mongolia ygl learning journey
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Mongolia YGL Learning Journey September 9th – 10th, 2011
Ulaanbaatar/Terelj, Mongolia
In July 2011, Mongolian YGLs Oyun Sanjaasuren, Ganhuyag Ch. Hutagt, Asashoryu Dagvadorj and Zorigt Dashdorj initiated an event called the Mongolia YGL Learning Journey. The main purpose of the event was aimed to introducing many different aspects including the cultural, traditional, social, economic and business sides of Mongolia to members of the Forum of Young Global Leaders (YGLs). The event was allocated for two days just before the World Economic Forum YGL New Champions meeting in Dalian, China. The Mongolia Economic Forum (MEF) was responsible for organizing the Mongolia YGL Learning Journey in cooperation with Zorig Foundation, Asashoryu Foundation and Terelj Suikh LLC. The main sponsors of the event were World Bank, Monnis Group, APU JSC and MCS Group. Organization and preparation for the event started from early July, when the invitation was sent out to the YGLs. Initially MEF targeted for a group of 30 YGLs as participants. This number gradually grew during the course of registration and reached 47 at its peak. However, certain YGLs had unavoidable reasons and were unable to join us. The final number of YGLs in attendance of the first YGL event in Mongolia was 34. YGLs started flying in from the 7th of September. Some arrived early on private business and others wanted to use the opportunity to spend a little more time in Mongolia. For example, YGLs Mark Turrell and David Rodin took a trip to the Gandan Monastery and other tourist attractions, while YGL Margo Drakos and her husband, Nicholas Drakos visited the local Emergency and Trauma Hospital. Margo also managed to make time to be interviewed by Jargalsaikhan Dambadarjaa who is the host of one-‐to-‐one talk show “Defacto”. MEF held an introductory dinner for the YGLs on the evening of the 8th at the IVY Restaurant. This was an opportunity where the YGLs could get to meet each other and mingle. The dinner was hosted by Monnis Group. Yokozuna Asashoryu Dagvadorj handed out his own brand “Yokozuna” whisky to each of the guest as a gift.
On Friday 9th August we started the first day of the Learning Journey and our first stop was at the 33rd Secondary School of Ulaanbaatar. The YGLs were greeted by school children of all ages and were introduced to the school in English. Then they were invited to the hall for the “Dignity Talk”. Before that, the school had prepared a small concert for their guests. It included performances of throat singing, horse-‐headed fiddle and contortion. The YGLs seemed to be quite amused by their talent. Our main aim of visiting the school was to promote dignity.
Next was the part when Ganhuyag Ch. Hutagt, Global Dignity Ambassador to Mongolia started his talk on what the Young Global Leaders were, the Global Dignity Day and How to live a dignified life. We had three representatives of the school children expressing what dignity meant to them and how they plan to live a dignified life. As part of the Global Dignity initiative, MEF opened the Dignity Wall at the 33rd Secondary School.
Our next destination was the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There were more than 200 representatives of student and youth delegates gathered to participate in the panel discussion on “Leadership and Youth Engagement in Policy-‐making”. The discussion panel was moderated by Mongolian YGL and Member of Parliament Oyun Sanjaasuren. There were 4 YGL panelists and 3 delegates representing the Mongolian youth. Each panelist was given a chance to introduce themselves and express their point of view on the given topic. The discussion covered a wide variety of topics and the audience participated actively with interesting questions and comments, making it all a very fruitful meeting.
Next on our agenda was to have lunch with Prime Minister of Mongolia, Batbold Sukhbaatar. The lunch was hosted by MCS Group at the Monet Restaurant. The Prime Minister greeted everyone by welcoming them with gratitude for coming to our country. Each guest had the chance to introduce themselves and explain their field of activities.
