of EU funding in Mongolia has increased from 12 million euros to 140 million euros. What specific field and project was it spent on?
-The Multi-Annual Indicative Programme was a success, increasing the amount of the grant from 12 to 140 million euros. I would say this is the result of the opening of a Permanent Delegation in Ulaanbaatar in 2017, bringing our cooperation with Mongolia to a new level. It can be said that our cooperation has significantly expanded not only bilaterally but also regionally.
The programme had two focal sectors on improved governance of revenues for inclusive and sustainable growth, and support for better employment opportunities.
Through this Programme we have been working with the Government at national and local level to further develop a conducive policy environment to improve the functioning of the labour market and enhance quality employment.
We have focused one the one hand on improving conditions and capacities for private sector employment creation by strengthening value chains: meat, dairy, fibre, leather and vegetables.
On the other hand we were working to strengthen and consolidate the work of the stakeholders responsible for the Technical Vocation and Education Training (TVET) sector in order to establish and initiate an efficient, sustainable and demand driven TVET sector.
Extensive work is also on-going to support the Government in advancing its efforts towards increasing transparency, participation and accountability in fiscal matters.
In May 2020 we launched the first ever Budget Support programme in Mongolia of EUR 50.8 million grant to support the Government with the public finance management and employment reforms agenda.
On human rights, we are concentrating on the effective implementation of the international conventions that Mongolia has signed and ratified on human and labour rights, environment and good governance. We have implemented numerous projects with civil society organisations. For example: on engendering rural development, mitigating violence against children and gender based violence, on empowering youth and civil society, on supporting vulnerable groups, on enhancing the collaboration between civil society and local authorities, on freedom of press.
On climate change and environment, we have been directing our support on reducing air pollution, bringing in best practices in the waste management, on sustainable textile production, on sustainable nature resource and agriculture management.
Through our well-known ERASMUS+ Programme we have engaged in capacity building projects with European and Mongolia universities, as well as in academic exchange of students and teachers. With Horizon Europe we focus on innovation and research in academia.
- Let's talk about the new European Union Multi-Annual Indicative Programme for Mongolia for 2021-2027. What are the highlights of the programme?
-We have a very dynamic agenda going forward the next few years in Mongolia that can create a transformative impact in green sustainable development, green energy transition as well as democratic and economic development.
Gender, youth, children, persons with disabilities will continue being at the core of our interventions. The European Union will continue to contribute to our mutual benefits and goals in line with the priorities of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and Vision 2050 of the Mongolian Government. We will also continue supporting Mongolia in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, which is sadly not ended yet.
Another key element in our next 7-year programme is the Team Europe Initiative. We will be working closely in partnership with the EU Member States, their development Agencies, the European Development Finance Institutions, the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European private sector. This initiative will focus on sustainable nature resource management and value chain development.
We will put more emphasis on sustainable management of forest resources, reforestation, and developing a Forest Partnership together with the Government of Mongolia.
On the other hand we were working to strengthen and consolidate the work of the stakeholders responsible for the Technical Vocation and Education Training (TVET) sector in order to establish and initiate an efficient, sustainable and demand driven TVET sector.
Extensive work is also on-going to support the Government in advancing its efforts towards increasing transparency, participation and accountability in fiscal matters.
In May 2020 we launched the first ever Budget Support programme in Mongolia of EUR 50.8 million grant to support the Government with the public finance management and employment reforms agenda.
On human rights, we are concentrating on the effective implementation of the international conventions that Mongolia has signed and ratified on human and labour rights, environment and good governance. We have implemented numerous projects with civil society organisations. For example: on engendering rural development, mitigating violence against children and gender based violence, on empowering youth and civil society, on supporting vulnerable groups, on enhancing the collaboration between civil society and local authorities, on freedom of press.
On climate change and environment, we have been directing our support on reducing air pollution, bringing in best practices in the waste management, on sustainable textile production, on sustainable nature resource and agriculture management.
Through our well-known ERASMUS+ Programme we have engaged in capacity building projects with European and Mongolia universities, as well as in academic exchange of students and teachers. With Horizon Europe we focus on innovation and research in academia.
