On December 12-13, 2024, Francois Valeran, the chair of Transparency International, made an official visit to Mongolia. His visit included meetings with key officials, including Minister of Justice and Internal Affairs O. Altangerel, Secretary General of the Parliament B. Baasandorj, Chairman of the Democratic Party Group O. Tsogtgerel, and other prominent figures, including member P. Mukhtulga, as well as officials from the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA), the Human Rights Commission, and diplomats from the European Union, Australia, and France.
One highlight of Valeran's visit was his participation in the launch of the "Journalism to Enlighten Against Corruption" initiative. This new master’s course in journalism, a collaborative effort between the Anti-Corruption Agency, the Mongolian University (MU), and Transparency International Mongolia, aims to equip future journalists with the skills to combat corruption. During the session, Valeran delivered a lecture on the critical role of journalists in the fight against corruption.
Valeran emphasized the need for transparency in Mongolia's management of natural resources, stating it is vital to ensure equitable access for all citizens. He called for greater transparency in investor contracts and underscored the importance of disclosing the ultimate beneficiaries of legal entities. Additionally, he highlighted the need for revising the Law on Freedom of the Press, which is currently under discussion.
Furthermore, Valeran noted that the effectiveness of anti-corruption initiatives would be significantly enhanced through the approval of laws protecting whistleblower rights and ensuring transparency regarding mineral resources.
Links to articles related to his visit:
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