Mongolia Brief April 23, 2014



DBM’s MNT 1 trillion to replace imports
April 22 (Mongolian Economy) There are more than 500 development banks operating all over the world.
One of them is in Mongolia. The Development Bank of Mongolia (DBM), heralded as the “silent organization”, spoke out at a press conference yesterday for the first time to address the country’s worrisome bond issues.
DBM has financed 22 projects and some of them have started to pay back monies owed. “The bank which is dedicated to promote economic growth and finance development is progressing at classic benchmark,” said, Munkhbat Nanjid.
He also said that the “Bank’s statutory fund was raised twice as much or up to MNT 50 billion.” 
Last year, DBM recorded profits of MNT 35 billion including tax, allowing it to be financially independent from the state. 
Currently, DBM has MNT 1.83 trillion in reserve. They plan to distribute MNT one trillion of it to finance projects in line with the goal of replacing imports and increasing exports from next month. The Development bank’s total capital is approximately MNT 169.3 billion. 
It’s been three years now since the Development bank was established. The bank is not commercial and handed out MNT 2.56 trillion in total for lending, said, Munkhbat Nanjid, CEO, Development bank of Mongolia a press conference. 


Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs in Thailand
Ulaanbaatar, April 23 (MONTSAME) Paying a working visit to the Kingdom of Thailand, the Mongolia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs D.Gankhuyag has met Mr K.Kitti, a chief of the project service of Her Highness Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Princess of Thailand.
They discussed issues of continuing the project which is being implemented in Mongolia under auspices of the Princess, and expanding it. Mr Kitti officially stated that Thailand’s side plans to realize the “Lunch” project in schools in four remote soums in Mongolia.
In addition, the Vice Minister has held a meeting with Ms Suchada Thaibunthao, director-general of the Thailand International Development Cooperation Agency (TICA); Ch.Dumrong, director-general of the Banpu Coal LLC; and T.Vivit, Honorary Consul of Mongolia. During this meeting, Mr Gankhuyag and the TICA’s authorities agreed to hold a short-term training in Thailand for 10-15 diplomats of the Mongolian Foreign Ministry for learning activities of the ASEAN, ASEM and APEC.
Following the meeting, the Vice Minister visited the Thammasat University, and gave a lecture to the university’s students on a present situation and foreign policy of Mongolia. After this, he gave interviews to some media organizations on occasion of the 40th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations.


Standing Committee Hears Reports of Financial Regulatory Commission
Ulaanbaatar, April 23 (MONTSAME) The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economy are discussing four issues on Wednesday.
At the beginning of the meeting, committee members are hearing a 2013 actions report of the Financial Regulatory Commission from Commission chair D.Bayarsaikhan, before discussing a draft resolution of parliament on ‘measures to intensify the economy’ that has been submitted by the Cabinet on April 18. The Standing Committee on Economy has included in meeting agenda on Wednesday a report of 2013 activities of the National Statistical Commission and an issue of forming a working group.


Standing Committee Discusses Amendments to Law on Smoking Control
Ulaanbaatar, April 23 (MONTSAME) A meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Policies, Education, Culture and Sciences is discussing proposed amendments to the law on smoking control on Wednesday.
After discussing the amendments suggested, members of the Standing Committee are planning to discuss a parliamentary resolution on ‘approval of government policies on medicine’ and other issues.


Five Concession Agreements Established
Ulaanbaatar, April 23 (MONTSAME) Five concession agreements have been established to be realized under a principle of public-private partnership, informed S.Bekhbat, a chief of Innovation, Public-Private Partnership Department of Economic Development Ministry amid an interview at ’11 11’ Center of the Government on Wednesday.
During the interview, S.Bekhbat highlighted a need to develop public-private partnership in Mongolia, citing experiences of developed countries to have the private sector to implement jobs a Government is unable to realize. Five concession agreement have been concluded in the nation, he went on, mentioning names of projects to be implemented under these agreements – Nariin Sukhiat-Shivee Shuren paved road project with RDCC LLC under funding of MNT 88 billion; Telmen thermal plant project with New Asia Group LLC under financing of USD 183 million; Altanbulag-Ulaanbaatar-Zamyn Uud highroad project with Chinggis Land Development group-New Development Road LLC; Mining and Metallurgical Complex project with QSC LLC; and Tuul Songino Water Reserves Complex project with ‘Ulaanbaatar water charge power plant’ LLC.


