The main objective is to develop a framework for sustainable infrastructure development in order to promote inclusive economic development and social welfare in the context of Chinese mega infrastructure initiatives in Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.  

The aims of this project are: 

(a) To develop the innovative Gobi Framework for Sustainable Infrastructure Partnerships. This model builds on experiences from Mongolia's mining sector. We aim for the framework to be scalable and replicable Central Asia and beyond. It will specifically address the Chinese ‘One Belt-One Road' (OBOR) infrastructure projects;  

(b) To address the challenge of building relationships of trust, cooperation and transparency between key stakeholders in infrastructure development projects (including mining);  

(c) To enhance the capacity of communities and government to maximize economic advantages and minimize negative impacts of major infrastructure projects. 

Description of actual services provided by your staff within the assignment: 

• Contribute to knowledge and theory on infrastructure-induced conflicts, development and governance in Mongolia and Central Asia through academic publications; 

• Develop learning pathways between Mongolia and Central Asia through joint research, publications and networking events such as workshops and knowledge exchanges; 

• Provide training and mentorship for early career researchers;  

• Provide training in environmental monitoring for local people to participate in citizen science;  

• Create partnerships between government, stakeholder engagement platforms and university/research organisations;  

• Inform the public of research findings through policy briefs and reports available on website; 

• Mobile ICT application for Gobi Framework data sharing on mobile phones and internet; 

• Develop and trial the Gobi Framework in Mongolia and Central Asia.