Tapan Mishra, UN Resident Coordinator

Dear friend Bayan-Altai, Country Manager and Representative of the Save the Children in Mongolia.

Honorable Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good afternoon,

It is both a great honor and a privilege to stand before you today as we come together to celebrate 30 years of remarkable impact by Save the Children in Mongolia.

Today, we are not simply acknowledging an organization; we are celebrating the tireless dedication of a team of individuals whose unwavering commitment has transformed the lives of thousands of children and families across our nation. Through their work in child education, protection, poverty reduction, health, and emergency response, Save the Children has touched the lives of those who need it most—particularly the most vulnerable children, families, and communities in Mongolia.

Over the past three decades, Save the Children has become a beacon of hope, especially for those in the most remote and isolated parts of our country. From the herders on the vast Mongolian steppes to children living in dormitories in distant corners of the country, Save the Children has been there, offering vital support when it’s needed most.

One of the most significant challenges faced by Mongolia’s herders is the devastating dzud—a brutal winter disaster marked by extreme cold and heavy snowfall. This catastrophe endangers not only livestock but entire communities. In these harsh times, Save the Children played a pivoted role in providing emergency response efforts to those in need. Your quick, coordinated actions have not only eased the immediate suffering but have also helped these families rebuild and sustain their livelihoods, ensuring they have resilience to future crises.

But Save the Children’s work extends far beyond emergency response. Over the years, your organization has consistently been a champion for children, advocating for their rights and creating opportunities for them to thrive. Save the Children has been instrumental in supporting children with disabilities, improving policies, and developing innovative educational programs that promote inclusion. By piloting blended learning models, you’ve provided many children in remote and Ulaanbaatar areas with access to quality education, bridging gaps and offering hope for a brighter future.

If I were to list all of Save the Children’s achievements over the past 30 years, it would be a long one. In short, Save the Children has been a constant presence in the lives of children and families in Mongolia—providing not just the means to survive but the support to thrive. Through your educational programs, nutritional support, psychosocial services, and advocacy, you’ve empowered children with the possibility of reaching their full potential.

Let us continue to work together in solidarity to ensure that every child—regardless of where they are born—has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, healthy, and supportive environment.

Congratulations once again to Save the Children Mongolia on this extraordinary milestone. Thank you for your unwavering dedication, your hard work, and your continued commitment to making the world a better place for children.

Thank you.