Women's Conference

ULAANBAATAR — Eighty-eight women parliamentarians from more than 20 countries are attending the World Women Parliamentarians’ Conference in Ulaanbaatar on October 12–13, 2026. Held under the theme “From Representation to Influence in Decision-Making,” the conference is discussing not only how to increase women’s political representation but also how to strengthen their practical influence on legislation and government policymaking.

The conference is being held under the auspices of President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh and jointly organized by the State Great Hural and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A message from President Khurelsukh was delivered at the opening ceremony, which was attended by State Great Hural Speaker S. Byambatsogt and Foreign Minister B. Battsetseg.

From representation to real influence

Increasing the proportion of women in parliament is an important step toward equal political participation, but it is not sufficient on its own. Women must also have the ability to ensure that their views are reflected in legislation, participate in setting budgetary and government policy priorities, and help strengthen accountability systems.

Participants are discussing the legal and institutional environment needed to support women’s political participation, mechanisms for representation within electoral systems, leadership skills, professional capacity-building and the exchange of international experience.

Speaking at a breakout session, Lionel Laurens, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Mongolia, said that progress should be measured not only by whether women’s representation has increased, but also by whether they are able to exert genuine influence on government decisions, shape policy and lead change.

Why it matters for Mongolia

In recent years, Mongolia has regularly hosted international events focused on women’s leadership and participation. These have included the International Conference of Women Peacekeepers in 2022, the Meeting of Women Foreign Ministers in 2023, the World Women’s Forum in 2024 and the World Women Entrepreneurs’ Forum in 2025, all held in Ulaanbaatar.

This year’s conference provides an opportunity to address women’s political leadership, gender equality and international inter-parliamentary cooperation in Mongolia. It is also significant for its focus on improving policymaking capacity through the exchange of international experience and on turning women’s participation into tangible results.

The conference’s impact will not be measured solely by the meeting of delegates. It will depend on how the proposals and recommendations discussed are incorporated into national legislation, government policies and leadership programmes and translated into concrete change.