Mongolia Marks World Book and Copyright Day
Ulaanbaatar, April 23 (MONTSAME) Mongolia is celebrating the World Book and Copyright Day on April 23.
In frames of the day, a new book exhibition on technology is being organized by central library of science and technology under the Mongolian University of Science and Technology to all professors, teachers and student readers while annual book fair is running in the State House.
23 April is a symbolic date for world literature. It is on this date in 1616 that Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died. It is also the date of birth or death of other prominent authors, such as Maurice Druon, Haldor K.Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla and Manuel Mejía Vallejo.
It was a natural choice for UNESCO's General Conference, held in Paris in 1995, to pay a world-wide tribute to books and authors on this date, encouraging everyone, and in particular young people, to discover the pleasure of reading and gain a renewed respect for the irreplaceable contributions of those, who have furthered the social and cultural progress of humanity. In this regard, UNESCO created the World Book and Copyright Day. 


"Spring Festival" Sport Days Run in Czech
Ulaanbaatar, April 23 (MONTSAME) Annual “Spring Festival” sport days have run among Czech-based Mongolians in Prague city.
The event was organized by Mongolian Czech-headquartered “Bayanmongol” a non-government organization /NGO/ under the auspices of the Embassy of Mongolia in the Czech Republic on April 19-20.
This sport measure gathered Mongolians from eight cities of Czech and Linz city of Austria and a total of 22 teams competed in categories of volleyball, basketball, table tennis and chess.
After this, participants were invited to the party where a month-period “Mongolian's Got Talent” contest announced a winner and a Mongolian contortionist at Czech “Jo Joo” circus N.Khaliunsuren received an award.


5th International Ulaanbaatar Marathon open for registration
April 23 (news.mn) The 4th “Ulaanbaatar marathon” initiated by the city municipality of Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, was successfully held last June, 2013. As an annual event, the Ulaanbaatar Marathon will take place again this year, supported at state level. The organizers have announced that the 5th Marathon will be held on June 7th, 2014.
The Marathon is being jointly organized by the Mongolia Olympic Committee, Mongolian Athletics Federation and Ar Mongol Travel Group, a leading tour operator in Mongolia. Available options include the full marathon, half-marathon and a 5k race. Further options may be released closer to the time of the event.
Registration is now open for foreign nationals to participate. 


