Mongolia News Summary for August 25, 2024

The following news articles are the opinions of their authors and publications. They are presented here as translations for informational purposes and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Mongolia Strategy Center or its members.

Today's Stories

Infrastructure

• Named: Historical and Architectural Buildings Demolished by Successive City Governors
• N. Tserennorov Street to be Closed for Repairs
• G. Bayarsaikhan: The Old Barriers Are Given to Citizens and Businesses for Use

Society

• Participants of the World Women's Forum on Mongolia and Mongolians
• What Did Leading Women Highlight?

Sports

• 12 Mongolian Athletes to Participate in Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
• Mongolian Athletes Win Silver and Bronze at the World Model Aircraft Championship
• The Steppe Marathon to Organize International Running Competition

Infrastructure

Named: Historical and Architectural Buildings Demolished by Successive City Governors

Published: Sat, 24 Aug 2024 | Translated from: itoim.mn

Researcher G. Ochbayar has identified the prominent historical and architectural monuments that have been demolished in Ulaanbaatar over the past decade during the terms of various City Governors.

In his interview with our website, he stated, "The Small and Great Ring Areas are special zones of historical and cultural significance that should be protected. Prominent figures of Mongolian history lived here, and revolutions in 1911, 1921, and 1990 took place here. It was a historical area where Mongolian authors and enlighteners worked and lived. Destroying the epicenter of our history and culture is regrettable.

Regardless of the City Governor or Minister of Culture, the areas around the Small and Great Rings, which are the core of Ulaanbaatar's 200-year history, are not being recognized or protected as special cultural zones. This is something we need to do. Special attention must be given to archaeological monuments from the Hunnu, Xianbei, Nirun, Rouran, Khitan, Turkic, and Uighur periods. Moreover, we must preserve the historical sites and architectural monuments that have emerged or are emerging in modern urban settlements."

Let's review which historical buildings were demolished during the terms of different City Governors.

CITY GOVERNOR GOMBOSUREN MUNKHBAYAR:

• Wooden two-story house of the Eastern Secret Society – This historical monument was demolished on July 13, 2011. Located in the Chingeltei district, behind the old Lenin Museum, it was built in 1907 and served as a meeting place for the secret society of S. Danzan and D. Sukhbaatar from 1918 to 1920. Despite being protected under Government Decision No. 175 from 2008, City Administrative Decision No. 197 from 2007, and City Governor's Decision No. 357 from 2008, it was demolished.

CITY GOVERNOR ERDENE BAT-UUL:

• Khan-Uul White Gate – This monument, built in 1957 according to the design of Mongolia's first architect B. Chimid, was demolished in 2012. It was under district protection by the City Governor's Decision No. 357 from 2008 at the time of demolition.
• Nisekh White Gate – Similarly built in 1957 by architect B. Chimid, this monument was demolished in 2012 while under protection by the Governor's Decision.
• Children's Library or "Cat House" – This beautiful building next to Zorig Foundation was demolished in 2012, replaced by a commercial bank building. The small house where K. Choibalsan lived was also demolished. The building, constructed in the 1930s, once housed the Bulgarian Embassy and later the Children's Library.
• Association of Elders Building – Demolished in 2014, this historical building was erected in 1926 and housed the Ulaanbaatar city administration until the mid-1930s. It also served as Mongolia’s first film studio where the film "Tsogt Taij" was shot, and notable artists and musicians worked there.

CITY GOVERNOR SAINBUYAN AMARSAIKHAN:

• House of Prime Minister Peljid Genden – This two-story building, where Mongolia’s eighth Prime Minister P. Genden lived, was demolished on October 7, 2019. A former Political Victims Memorial Museum, it was protected under Government Decision No. 175 from 2008, City Administrative Decision No. 197 from 2007, and Governor's Decision No. 357 from 2008 at the time of demolition.
• First European-Style Two-Story Building – Ulaanbaatar's first European-style two-story building in Bayanzurkh District was demolished on October 15, 2019. This historical structure, built in 1865, was also under similar protection but was demolished regardless. Although pressed to take responsibility, the prosecutor’s office concluded it was not a cultural heritage.
• Natural History Museum Building – This neoclassic structure, part of Mongolia’s modern urban history, was demolished on December 6, 2019, despite being registered as “architectural heritage” in 2015. It was demolished by political decision, with the Prime Minister insisting on the demolition. Despite the public assertion that it wasn’t a cultural heritage, it was listed in the 2022 national census as the "Natural History Museum Building," proving its status as cultural heritage.

