Over 570 researchers from 30 countries attend International Congress of Mongolists

ULAANBAATAR. The 13th International Congress of Mongolists, themed "Mongol Studies: Tradition and Modernity," officially opened at the Government Palace under the auspices of President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh. The high-level academic forum has gathered over 570 scholars and researchers from 30 countries.

Professor David Andrews Sneath of the University of Cambridge (UK) delivered the keynote address, titled "Beyond the Sinocentric Paradigm: Trends in Mongolian Historiography.

During the event, line sessions will take place across multiple venues, including the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, as well as the main academic buildings, the Mongolia-Japan Center, the Central Library, and the Faculty and Student Development Center of the National University of Mongolia. Participants will discuss more than 530 research papers covering a broad array of disciplines: Mongolian language, archaeology, culture, art, literature, ethnography, traditional knowledge, modern Mongolian society, and international relations.

The demographics of the congress showcase a vibrant continuity across generations, with participants ranging in age from 25 to 92 years old.

Addressing the opening ceremony, President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh expressed sincere gratitude on behalf of the state and the people of Mongolia to the global community of Mongolists. He highlighted that their scientific methodology and rigorous analysis in researching the origins, history, language, and culture of the Mongols serve as a vital bridge connecting Mongolia to the wider world and spreading factual knowledge globally.

President Khurelsukh emphasized that the nearly 4.000 domestic and international scholars actively engaged in Mongol studies hold a position of deep respect within Mongolian society. He noted that through their research, the heroic history, legacy, and contributions of the ancestors who established statehood in Central Asia and fostered regional peace are brought to light with greater clarity.

The President reaffirmed that supporting academics who dedicate their knowledge and effort to uncovering Mongolia’s contribution to human civilization remains a fundamental priority of the Mongolian state. Moving forward, he outlined key objectives for the field, including expanding traditional research areas, disseminating scientific findings globally, and strengthening international and regional academic collaboration through joint projects. He also emphasized ensuring generational continuity by training young Mongolists, expanding international scholarship programs, and accelerating the digitization of historical manuscripts, cultural heritage, and archival documents to establish open-access international databases.

President Khurelsukh assured participants that the government will continue to support constructive proposals, initiatives, and recommendations aimed at advancing Mongol studies and its institutional frameworks.

The tradition of the congress dates back to 1959, when Ulaanbaatar hosted the First International Congress of Mongolian Language Scholars, attended by over 40 researchers from 15 countries. That historic gathering laid the foundation for institutionalized international cooperation in the field.

Over the course of the previous 12 congresses, nearly 4,000 scholars from more than 60 countries have presented over 3,000 research papers across more than 20 specialized fields, including linguistics, history, archaeology, anthropology, ethnography, religious studies, cultural studies, and international relations.