Ulaanbaatar Hosts Fourth Morin Khuur International Festival
April 23 (infomongolia.com) The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in collaboration with World Morin Khuur Association and Mongolian Ethnic Groups Culture and Research Fund are organizing the Fourth International Festival-Competition of Morin Khuur in Ulaanbaatar from April 26 to May 01, 2014.
Morin Khuur IV International Festival, a competition for casual interests and a competition for raftsmen has been organized within the framework of implementing the Mongolian President’s Decree on “Preservation and Promotion of Morin Khuur”. 
In this International event, over 100 Morin Khuur players, craftsmen and scholars from China, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, South Korea, United States and Mongolia are claimed to participate.
The Festival aims to promote the Morin Khuur (horsehead fiddle, traditional Mongolian bowed stringed instrument) identified as Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, which is considered a symbol of the Mongolian nation.
Organizers of the festival strongly believe that Morin Khuur IV International Festival-Competition 2014 shall significantly contribute in promoting of Morin Kkhuur locally and beyond.
The competition will be organized in the State Philharmonic from April 27, where the Opening ceremony will be held at Chinggis Square and Central Cultural Palace on April 26, and the Closing Ceremony with a Gala Concert is scheduled on May 01, 2014.
Program of the Morin Khuur IV International Festival
Saturday, April 26
16:00 - Opening ceremony, Chinggis Khaan Square / Central Cultural Palace
Sunday, April 27
09:00-16:00 - 1st round for amateur musicians, State Philharmonic
18:30 - Morin Khuur concert from China participants, State Philharmonic
21:00 ­ Evening performance, “Khaan Ger” restaurant 
Monday, April 28
09:00-16:00 - 1st round for Amateur musicians, State Philharmonic
18:30 - Morin Khuur concert from Japan participants, State Philharmonic
21:00 ­ Evening performance, “Khaan Ger” restaurant 
Tuesday, April 29
09:00-16:00 - 2nd round for Amateur musicians, State Philharmonic
18:30 - Morin Khuur concert from Russia, Germany, USA participants, State Philharmonic
21:00 ­ Evening performance, “Khaan Ger” restaurant 
Wednesday, April 30
08:00-12:00 - Competition of Morin Khuur craftsmen, State Philharmonic
14:00 - Symposium & Discussion, Music and Dance College
18:00 - Master Class (Mongolia), Music and Dance College
Thursday, May 01
16:00 - Closing ceremony, Gala Concert, Central Cultural Palace
20:00 - Reception, ILoft Function House
Gala Concert Program of Group Performances by International Participants
1. N.Jantsannorov, “Mongolian Melody” 
2. N.Jantsannorov, “White Stupa” 
3. N.Jantsannorov, “Mandukhai the Wise” 
4. B.Sharav, “Eight Horses of Happiness” 
5. Z.Khangal, “Moving Towards You” 
6. L.Murdorj, “Golden Yurt” 
7. Ts.Natsagdorj, “Race of Camel Herders” 
8. D.Tuvshinsaikhan, “Sound of the Desert” from “Universe of Mind” suite 
Related:
President Ts.Elbegdorj Spoke by Phone with Mongolian Peacekeepers in South Sudan
April 23 (infomongolia.com) President of Mongolia , who successfully underwent a spine surgery in Japan, returned home on April 22, 2014 and on the first day of arrival, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Mongolia, Ts.Elbegdorj spoke by telephone with the Chief of Military Unit No.350 of the Mongolian Armed Forces, Lieutenant Colonel B.Erdenebat regarding issues on Mongolian peacekeeping operations under the UN 7th mandate in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces congratulated Mongolian peacekeepers, who successfully rescued the 10 wounded citizens from Russia, Ukraine, Kenya and South Sudan during the attack to the Russian oil company in Bentiu, South Sudan on April 15, 2014.
During the phone conversation, President Ts.Elbegdorj said, “On behalf of the people of Mongolia and on my own, I would like to appreciate Mongolian peacekeepers, who are successfully serving in the UNMISS mandate and wish wellness in all your future endeavors”. 
Related:


D.Battsogt MP Forwards Statement to Leave Justice Coalition
Ulaanbaatar, April 23 (MONTSAME) Chief of the parliamentary standing committee on social policies D.Battsogt forwarded a letter on Tuesday to leave the parliamentary caucus of the Justice Coalition. His request is expected to be informed at a parliamentary session by Speaker Z.Enkhbold in near time.
B.Battsogt was elected as Member of Parliament from the 16th electoral district in western Khovd province, where he was running election representing the Justice Coalition of the Mongolian People’s Party and the Mongolian National Democratic Party in 2012.