CITY GOVERNOR DOLGORSUREN SUMYABAZAR:

• Finance and Economics University Main Building – This neoclassic building, with national ornamental elements and a part of Mongolia's modern urban heritage, was demolished on September 8, 2023. Designed by Mongolia’s first architect B. Chimid, it was built in 1956.

N. Tserennorov Street to be Closed for Repairs

Published: Sun, 25 Aug 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn

In Ulaanbaatar, N. Tserennorov Street in the 4th khoroo of Bayangol district will be closed for repairs from the night of August 26 at 11:00 PM until 6:00 AM on the morning of the 29th.

The street will be covered with asphalt concrete, and adjustments to the levels of the engineering network well covers and markings will be done, according to the Public Information and Communication Department of the Mayor's Office.

G. Bayarsaikhan: The Old Barriers Are Given to Citizens and Businesses for Use

Published: Sat, 24 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The intersections leading from the Songino Khairkhan district's 20th and 32nd khoroos to the western provinces, or the former Route 22 checkpoint, are undergoing partial renovation along a 9.5 km stretch of roadway. The renovation includes the installation of new drainage pipelines and the replacement of the old barriers with natural stone curbs. Citizens have criticized on social media about replacing undamaged road barriers and discarding the old ones. However, it has been reported by the city’s Road Development Agency that the old barriers are given to citizens and businesses for use.

Regarding this matter, G. Bayarsaikhan, the head of the city’s Road Development Agency, stated: "Concrete road barriers typically last for 12-16 years. The barriers on the road we are renovating have been in place for 14 years. We are replacing the concrete barriers with natural stone curbs, which are more durable and of better quality. Therefore, we are installing natural stone curbs in several locations this year. We do not discard the old concrete barriers; instead, we give them to citizens and businesses for reuse.”

Society

Participants of the World Women's Forum on Mongolia and Mongolians

Published: Sun, 25 Aug 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The World Women's Forum was successfully held on August 22 and 23 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Participants of the forum engaged in extensive discussions and exchanges of experiences regarding the role and involvement of women in promoting gender equality and addressing global challenges. This time, we would like to share what the participants expressed about Mongolia and Mongolians. We invite you to watch the interviews with distinguished guests provided exclusively to MONTSAME via video news.

President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa:

As we prepare for the upcoming high-level summit on future issues in September and the 25th anniversary of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security in 2025, Mongolia is hosting the World Women's Forum in Ulaanbaatar. Since ancient times, we Mongolians have respected women as "divine mothers." History records that women's wisdom, sensitivity, and compassion have played important roles in state affairs and international diplomacy. Our country continues to enrich this historical tradition by ensuring equal participation of women in all sectors and at all levels, aiming to set an example of leadership in our region.

Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Amina J. Mohammed:

Visiting the lands of Genghis Khan, we highly admire the courage, spirit, confidence, and efforts of Mongolian women. Being a descendant of nomads, I understand the significant role that the five types of livestock play in their economy. My mother came from a nomadic background, so I am well-versed in their livelihoods and culture. Many women are engaged in this sector. Together, we can create a sustainable, fair, and just society for women and girls. With unity, there is no goal that cannot be achieved.

President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar:

I am grateful for the leadership demonstrated by the President of Mongolia in achieving gender equality. Positive examples of women's leadership are very much needed. Mongolia, by adopting the "Ulaanbaatar Declaration" during this forum, highlights the essential roles of women in peace, security, green development, and climate change. I have been informed that local women's participation in Mongolia is increasing.

Director of the MONTSAME News Agency Sodontogos.E:

There is a beautiful lesson addressed by Emperor Genghis Khan to his daughter:

"Queens have three types of men. The first is the golden throne. The second is the noble name. The third is the husband. If you follow the golden throne resolutely, a noble name will come. If you establish a noble name, the husband will not stray."

