Minister Delgersaikhan Borkhuu met with Ms. Beate Dastel, Representative of UNICEF in Mongolia, on May 22, 2026.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed ongoing cooperation between UNICEF and the Ministry of Road and Transport, as well as future areas for collaboration.

Minister B. Delgersaikhan emphasized that road traffic accidents remain a major social concern in Mongolia. He noted that more than 127,000 traffic accidents have been recorded over the past five years, resulting in over 2,700 fatalities and more than 15,000 injuries. Among these, child safety remains one of the most pressing concerns.

The Minister stated that, during the same period, 312 children lost their lives and more than 3,800 children were injured in traffic accidents, underscoring the urgent need for joint action. He further noted that the increasing use of new forms of micro-mobility transport, such as scooters and similar devices, has created additional safety risks for school-age children.

According to the Minister, this situation requires comprehensive reforms in legal frameworks, standards, public education, and road safety infrastructure.

In this regard, the Ministry of Road and Transport is focusing on updating legislation and regulations related to road traffic safety, revising standards for pedestrian and bicycle pathways, and implementing educational programs and guidance materials aimed at teaching children safe traffic behavior and road safety awareness from an early age.

In response, Ms. Dastel expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to meet with Mongolia’s Minister of Road and Transport. She noted that she has been serving in Mongolia for the past four months and had previously worked in six other countries.

Ms. Dastel also emphasized that despite rapid technological development, the number of traffic accidents has not declined. She stressed that road safety is not solely a transport sector issue but also a key component of broader development policies aimed at protecting children’s lives, health, and well-being.

She further expressed confidence that UNICEF and the Ministry of Road and Transport would continue to strengthen practical and effective cooperation in protecting children’s safety.

The Ministry of Road and Transport is also working to strengthen Mongolia’s national budgeting and investment framework through the effective implementation of the “Investing in Road Safety in Mongolia” project, jointly implemented with the United Nations Road Safety Fund and the United Nations Development Programme.