01 September 2001

Bonn, Germany: Mongolian President Natsagyn Bagabandi has presented former UN Volunteer Alexander Menamkat with the prestigious Friendship Medal, the highest award given to foreigners in the country.

Mr. Menamkat, a Canadian citizen of Indian origin, worked as Programme Management Advisor at the Poverty Alleviation Programme Office from 1997 to 2001.

In a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Ulaanbaator on 30 August, with senior government officials and UN representatives in attendance, President Bagabandi recognized the work of Mr. Menamkat in combating poverty. Among his diverse tasks, he trained national staff and helped strengthen government institutions, particularly the National Poverty Alleviation Programme (NPAP).

In a letter of congratulations to Mr. Menamkat, UN Volunteers Executive Coordinator Sharon Capeling-Alakija wrote that the award was a "true recognition of your valuable contributions to the United Nations Volunteers programme; of the commitment to and solidarity with the Mongolian people as well as the team spirit and generosity you have extended to your colleagues".

"Mr. Menamkat's professional capacities as well as his support to his teammates, were always highlighted by his supervisors," said UNV Programme Officer Douglas Campos.

"Within the framework of the International Year of Volunteers, we are very happy for the recognition of the work of our colleague and friend, and wish him success in his future career," Mr. Campos added.

Mr. Menamkat provided training on small business management, and also trained 300 national staff members on various issues of development. Additionally, he helped train the first 33 national UN Volunteers in Mongolia who have since taken up assignments in all districts of the Asian country.

He will take up residence in Geneva, Switzerland.

In 1998, Uganda-born UNV gender specialist Christine Musisi received the same award by President Bagabandi for the appreciation felt by Mongolians for her work. As a UN Volunteer in Mongolia, Christine Musisi helped form the Women's Development Fund of the Poverty Alleviation Programme.