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This week in Mongolia: the climb of Mount Asgat Turgen, an Arts and Crafts exhibition from Dornogobi, smoke-free Ulaanbaatar and Mongolia joining the UN Statistics Commission.
- Usukhbayar aims to climb Mount Asgat Turgen
Renowned athlete G. Usukhbayar, known for summiting Mount Everest, has set his sights on a new objective. He and a team of young climbers from Ulaanbaatar and Bayan-Ulgii will attempt to scale Mount Asgat Turgen at 4,000 metres between May 7 and 12. It is one of the few unconquered peaks in Mongolia. The expedition is jointly organized with the Mountain Guides Union and Mongolian Expedition LLC.
- Arts and Crafts exhibition from Dornogobi.
An Arts and Crafts exhibition from Dornogobi aimag was inaugurated this week at the UMA "artists of the sacred earth" gallery. This exhibition marks the 80th anniversary of the aimag. The exhibition features 150 works, including some by Danzanraviaa, a 19th-century philosopher and saint, such as the landscape painting created for the musical comedy Saran Khukhuu and three religious paintings (Namtriin Ganzai, Shambaliin Ochirvaani Khuvilgaan and Ezen Bogd Chinggis Khaan). The exhibition closes on May 12 and will subsequently be transferred to Sainshand.
- Smoke-free Ulaanbaatar – meeting and discussion
An open forum called "Smoke-free Ulaanbaatar" was held at Khangarid Palace to discuss measures for reducing air pollution in the city of Ulaanbaatar. The Chief of the Presidential Office, D.Battulga, opened the discussion and detailed the progress made so far by the National Committee, which is tasked with reducing smoke pollution in Ulaanbaatar by 50% before the end of 2012. Ger districts produce 60% of this air pollution, with 20% coming from vehicles.
Chingeltei district governor D.Ganbold also stressed that soil pollution is as much a concern as air pollution. President Ts. Elbegdorj concluded by noting that 470,000 citizens have migrated to Ulaanbaatar over the past five years. This significant population increase creates unbearable pressure on the city's environment, water and soil. Today Ulaanbaatar faces an ecological disaster. The Government and citizens must work hand in hand to propose various solutions and change this situation.
- Mongolia joins the UN Statistics Commission
The UN Economic and Social Council last week decided to include Mongolia as a member of the UN Statistics Commission. This is the first time Mongolia has joined the 24-member international body. Seven other new members will be added this year – the USA, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Niger, Tanzania, Cuba and Oman.