- Let's talk about the new European Union Multi-Annual Indicative Programme for Mongolia for 2021-2027. What are the highlights of the programme?
-We have a very dynamic agenda going forward the next few years in Mongolia that can create a transformative impact in green sustainable development, green energy transition as well as democratic and economic development.
Gender, youth, children, persons with disabilities will continue being at the core of our interventions. The European Union will continue to contribute to our mutual benefits and goals in line with the priorities of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and Vision 2050 of the Mongolian Government. We will also continue supporting Mongolia in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, which is sadly not ended yet.
Another key element in our next 7-year programme is the Team Europe Initiative. We will be working closely in partnership with the EU Member States, their development Agencies, the European Development Finance Institutions, the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European private sector. This initiative will focus on sustainable nature resource management and value chain development.
We will put more emphasis on sustainable management of forest resources, reforestation, and developing a Forest Partnership together with the Government of Mongolia.
-The European Union has provided significant assistance in overcoming the pandemic. What do you think about the measures and circumstances we are taking against COVID-19?
-We have been living under extraordinary circumstances for the past two years. The COVID-19 crisis has affected every sphere of public and private life: health and socio-economic.
From the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, the European Union has been very active in supporting global efforts to fight the spread. From scaling up its financial support to partner countries, to allocating funds for emergency supplies delivery, and investing in research. In total, as Team Europe we have invested more than EUR 38.5 billion in the COVID-19 response at global level. We are one of the key contributors in the COVAX facility that has helped to secure billions of vaccines for our partner countries including Mongolia.
Of course this crisis has also affected the European Union and its Member States too. We have experienced first-hand the crisis of the outbreak in the public health sectors, in the society, in businesses. We understand the difficulties and responsibilities that come with managing such a crisis.
This is why I would like to recognise the continuous efforts from the Government, the Ministry of Health and other authorities. These efforts have been instrumental in mitigating the COVID-19 crisis in Mongolia.
The European Union is committed to continue supporting the Mongolian people. We have mobilized approximately EUR 37.5 million in the form of grants for Mongolia. Together we can build back better.
- The certain percentage of EU Assistance against pandemic will be used against domestic violence. Especially child abuse is on the rise in Mongolia. How do you personally approach this issue?
-The EU Delegation to Mongolia organized consultation meetings with the government and non-governmental organizations to understand the impact of the pandemic on the population, specifically to vulnerable groups.
We had already an on-going project on addressing sexual violence against children together with World Vision and Beautiful Hearts NGO. We have been focusing on awareness raising campaigns, such as the “I promise” campaign, and on improving advocacy and service provision for the protection of vulnerable children exposed to sexual violence.
Our project has been working closely with community members and duty bearers at local and national level regarding improved prevention and protection service of children vulnerable to sexual violence.
During the COVID-19 pandemic we have reallocated some funding to provide educational, food and hygiene packages to vulnerable households, as well as increased the support for case management.
At the moment we are also preparing a dedicated conference on children’s rights involving different stakeholders from national and local government, civil society, development partners, private sector and of course children.
Further, we are implementing a new project on “Mitigating the impact of COVID-19 by increasing children’s access to justice in Mongolia”.
-The European Union has provided significant assistance in overcoming the pandemic. What do you think about the measures and circumstances we are taking against COVID-19?
-We have been living under extraordinary circumstances for the past two years. The COVID-19 crisis has affected every sphere of public and private life: health and socio-economic.
From the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, the European Union has been very active in supporting global efforts to fight the spread. From scaling up its financial support to partner countries, to allocating funds for emergency supplies delivery, and investing in research. In total, as Team Europe we have invested more than EUR 38.5 billion in the COVID-19 response at global level. We are one of the key contributors in the COVAX facility that has helped to secure billions of vaccines for our partner countries including Mongolia.
Of course this crisis has also affected the European Union and its Member States too. We have experienced first-hand the crisis of the outbreak in the public health sectors, in the society, in businesses. We understand the difficulties and responsibilities that come with managing such a crisis.