Standing Committee Head Meets NGO Authority
Ulaanbaatar, April 23 (MONTSAME) Head of the parliamentary Standing committee on social policy, education, culture and science D.Battsogt; and S.Ganbaatar MP Tuesday received NGO authorities for education.
The delegation included B.Batjargal, an executive director of the “Education Cooperation Society” NGO; and D.Tungalag, general coordinator of the “For the public education” national alliance for civil society.
Institute of Economic Research at the Mongolian State University (MSU) has carried out a review survey on educational financing at an order of the “For the public education” national alliance for civil society. This research aimed at determining urgent problems faced to the educational sector recent years, examining goals of the educational sector to be in harmony with the financing policy, alteration of financing for the education field, and its impact on academic excellence, D.Tungalag said. Then she expressed a willingness to hold a multilateral consultative meeting and discussion together with the Standing committee for introducing the research’s results.
In response, D.Battsogt said that the Standing committee is possible to run the above event, whereas S.Ganbaatar MP appreciated the NGO’s works, and said he is ready to render support to the public education in all sides.       


Sub-Committees Set up for Organizing UB City Anniversary
Ulaanbaatar, April 23 (MONTSAME) Mayor of Ulaanbaatar city E.Bat-Uul Wednesday issued an order to set up sub-committees to organize marking of the 375thanniversary of the capital city.
Accordingly, compositions of the sub-committees have been formed for ensuring the anniversary’s preparation, organization and celebration measures.
Moreover, the anniversary’s events will be conducted by five sub-committees in charge of budget and financial matters; organizational matters; furnishing and construction; culture, arts, sports and ceremonial measures; and information, order and security matters. These sub-committees have been obliged to work out and approve their programmes for events.   


Khovsgol to Become "Children-Friendly Province"
Ulaanbaatar, April 23 (MONTSAME) Khovsgol province started to run a campaign themed “Let's join against violation” on April 22 in frames of the world initiation themed “Let's stop all kind of violence against children” where Mongolia joined, last year.
The opening of the action was attended by more than 200 people from local state bodies, schools, Red Cross committee and the World Vision international organization's branch.
All participants expressed readiness to join in the campaign and signed on the world initiation document.
In frames of the campaign, a consultative meeting under themed “Inter-sectors' cooperation in children right and protection matters” was co-organized by the National Authority for Children, the UN Children's Fund, the National Center Against Violence a non-government organization /NGO/, and “Child-friendly province” program which this province has been involved.
During the meeting, open discussion and training ran among gathered on the matters about responsibility and initiatives of related officials for children right and protection matters.


Mining Deputy Minister Visits Canada
Ulaanbaatar, April 23 (MONTSAME) Mining Deputy Minister O.Erdenbulgan is visiting Canada these days.
During his visit there, the deputy minister concluded a memorandum of cooperation with Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO) on Tuesday. Present at the memorandum signing were Wendy Harris, CEO of CESO and R.Altangerel, Ambassador of Mongolia to Canada. The memorandum aims at support for mining capacity building, introduction of Canada’s experiences and know-how in Mongolia.
The Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO) is a registered national and international development charity that has operated since 1967. The organization uses Canadian volunteers to work with private and public sectors to accomplish goals within these service areas: strategic planning, business development, accounting and finance, organizational development, community development, governance and production and operations.
CESO's primary funding currently derives from the financial contributions of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC), funders from corporations, foundations and individual donors.


National Statistical Commission Informs on Raw Hive Prices
Ulaanbaatar, April 23 (MONTSAME) The National Statistical Commission has recently conducted a study on sale prices of raw hives of domestic animals nationwide.
In the first quarter of 2014, the lowest prices of 25-30 thousand togrog for cow hives longer than 2 meter were observed in provinces of Uvs, Sukhbaatar, Bayankhongor, Dundgovi and Dornod, while the highest prices (as higher as twice than the lowest) of 45-50 thousand togrog for hives of that kind were reached in provinces of Arkhangai, Selenge, Tov, Orkhon, along with Ulaanbaatar city, inform officers of the National Statistical Commission.
During the same period, horse hives were sold at the lowest prices of 15-20 thousand in Hovsgol, Arkhangai, Dornod, Uvs and Dornogovi, and the prices reached highest of 28-33 thousand in provinces of Ovorkhangai, Darkhan-Uul, Omnogovi, Zavkhan, Tov, along with Ulaanbaatar city.
The commission has recently launched a price-index study on housing, building materials, and animal products.


