Strengthening educational resilience to withstand Mongolia’s extreme winters

In Mongolia, UNESCO is working with partners to build education system resilience against extreme winter weather, such as dzuds, to ensure continuous learning.

In Mongolia, extreme winter weather can severely impede access to education. UNESCO is working with partners to build the resilience of the education system against climate hazards like dzuds and ensure continuity of learning.

The impact of dzud on education

Dzuds, slow-onset climate disasters unique to Mongolia, are characterized by extreme winters, below freezing temperatures, heavy snow and frozen ground. These conditions have a devastating impact on access to education, as infrastructure may be damaged and dangerous or impassable roads hinder school attendance. Consequently, many students face prolonged school absences, reduced learning outcomes, and psychological stress. Reduced livelihoods can also make it difficult for families to afford education for their children. Mongolia experienced its harshest dzud in 50 years between November 2023 and May 2024. Severe blizzards and extremely cold temperatures affected more than 188,300 people, including 80,215 children. Millions of livestock were killed, with profound consequences for herder families reliant on livestock for their income.

"They wanted to come to school, but the roads were closed because of the snow, there were no vehicles to cross the snow, there was no fuel. It was difficult to leave their parents behind, and their beloved animals were also affected by the dzud."

- Learn about the impact of the dzud on children in Mongolia via the Mongolian National Commission to UNESCO

In response, UNESCO, the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO, and other national education stakeholders united to support the Ministry of Education in the development and implementation of the Dzud Emergency Education Response Program, aiming to improve educational resilience and continuity during dzuds, including through:

• Enhancing the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Education to better respond to dzuds
• Liaising with education authorities in affected areas to offer remedial classes
• Facilitating remote learning, including through the provision of ICT devices
• Enhancing the capacity of teachers and educational staff to provide psychosocial support
• Translating UNESCO's guidelines on education in emergencies into Mongolian

Building educational resilience and preparedness for future dzuds

In October 2024, UNESCO and the MNCU, along with the General Education Agency and the National Emergency Management Agency, held a two-day national Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) training workshop in Ulaanbaatar. Education managers from 21 provinces attended the training which focused on addressing the need for effective methods, policies, and legal frameworks to ensure safe, continuous access to education during disasters. Key outcomes of the workshop included enhancing partnerships among schools, local authorities, and families; developing educational plans that are resilient to disasters; and strengthening legal frameworks to ensure educational continuity.

By providing timely, accurate information through various media channels, we can highlight practical measures for schools, parents, and communities to safeguard education during severe winters."

-Professor Shahbaz Khan, Director of UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, speaking at the workshop: 'Ready for Winter and Spring? - Educate, Empower, Ensure'

Looking ahead

As climate disasters become more frequent, effective policies are vital to protect Mongolia's learners and uphold their right to access education, including in emergencies. The Dzud Emergency Education Response Program has been implemented by the Ministry of Education, with support from UNESCO through the SDG4 Emergency Fund from the Education Sector. Looking ahead, the aim is to scale up the initiative to reach more schools and learners affected by dzuds across the country.