Problem

Data from the 2019 Lloyd’s Register Foundation World Risk Poll showed that Mongolians were very worried about the future despite living in relatively safe times. The country ranked the highest for the gap between current risk experience and how worried they are about future risks.

Opportunity

The finding presented IPUR with an opportunity to enhance data literacy and risk communications in Mongolia. One potential way to address the risk perception gap is the use of more evidence and data in their policymaking. IPUR signed a MoU with the Mongolia National Academy of Governance (NAOG) and launched a data innovation programme for the Mongolian government. 

Intervention

The goal of the partnership was to provide data education to civil servants which would translate to enhancing resilience and improving risk communications. Two workshops were organised to equip participants with knowledge and skills in data analytics, public communications and policy innovation. Using the skills they acquired, participants were invited to co-create and testbed ideas and solutions to improve public service and policymaking. 

One group of participants focused on using virtual reality technology to help people visualise disaster risk. Mongolia is vulnerable to a wide range of natural disasters, including floods, dust storms and and earthquakes. These events have an adverse impact on people’s lives and livestock, which is the key source of food, transport, and income for many Mongolian families. Although a fundamentally simple idea, the technology would allow residents to better prepare for disasters which would minimise property damage and save lives.