B.Nomin, Consultant, Fiscal policy and planning department, Budget consolidation division, Ministry of Finance
Everyone acknowledges that budget information should be transparent. Then, what kind of information should be delivered to whom via which channel? Under the Strengthening Governance in Mongolia project, we are developing a mechanism for open dissemination of fiscal information to the public, citizens, and civil society organizations appropriate to our country's context. I want to emphasize three points I have learned while working on the project.
I realized that special attention must be paid to the “comprehensibility” of information because people are interested in and use the information they fully understand and relate to their daily life. For example, the budget of a country affects the lives of every citizen. Yet, due to professional language and dull presentation, people are often not interested in it. Because the budget is more than just numbers, and every tugrik has a meaning behind it, I believe I have significantly developed my ability to convert data into infographics.
The next highlight element is the importance of “accessible” information to as many people as possible. Nowadays, people increasingly use information channels/platforms related to technological advancements, such as smartphones, websites, and electronic brochures. In this regard, we are transitioning from printed books to e-books and developing the Citizens Budget website. In the future, we are looking for opportunities to take the website to the next level and introduce interactive solutions that disseminate data and ensure citizen participation. In addition, we are now able to prepare booklets and brochures based on our internal human resources, whereas it used to be designed by professional designers.
Third, I would like to mention the “continuity and stability” of information. Uninterruptedly providing necessary and reliable information is an essential condition for ensuring citizen participation in drafting, discussing, approving, and monitoring budget expenditure. In my opinion, it will take time for the public to fully utilize budget data and begin to influence budget decision-making directly. But I believe that the accuracy, continuity, and stability of open information will play a crucial role in establishing such a mechanism.
Finally, I would also like to mention that the cooperation with organizations such as the Global Initiative for Fiscal Transparency, and the International Budget Partnership gave me a valuable learning opportunity from international experiences in the fiscal transparency area.
Strengthening Fiscal and Financial Stability Project,
Room 205 United Nations Street 8/2
4th khoroo Chingeltei district Ulaanbaatar-15160 Mongolia
+976-70120582
training@sffs.mn