After lunch, YGLs returned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to hear the presentation prepared by Chairman of the National Development and Innovation Committee Mr. Hashchuluun Chuluundorj. The presentation included a very informative speech about Mongolia’s past, present and future social, economic and political status. With a 10 minute break, the topic of discussion within the hall changed to “Media in Mongolia -‐ From a domestic and international perspective”. The panel discussion was moderated by Mr. Jargalsaihan Dambadarjaa. Mongolian media delegates included Oyundari Tsagaan from the Mongolian National Broadcasting Network, Nomin Chinbat from Mongol TV representing the private media sector, Tanan Bat-‐Erdene from Shuud.mn media news website and Uyanga Vladimir from the New Media Marketing Agency. Topics of debate included independence of journalists, copyright issues, low salary and other concerns faced by the media in Mongolia today.
With a full day of meetings and discussions, the YGLs needed some refreshing up. The reception dinner was held at the iLoft Function House. MEF had prepared a line-‐up of musical and cultural numbers to give YGLs an understanding of Mongolian tradition in its various forms. The performance included numbers by Husugtun band, the leading contortionist of the Mongolian circus, Mongolian long-‐song and a fashion runway from Torgo Salon showing traditional Mongolian clothing designs. Attending the dinner were guests from all fields including government, corporate and private sectors. The YGLs seem to have enjoyed themselves, laughing, singing and dancing the night away.
On the morning of the 10th, the YGL filled bus departed the Chinggis Khaan hotel heading for Terelj National Camp. On the way, YGLs were introduced to the beautiful Mongolian nature as it is, with camel rides and a chance to have photos taken with wild eagles. We also stopped by the Chinggis Khaan statue at Tsunjin Boldog. Inside the statue you find the world’s biggest man made shoe and a variety of services. The YGLs were led by Ganhuyag to climb up to the highest peak, standing on top of the horse’s head.
After seeing the tourist attractions, the YGLs headed for the Ariyabal Monastery where we had five star lunch awaiting them. On the way up to the monastery, we stopped the bus and walked all the way up the hill. This was named the “Walk of Wisdom” where on the side of the path you would find inspirational proverbs and quotes. Inside the monastery, we met the Chief Lama and were present for his prayings. For lunch, Terelj Hotel Catering and Logistics prepared Mongolian style barbecue Khorkhog and buffet lunch. The scenery outside was just beautiful and perfect weather.
The second part of the day started with a meeting session on the YGL Panel for Advancing Development (YPAD). YPAD Co-‐Chairs Ganhuyag Ch. Hutagt, Kevin Lu and Jaime de Bourbon Parme introduced the Mission Statement and the role of YPAD in Mongolia. Then YPAD Special Guest, World Bank Country Manager Coralie Gevers gave an Opening Conversation about Mongolia's Economic Development. YGL Eric Parrado who is an advisor to the Mongolian government on fiscal policy and implementation of Sovereign Wealth Funds gave a presentation on Sovereign Wealth Management for Mongolia. This is one key topic that is becoming of severe importance and something that we need all possible foreign advice and expertise on.
One of the key points of the YPAD session was the Mongolia Risk Report. This report was initiated as one of four key components of the Mongolia YPAD and an initial report and analysis was drafted by the Economic Research Institute (ERI) with special funding by the World Bank. The Mongolia Risk Report was introduced by ERI Director, Prof. Tuvshintugs Batdelger and Managing Director of the Mongolia Economic Forum, Naidalaa Badrakh. Concluding the session was the topic Strategic Communications and the Perception of Mongolia in the US by YPAD Special Guest Joanthan Gardner, COO of Penn Schoen Berland. Each discussion was followed by a question and answer session. With a half-‐hour break, guests were invited to dinner hosted by the Terelj Hotel. During dinner there were inspirational speeches and toasts of gratitude for the Mongolian YGLs for organizing and hosting this event. YGLs enjoyed the evening away, some even showing off talents of their own. Even though two-‐days aren’t enough to cover all aspects of a country as big and rich in history as Mongolia, we hope the event was an introductory insight and that each and every YGL went back home with a certain sense of understanding and respect for our country. The YGL Journey never stops. Their next destination was Dalian, China for the Summer Summit of the World Economic Forum.
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