This is why I would like to recognise the continuous efforts from the Government, the Ministry of Health and other authorities. These efforts have been instrumental in mitigating the COVID-19 crisis in Mongolia.
The European Union is committed to continue supporting the Mongolian people. We have mobilized approximately EUR 37.5 million in the form of grants for Mongolia. Together we can build back better.
- The certain percentage of EU Assistance against pandemic will be used against domestic violence. Especially child abuse is on the rise in Mongolia. How do you personally approach this issue?
-The EU Delegation to Mongolia organized consultation meetings with the government and non-governmental organizations to understand the impact of the pandemic on the population, specifically to vulnerable groups.
We had already an on-going project on addressing sexual violence against children together with World Vision and Beautiful Hearts NGO. We have been focusing on awareness raising campaigns, such as the “I promise” campaign, and on improving advocacy and service provision for the protection of vulnerable children exposed to sexual violence.
Our project has been working closely with community members and duty bearers at local and national level regarding improved prevention and protection service of children vulnerable to sexual violence.
During the COVID-19 pandemic we have reallocated some funding to provide educational, food and hygiene packages to vulnerable households, as well as increased the support for case management.
At the moment we are also preparing a dedicated conference on children’s rights involving different stakeholders from national and local government, civil society, development partners, private sector and of course children.
Further, we are implementing a new project on “Mitigating the impact of COVID-19 by increasing children’s access to justice in Mongolia”.
-You are the tenth ambassador especially second female ambassador that I am having interview with. I would like to know your opinion on the impact and advantages of women in the development of any country.
-Stronger engagement on gender equality is key to a sustainable global recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and building fairer, more inclusive, more prosperous societies. Women and girls are in the frontline of the pandemic and must be put in the driving seat of the recovery. As a gender-sensitive and responsive European Union, we want to work more closely with the Government and all our partners on the ground, in building a truly gender-equal world.
Women are key agents for the development of a country. They play an important role in achieving transformational economic, environmental and socio-political changes that are required for sustainable development and inclusive growth. But limited access to finance, health care and education, as well as violence are among the many challenges they face. Empowering women is essential, not only for the well-being of individuals, families and communities, but also for the overall economic productivity, due to women’s strong presence in the agricultural workforce worldwide.
The EU in Mongolia will be focusing on key areas of engagement. Namely in ensuring freedom from all forms of gender-based violence; promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights; strengthening economic and social rights and the empowerment of girls and women; advancing equal participation and leadership; implementing the women, peace and security agenda, addressing challenges and harnessing the opportunities offered by the green transition and the digital transformation.
As mentioned earlier our new seven-year programme and the gender country level implementation plan will support actions for gender equality and women’s and girls’ empowerment.
-Thank you for the interview.
-You are the tenth ambassador especially second female ambassador that I am having interview with. I would like to know your opinion on the impact and advantages of women in the development of any country.
-Stronger engagement on gender equality is key to a sustainable global recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and building fairer, more inclusive, more prosperous societies. Women and girls are in the frontline of the pandemic and must be put in the driving seat of the recovery. As a gender-sensitive and responsive European Union, we want to work more closely with the Government and all our partners on the ground, in building a truly gender-equal world.
Women are key agents for the development of a country. They play an important role in achieving transformational economic, environmental and socio-political changes that are required for sustainable development and inclusive growth. But limited access to finance, health care and education, as well as violence are among the many challenges they face. Empowering women is essential, not only for the well-being of individuals, families and communities, but also for the overall economic productivity, due to women’s strong presence in the agricultural workforce worldwide.
The EU in Mongolia will be focusing on key areas of engagement. Namely in ensuring freedom from all forms of gender-based violence; promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights; strengthening economic and social rights and the empowerment of girls and women; advancing equal participation and leadership; implementing the women, peace and security agenda, addressing challenges and harnessing the opportunities offered by the green transition and the digital transformation.
As mentioned earlier our new seven-year programme and the gender country level implementation plan will support actions for gender equality and women’s and girls’ empowerment.
-Thank you for the interview.