This golden teaching by our noble Genghis Khan is an example of how Mongolian women can manage their lives today. Therefore, our ancestors remind us of the important role and contribution of women to the development and prosperity of their family, society, and country.

Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva Tatiana Valovaya:

The UN Geneva Office has initiated innovative projects to empower women. We are pleased that Mongolia has joined these initiatives. Mongolian women are showcasing their contribution to achieving the country's Sustainable Development Goals through the "17 Faces of Leadership" photo exhibition displayed at the Genghis Khan Museum. One of these women, Ms. Oyun-Erdene, participated in the country's first solar power projects, portraying leadership for Sustainable Development Goal 7 on affordable clean energy. Mongolia thus becomes the ninth country to join our initiative to present a unified "All-Faces Leadership" exhibition to be integrated into the historical "Palace of Nations" building when it reopens after renovation in 2025.

UN ESCAP Executive Secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana:

Half of the women of working age are employed, but many remain in low-paid jobs. We appreciate that Mongolia's social protection system ensures women's participation and safeguards their business environment.

Director-General of the International Organization for Migration Amy Pope:

This forum is taking place at the right place given its theme and significance. I am grateful and proud that the Mongolian Women's Association, established 100 years ago, has never retreated on its path to achieving gender equality and empowerment of women and girls. Even as they face harsh winters, which they call a "dzud," the girls and women I have encountered have been exceptionally resilient, courageous, and dignified, ready to overcome any challenge.

Member of the UK Parliament Catherine West:

I am thankful for the significant number of women elected in the recent parliamentary elections in Mongolia. A few months ago, a Mongolian cultural event took place in London, showcasing Mongolia's friendly relations with the British people.

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador and Director of "Women Leading Worldwide" organization Maria Fernanda Garces:

Congratulations to Mongolia for implementing issues related to women and girls at the core of its foreign policy. Gender equality and women's rights are essential for establishing a more peaceful, just, and sustainable society. Mongolia has made significant progress in women's rights. It has incorporated provisions related to human rights and women's rights in political, social, economic, and cultural spheres into its Constitution. Additionally, several women participate in political elections and enjoy equal rights to be elected with men. The increased women's quota in Parliament through constitutional amendments is particularly important.

What Did Leading Women Highlight?

Published: Sat, 24 Aug 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The World Women's Summit was successfully held for the first time in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia.

The summit, organized in collaboration with the UN under the theme “For a Green Future,” gathered over 800 leading women from 19 countries, including heads of state, government leaders, parliament speakers, ministers, and representatives from more than 20 international and non-governmental organizations, civil society, and sectors such as business, sports, and arts. Excerpts from the participants' speeches are presented.

Foreign Minister B. Battsetseg:

If women have equal rights and capabilities, societies become more resilient, economies stronger, and peace more enduring. In Mongolia's history, women have always been a support to men and have played a significant role in the establishment of a vast empire encompassing many nations and peoples. The mothers, queens, daughters, daughters-in-law, and granddaughters of our great khans were instrumental in making peace, developing trade, spreading progressive ideas, respecting religions, and advancing culture and art across Eurasian history. Mongolia has an ancient tradition of human rights, freedom, justice, and gender equality. The philosophy of protecting and loving nature in our nomadic civilization aligns with the principles of green development. Through this summit, our country has gained the opportunity to express its intention to contribute to international peace and stability, addressing issues ranging from gender equality to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

President of the Republic of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar:

Education economically empowers women, and privilege through quotas and gender criteria is the most powerful way to guarantee their rights. Slovenia realized the crucial importance of gender equality for development early on. Thirty-two years ago, when our country joined the UN, women made up 14.4% of parliament members and 7.7% of government members. Today, these figures have increased to 35.5% and 33.3%, respectively. Our GDP per capita has also surged from over 7,000 dollars to approximately 34,000 dollars. These statistics attest to the critical importance of ensuring women's participation for the growth and prosperity of society and countries.