Commerce and Industry Chamber Informs Events List for May and June
Ulaanbaatar, April 23 (MONTSAME) The National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Mongolia has released a list of events planned by the chamber in upcoming two months.
In May, the chamber will co-organize three events including the 13th meeting of Mongolia and Taiwan in Ulaanbaatar on May 22-23, a ‘Fact Finding Mission to Mongolia’ Mongolia Austria Business Forum in Ulaanbaatar on May 26-27, and Sweden Mongolia business forum in Stockholm, Sweden on May 24-30.
In June there will be five events beginning with Days of Spain in Ulaanbaatar on June 3-5, and ending with a ‘UK mission to Mongolia’ business meeting in Ulaanbaatar on June 30. Between them, there will be the 10th joint meeting with Mongolia, Russian Federation, and P.R. China’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ulaanbaatar on June 11-13. On the same days with this joint meeting, a Korea Mongolia Business meeting will take place in Seoul, South Korea. A Mongolia India Business meeting is planned to run in the Conference Hall of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Mongolia on June 12-16.


Electricity Transmission and Distribution Losses Reduced
Ulaanbaatar, April 23 (MONTSAME) Electricity transmission and distribution losses in central region reduced by 1.4% to reach 16.5% in March, informed the Energy Regulatory Commission.
In the central region of the country, electricity distribution of eleven companies increased by 70.7 million kWh or 7.2% compared to the same period of the previous year. In the same period, electricity purchase of Ulaanbaatar Electricity Distribution Network state-owned company increased by 53.5 million kWh or 10.1% against that of the same period of 2013.
In March, loss in electricity transmission and distribution decreased by 0.09% in the National Electricity Distribution Network, by 2.16% in Ulaanbaatar Electricity Distribution Network, and by 1.02-3.09 in electricity distribution in Darkhan city, Selenge province, Baganuur district, Hovsgol province and south-eastern region, informs an officer.


27th National Physics Olympiad to Be Held in Uvs
Ulaanbaatar, April 23 (MONTSAME) The 27thNational Physics Olympiad among high school pupils will take place from April 28 to May 5 in Ulaangom soum, Uvs aimag.
A commission for the national physics Olympiad has been set up with 26 people under a leadership of the aimag’s governor, and the upcoming Olympiad is expected to be attended by 130 pupils who are qualified from the city’s and local Olympiads.
This year’s national Olympiad has received financial support and other assistance from the Ministry of Education and Science, the Nuclear Energy Agency, the aimag’s administration and the Citizens’ Representative Khural, “Eznis” airways and “Aero Mongolia” aviation companies; NGOs and individuals.
Medals winners of the national Olympiad will compete in the 45th International Physics Olympiad that will be held on July 13-21 in Astana, Kazakhstan.


Here Comes ‘Youth Development and Citizens Education’ Discussion
Ulaanbaatar, April 23 (MONTSAME) A discussion of youth development and education will take place in Ulaanbaatar on Thursday.
At the discussion, results of ‘Youth capacity building through citizen education’ project will be discussed. The gathered will also share views on youth’s perception on democracy, political involvement and their contributions to development policies.


Citizen Registration Services to Be Transferred to Khoroos
Ulaanbaatar, April 23 (MONTSAME) As a part of ‘Smart Ulaanbaatar’ program, public services related with citizen registration will be transferred to smallest administrative units in Ulaanbaatar since this Thursday.
Ahead of this transfer, Ulaanbaatar Mayor E.Bat-Uul had concluded a memorandum of understanding with the chief of State Registration Authority to enable citizens to receive basic services related with state registration in their khoroo or smallest administrative unit in the capital city.
Some khoroos of the city will be connected to relevant networks in a optical fiber cable to render five services linked to state registration to residents.

