THE NINTH “ULAANBAATAR DIALOGUE” INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OPENS

The Ninth “Ulaanbaatar Dialogue” opened on June 6, 2024, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The International Conference on Northeast Asian Security is held annually and jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia and the Institute for Strategic Studies under the National Security Council of Mongolia.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia Battsetseg Batmunkh opened the conference, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding in solving issues and challenges facing the region.

The Director of the Institute of Strategic Studies under the National Security Council of Mongolia Dr. D. Mendee said “Mongolia has successfully hosted the “Ulaanbaatar Dialogue” annually since 2014. There was a two-year gap during the period of the COVID-19 global pandemic. The fact that we are having this conference is a tangible result itself. This conference does not aim to settle disputes or conflicts between the countries in the region. Instead, countries in conflict should use this opportunity to increase understanding and build mutual trust.”

“Mongolia strived to create a Northeast Asian dialogue mechanism since 1980. The initiative to establish the "Ulaanbaatar Dialogue" was supported in 2013, and it has been held annually since 2014. The International Conference adheres to Mongolia’s peaceful, open, independent, and multi-pillar foreign policy and has become the platform for countries to discuss regional security issues, solutions, and confidence-building,” stated the Director General of the Department of Multilateral Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia B. Mandkhai. She further noted, "This year’s conference sees diverse participation of government officials as well as researchers. Also, the participation of the young generation in the conference meets the objective set by the United Nations to ensure equal participation of all groups. It provides that the views and suggestions of youth are reflected in documents concerning the implementation of SDGs and overcoming future challenges."

This year’s Conference will hold discussions on topics such as “Security Challenges and Opportunities in the Region”, “Multilateral Cooperation in Northeast Asia”, “Climate Change and Security Challenges in Northeast Asia”, “Secure and Affordable Energy Transition in Northeast Asia” and “Developing Sustainable and Resilient Value Chains for Critical Energy Transition Minerals”.  The “Ulaanbaatar Dialogue” is convening from June 6-7, 2024, with over 200 attendees including representatives and researchers from over 30 countries, 10 international organizations, Embassies in Mongolia, and government organizations of Mongolia.

"Ulaanbaatar Dialogue" is a realization of Mongolia's peaceful, open, independent, multi-pillar foreign policy and has become a traditional platform to discuss the regional security of Northeast Asia, with regular attendees from countries of the region, Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe.

SOURCE: MONTSAME