Today, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities highlights the theme “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.” Recognizing the important role that media play in making an inclusive and sustainable future, the Media Council of Mongolia has implemented the News for Disability Equality program with UNESCO’s support.  

As part of this initiative, a consultative meeting was held on October 25, 2024, selecting five media outlets—Mongolian National Radio, Mongol TV, Zuunii Medee newspaper, GoGo.mn, and Peak.mn—for a mentorship program aimed at developing effective strategies to promote equality for persons with disabilities. The program also focuses on making journalistic content inclusive and accessible. Representatives from these outlets, including editors, journalists, photographers, and videographers, participated in a two-day workshop held on November 21-22, 2024, alongside leaders O. Amarzaya and V. Khasbaatar from Arkhangai Media Group.  

The training, opened by S. Boldsaikhan, Secretary General of the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO, and G. Gunjidmaa, Executive Director of the MCM, included a presentation led by Qingyi Zeng from the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia. She introduced an overview of the UN’s work on disability inclusion and UNESCO’s work on disability equality in the media.  

Ch. Enkhtuul, one of the participants and editor at Mongolian National Radio’s P3 channel, highlighted the workshop’s practical benefits, particularly the valuable lessons taught by trainers experienced in advocating for disability rights. Key sessions included presentations by Kh. Batchimeg, Executive Director of Equality Empowerment NGO, on “Disability and Equality,” and by B. Yumjirdulam, founder of the Deaf Club, who provided insights into inclusive media content.  

B. Boloroo, a senior analyst from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, discussed key issues from the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). This was followed by group brainstorming sessions, where participants explored story ideas and strategies to integrate human rights-based approaches into reporting.  

Professor Alireza Darvishy, from Computer Science (ICT-Accessibility) at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences presented video lessons on improving media accessibility. Participants highlighted the importance of learning about enhancing accessibility in websites, mobile apps, and social media content. They also evaluated the accessibility of their newsroom websites using the WAIVE tool. M. Tsengel, head of the Innovation Development Center for Blind People, demonstrated screen-reading software and discussed methods for making content accessible for visually impaired audiences.  

D. Munkhchimeg, a trainer at the MCM, emphasized the importance of accurate representation of persons with disabilities, stating, “The media often portrays people with disabilities as dependent or heroic, defined solely by their disability which perpetuates stereotypes. Representing them realistically and respectfully from a human rights-based approach is essential.”  

Participants were trained to conduct interviews, use inclusive language, and investigate disability issues to produce journalism that aligns with human rights principles. Discussions also covered implementing inclusive management practices in media organizations.  

R. Adiyasuren, Editor-in-Chief of GoGo.mn, says, “The workshop provided an opportunity to reflect on whether we accurately represent persons with disabilities and deliver accessible information. It opened doors to incorporate practical ideas into our daily operations and policies. Hearing directly from persons with disabilities enriched our understanding.”  

The selected media outlets actively work to increase the representation of persons with disabilities. For instance, Mongol TV dedicated its “Nuudel Shiidel” program to “Employment Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities,” while Zuunii Medee newspaper featured an article titled “They Want Equality, Not Charity.” 

This program demonstrates a commitment to fostering an inclusive media landscape where all voices are represented, furthering UNESCO’s mission of promoting diversity and equality in journalism.