‘Alcohol-Free Dundgovi’ Campaign Announced
Ulaanbaatar, April 23 (MONTSAME) The Youth Association of central Dundgovi province has announced an alcohol-free campaign in the province that is to take place from April to May.
During one month’s time, campaigners will organize a series of activities including workshops and sports events in the province to promote alcohol-free life style. The main mission of the campaign will be continuity of residents’ abstinence from alcohol.
The Youth Confederation has decided to open campaigns of ‘Sports instead of Spirits’ in all provinces simultaneously. The opening of the campaign will be held in the city main square on May 3.


State Residence Hosts Book Exhibition Event
Ulaanbaatar, April 23 (MONTSAME) In celebration of the World Book Day (April 23), the State Residence hosted a book exhibition event on Wednesday.
The event was held in cooperation of domestic publishers, book stores and readers to promote book-reading in the nation. This annual exhibition gives reader rare opportunities to get introduced with recently published books and magazines. During the event, the library in the State Residence has also enriched their book funds, informs Public Relations Department of Parliament Office.


Here Comes ‘Lullaby’ Play
Ulaanbaatar, April 23 (MONTSAME) The State Academic Theater is planning to stage a premier of a Mongolian dramatic play ‘Lullaby’ by N.Gankguyag on Wednesday.
This play is a part of a playlets project of the theater that successfully launched on April 9, with ‘The Crow Grove’ by A.Vampilov. Theater enthusiasts can see 'Lullaby', the three-act play in the Drama Theater until April 27.
Within this project, seven Mongolian directors will stage less-known or not-staged-before plays, including ‘Innocent Guilty’ by A.Ochibat, ‘Sorry, Wrong Number’ by Lucille Fletcher, ‘Yesterday’ by Nobel-winning Harold Pinter, ‘Lullaby’ by N.Gankhuyag, ‘the Open Couple’ by Dario Fo and ‘Mannequin’ by Nikolai Kolyada.
April program of the theater includes ‘The Crow Grove’ (April 9), ‘Lullaby’ (April 23), and ‘Sorry, Wrong Number’ (March 30). Other plays are expected to meet audience within this May.
In 2010, the theater successfully ran a similar project to stage seven plays by Russian playwright V. Krasnogorov to promote less-known plays for younger audiences.


"Melodic Meteor" Exhibition to Open
Ulaanbaatar, April 23 (MONTSAME) An exhibition themed “Melodic Meteor” is to open in “BlueMon” art gallery on May 1.
A total of 37 artworks are expected to be shown publicly, including more than ten paintings of Mongolian economist B.Lkhagvajav.
All artworks, painted by brush, will describe impressions made by musics of Romantic-era Polish composer Mr Fryderyk Chopin.


US Embassy to Hold Discussion on Urban Planning
Ulaanbaatar, April 23 (MONTSAME) The U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar announced Wednesday that it will host a showing of the classic American movie “Soylent Green” on Thursday.
This movie explores how overpopulation and poor planning can affect human health and happiness. Following the movie, experts from the United Nations Population Fund, the Asia Foundation, and the U.S. Embassy will hold a panel discussion exploring how the themes of the film relate to Mongolia’s own issues with overcrowding and urban planning.


City soil dangerous to health
April 23 (news.mn) A recent study shows that heavy metal and pollutant content in the soil of Ulaanbaatar city is twice as high as standard levels. A new report states that 72 percent of soil in the city is polluted due to household waste.
The study was conducted by collecting samples from over 300 sites across a two year span throughout Ulaanbaatar city. Lead and chromium levels found in the soil samples were double the expected amount. Lead levels reached 1500 part per million (ppm) in city soil, in contrast to internationally acknowledged ‘safe’ levels of around 500 ppm. Natural lead levels in soil range from 50 ppm to 400 ppm. 
Lead is a naturally-occurring element in soil but it can be harmful to humans when inhaled or ingested. Children especially are at risk. Lead poisoning can cause many health problems, but in particular it can cause neurological damage and development delays in children.
In adults, lead poisoning can cause:
·    poor muscle coordination
·    nerve damage to the sense organs and nerves controlling the body
·    increased blood pressure
·    hearing and vision impairment
·    reproductive problems
·    delayed fetal development.
In children, lead poisoning can cause:
·    damage to the brain and nervous system
·    behavioral problems
·    anemia
·    liver and kidney damage
·    hearing loss
·    hyperactivity
·    developmental delays
·    in extreme cases, death