UN Geneva Office Director-General T. Valovaya:

In today's divided world, finding solutions to interconnected problems is not an easy task. The negative impacts of increasing climate change, the challenging post-pandemic recovery period, global conflicts, and technological disruptions transcend national boundaries. There is no alternative but cooperation among governments, INGOs, CSOs, women’s and youth organizations, and academic professionals to overcome these challenges.

International Organization for Migration Director-General Amy Pope:

Climate change is the primary new cause of migration worldwide and affects women and girls more significantly. In Mongolia, recurring droughts are drying up and degrading pastures, driving migration from rural to urban areas, illustrating the impact of climate change. This adverse effect is highly delicate for girl herders.

Japan's Cabinet Office Gender Equality Bureau Director-General Okada Keiko:

Gender equality and women's empowerment are essential policies in creating a society that respects individual rights and diversities. To build such a society, we establish and implement comprehensive policies each year. In the "2024 Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Basic Policy" adopted in June of this year, we emphasized four central objectives: (1) promoting active participation of women in companies, (2) advancing initiatives to increase women's income and economically empower them, (3) respecting individual dignity and ensuring safety, and (4) accelerating initiatives to promote gender equality and empower women in the field of human resource development.

Sports

12 Mongolian Athletes to Participate in Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

Published: Sun, 25 Aug 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The Summer XVII Paralympic Games "Paris-2024" will commence on the 28th of this month. Twelve athletes from Mongolia will participate in six sports disciplines at these games.

1. Para Athletics. F-40 category. Shot Put. Ts. Battulga.
2. Para Athletics. T-53 category. 100-meter wheelchair race. P. Enkhmanlai.
3. Para Judo. J1 category. +90 kg weight. D. Ganbat
4. Para Judo. J1 category. -90 kg weight. T. Suvd-Erdene
5. Para Judo. J1 category. -70 kg weight. L. Turuunaa
6. Para Judo. J1 category. -48 kg weight. B. Battogts
7. Para Powerlifting. PO category. E. Sodnompiljee
8. Para Swimming. S6 category. 50-meter freestyle. Kh. Nomuun
9. Para Archery. ST category. D. Selengaa
10. Para Archery. ST category. B. Oyun-Erdene
11. Para Taekwondo. K44 category. -63 kg weight. G. Bolor-Erdene
12. Para Taekwondo. K44 category. -52 kg weight. U. Suranjav

The Mongolian national team athletes will compete from August 29 until September 8.

Mongolia regularly participates in the Olympic Games, which symbolize the unity of humanity, and has won a total of 30 medals from the Summer Olympics and four from the Paralympic Games.

Mongolian Athletes Win Silver and Bronze at the World Model Aircraft Championship

Published: Sun, 25 Aug 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn

In Muncie, USA, at the World Championship for steerable model aircraft, Mongolian athletes achieved remarkable success. In the women’s category, N. Nomin won a silver medal, and in the boys' juniors category, D. Buyandorj secured the bronze medal.

For N. Nomin, this was her second silver medal at the World Championship, having also won silver in the “F2B” aerobatics category in a previous edition of the tournament two years ago. Furthermore, according to information from the State Committee of Physical Education and Sports, in the 2015 World Championship for model aircraft, M. Gongor won a gold medal, while B. Erdenebat, E. Namduu, and T. Khishigbat claimed silver in the team category.

The Steppe Marathon to Organize International Running Competition

Published: Sun, 25 Aug 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Mongolia will hold its annual "Steppe Marathon" international running competition on September 8 at Khui Doloon Khudag.

The "Steppe Marathon" is being organized for the 27th year with the purpose of supporting Mongolian athletics and engaging more children and youth, the future generation, to develop their physical fitness. This year, the event will feature races in 3km, 5km, 10km, and 21km categories, and will award the top three finishers in each. Additionally, the 21km race will select winners in both male and female categories.

Initiated by a Japanese national, Fujihara, in collaboration with the Mongolian Athletics Federation to promote Mongolian culture and customs and further develop athletics, the event has been supported by the Embassy of Japan every year since its inception in 1997.

Last year's marathon saw participation from over 700 runners from countries including Japan, Korea, and Mongolia.