New Mongolia centre sets ANU out from the herd

The Mongolian Steppe under snow. Photo by Mark Heard /

The rolling hills and sweeping steppes of Mongolia will seem closer to Australia with the launch of a new research and teaching centre at The Australian National University today.

The first centre of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, the centre in the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific will enhance growing Australian interest in Mongolia as well as strengthen the increased links between the two countries. It will host guest researchers working on Mongolia, organise seminars on Mongolian topics, provide a support network for Australian researchers on Mongolia and promote Mongolian studies in Australia in general.

Head of the centre Professor Li Narangoa said that better understanding of Mongolia was essential for both Australia and the rest of the world.

"Mongolia is now on its way to becoming one of the world’s mining giants and the country’s economy has been growing faster than any other country in recent years. Mongolia has mineral resources that are vital for many industrial countries," she said.

"Mongolia’s mining and economic development raises some important questions. For example, how will nomadic societies cope with the mining industry; how will Mongolia, with it’s good environmental track record, solve the environmental problems that come with heavy industry; how will the country’s young democratic system develop further; how will rivalry between China and Russia affect an increasingly independent and rich Mongolia; and how will the Australian mining sector and economy be affected by the development of Mongolia - which is a key rival to the Australian mining industry.

"Understanding Mongolia is important for Australia’s future. At the governmental level, links between the two countries have been increasing in importance. Australia has significant involvement in the Mongolian mining and energy sectors, and a growing number of young Mongolians obtain secondary and university education in Australia."

The launch of the Mongolia Studies Centre coincides with the Mongolian Studies Open Conference which brings scholars from around the world to examine the country’s history, culture, anthropology, international relations, business and archaeology. and a full program is available at
http://chl.anu.edu.au/mongolianstudies/events.php

Watch an with Professor Li Narangoa and learn some basic Mongolian phrases on ANUchannel at YouTube.

: James Giggacher, ANU Media Office - 02 6125 7988 or 0416 249 241