Waste Free Ulaanbaatar is Everyone’s Responsibility
April 23 (infomongolia.com) Last Saturday on April 19, 2014, public cleanup was organized throughout Ulaanbaatar and in order to mark the city's wide activity, the Ministry of Nature, Environment and Green Development, Ulaanbaatar City Mayor's Office and the Asia Foundation are partnering to launch a public awareness campaign that aims to improve citizen behavior in relation to garbage disposal.
Throughout the city, billboards and posters feature the slogan “Waste Free UB is Everyone’s Responsibility” to remind citizens not to dump garbage and to ensure that Ulaanbaatar remains a pleasant city to live in for this generation and those to come.
Solid waste management is a key challenge in UB, particularly in the Ger districts, where there are many illegal dump sites. To act upon the campaign’s slogan, the Foundation supported the cleanup of garbage at the 14th khoroo of Sukhbaatar district, 16th khoroo of the Chingeltei district, 13th khoroo of the Khan-Uul district, 9th khoroo of the Bayangol district, and 26th khoroo of the Songinokhairkhan district. During the cleanup day, the Foundation worked with representatives of khoroo administrations, business entities, eco employees, residents, school children and volunteers to cleanup public spaces, ger streets, and gullies of the Model Khoroos. The Asia Foundation also sponsored competitions such as a cleanest street for residents that participated in the activities.
City Municipality’s representatives led by Mr.  B.Badral, General Manager of the Ulaanbaatar City Administration, khoroos and districts’ public officials, and Foundation staff, including Deputy Country Representative Ms. Tirza Theunissen, joined residents in local cleanups.
The campaign and cleanup activities are implemented under the Model Solid Waste Khoroo Project implemented by the City Municipality Solid Waste Department and the Foundation in six khoroos within the framework of its Urban Services in the Ger Districts of Ulaanbaatar Project. The campaign will continue until June 2014.
With generous support from the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade     Australian Aid Program, the Foundation initiated the “Urban Services in the Ger Districts of Ulaanbaatar” project in May 2012, which aims to improve urban services in the Ger districts .The Foundation, throughout the duration of this three year project, is working to increase citizen participation at local level and also support the city at the management level to improve strategic planning, policy making and good governance.


Today is World Book Day
April 23 (infomongolia.com) Today, April 23, 2014, is the World Book Day annually organized by UNESCO since 1995 to promote reading, publishing and copyright, as of today, the Day is being celebrated globally in over 100 nations.
Within this scope, the Secretariat of the State Great Khural (Parliament) traditionally hosts the Book Day in collaboration with readers, publishers, printing houses and book stores in Ulaanbaatar.
Today’s event was organized in the Government House, and “InterNom” book store, “Nepko”, “Munkhiin Useg”, “Mon Sudar” and “Az Khur” printing houses have introduced their new releases, where Speaker Z.Enkhbold, writer and journalist B.Tsenddoo and other officials were present.
Writer and journalist Byambajav TSENDDOO has published his 100 EVENTS IN 100 YEARS and 100 YEARS, 100 PEOPLE albums in 2011 in celebration of the 100th year anniversary of the Mongolian independence.
The first photo album of the 100 events is made its’ marks in the Mongolian history. Through 100 photographs, this book tells the complete story of the history of Mongolia from the Independence, the great terror, cultural attack, industrialization, democratic revolution, up to the first Olympic champion of Mongolia. This photo album was published in collaboration with the National Geographic Society of the United States of America.
The second photo album tells the stories of the 100 most influential people in the history of Mongolia. With 100 historical photographs this album guides the readers through the fascinating moments of the Mongolian history.

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