{"id":6558,"date":"2026-04-30T01:59:45","date_gmt":"2026-04-29T23:59:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/whystory.pl\/en\/?p=6558"},"modified":"2026-04-30T01:59:46","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T23:59:46","slug":"why-poland-is-the-keythird-neighbor-of-mongolia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/whystory.pl\/en\/why-poland-is-the-keythird-neighbor-of-mongolia\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Poland is the Key
\u201eThird Neighbor\u201d of Mongolia?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

An interview with H.E. Mrs Oyundari Navaan-Yunden \u2013 Ambassador of Mongolia to the Republic of Poland about developing Mongolian & Polish relationship and cooperation in the area of business, education, art, etc. The Ambassador has been just nominated to the title of A Charismatic Woman<\/em> in the category of diplomacy.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Were you born a charismatic woman, or did you become one?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Frankly speaking, I\u2019m not sure. I think that being the oldest in my family has shaped me into who I am today, making me a responsible and mature person as I had to take care of my younger siblings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How did you develop your skills and education?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I have earned two bachelor\u2019s degrees, one in Law and one in Economics. Later, I completed my MBA at the Master School of Management in the Netherlands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How was your education useful in your career?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I think that my education has given me a strong foundation to pursue my career in international organizations. My career started from the National Productivity Center, affiliated with the Asian Productivity Organization with the headquarters located in Tokyo. Later on, I worked with institutions such as the World Bank and the United Nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2000, I joined the government of Mongolia and began my public service at the Ministry of Environment, where I served as the Director of the International Cooperation Department and as the Director General of Strategic Planning Department. I believe that, that role marked the real beginning of my long-term career in public services. In 2008, I was elected to the City Council of Ulaanbaatar, capital city of Mongolia. In 2016, I ran for the Parliament of Mongolia and served as the Member of the Parliament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the main similarities between our countries?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Mongolia and Poland share a similar historical path. Both countries experienced communism, where it was common for both parents to work, and later transitioned peacefully to a market economy. In Poland, this transition was led by the Solidarity movement, while Mongolia underwent a similarly smooth and non-violent transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also share a long-standing friendship, with diplomatic relations established in 1950. Recently, we celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between our countries and elevated our relations to a Comprehensive Partnership during the state visit of the President of Mongolia to Poland<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, Mongolia is located between two big neighboring countries, whereas Poland also has many neighboring countries, among them are Germany and Russia. In general, the people of both Mongolia and Poland share the same commitment to hard work and high level of educational attainment. Also, the attitude and mentality of our people are very much alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Mr. Stanis\u0142aw Gorczyca, Member of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland and Chair of the Polish-Mongolian Parliamentary Group and H.E. Mrs. Oyundari Navaan-Yunden, Ambassador of Mongolia to the Republic of Poland during the visit of the Polish-Mongolian Parliamentary Group to Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, September-October, 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

What makes Mongolia and Poland different?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

One of the key differences between Mongolia and Poland is the geography and the population distribution. Mongolia is approximately five times larger than Poland but has a very small population density. Most people live in major cities, particularly in the capital city Ulaanbaatar, while many others live in rural areas and the countryside.
Poland, on the other hand, is smaller in size but much more densely populated, with a more balanced distribution of people across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do people still work in agriculture there?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Yes, Mongolia has maintained a deeply rooted nomadic culture for centuries. Many people still depend on livestock and agriculture, living in close connection with the nature. Their way of life is strongly influenced by the climate, the seasons, and a deep respect for the natural environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How is the environmental situation in Mongolia? Is it clean?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Mongolia is considered as one of the most environmentally clean and sustainable countries, largely due to its vast territory and small population of around 3.6 million people. Such low population density means that there is significantly less pollution compared to highly urbanized places like New York City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Respect for the nature is deeply rooted within the Mongolian culture and traditions. Protecting the environment is not only a practical necessity but also a value shaped by beliefs and way of life. As a nomadic society, people move with the seasons, living in different locations throughout the year. This seasonal migration allows pastureland to rest and recover, preventing overgrazing and land degradation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As livelihoods depend on healthy land and livestock, preserving nature has always been essential. This combination of cultural values, traditional nomadic practices, and low population pressure helps maintain Mongolia\u2019s relatively pristine natural environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mongolians are living in harmony with the nature. Mongolian culture is deeply rooted in a profound respect for the nature. Through thousands of years, Mongolian nomads experienced unique harmony between humans, livestock, pastureland and nature overall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So does this mean nomadic families move their homes throughout the year?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

For thousands of years, Mongolian nomads have been migrating seasonally in order to get adapted to the changing climatic conditions to prevent the grazing land from being depleted and to ensure the land to be regenerated naturally, while ensuring the livestock are seeking for new \u201crested\u201d land to have fresh pastures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Mongolia, nomadic families live in traditional portable homes called gers, which can be easily assembled, dismantled, and transported, often using camels. This allows them to move with the seasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mongolians are known for their hospitality. Is that true?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Yes, hospitality is a very important part of life in Mongolia. Guests and even strangers are always welcomed, they are offered with food, tea, and a place to rest. This tradition comes from our nomadic culture, where helping others was essential for survival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In remote areas like the Gobi Desert, people traditionally kept their homes open so that anyone in need could find a shelter. Even if the hosts were not at home, a traveler could come in to eat, and rest. It was considered a good deed to help someone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although, modern life has changed things, this spirit of openness and generosity is still very much alive today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Mongolian writing difficult?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It is quite unique and very different from languages like Chinese or Russian. Traditional Mongolian script is written vertically, from top to bottom, and its pronunciation differs somewhat from modern spoken Mongolian. Today in Mongolia, we use two writing systems: Cyrillic and the traditional script. Both are now taught in schools, although there was a period when the traditional script was not widely taught. In recent years, under the initiative of the President of Mongolia, H.E. Mr. Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, efforts have been intensified to promote the wider use of the traditional Mongolian script, including its gradual reintroduction into official use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Meeting of H.E. Mrs. Oyundari Navaan-Yunden, Ambassador of Mongolia to the Republic of Poland with Prof. Alojzy Nowak, Rector of the University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Republic of Poland, December 3, 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

When did you decide to enter politics, and what influenced that decision?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I have long been driven by a strong aspiration to make a difference and to serve my country. I want to promote good practices that contribute to positive change.
Where were you born and how did your career develop from there?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was born in the capital city of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar. I later ran for election in my district and won and became a member of the City Council, working in the municipal government. I also represented Ulaanbaatar in Beijing for about three years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How did you cooperate with China while working in that position?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I worked closely with the Beijing Municipal Government, where we organized official visits, including those of the mayor of Ulaanbaatar to Beijing and relevant authorities, business delegations of both cities. We also signed cooperation agreements between the two cities, focusing on areas such as science, technology, culture, economic development, and people-to-people exchanges. This role became an important step in my political career. After that, I was appointed as the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Later on, I ran for the election in my home constituency, which is connected to my family\u2019s roots, and was elected as a member of the State Great Hural (Parliament) of Mongolia. During my time in the parliament, I led the Mongolia\u2013European Union Friendship Group, building on my experience in international cooperation. I also served as a Chair of Human Rights Sub-Committee and organized series of national hearings regarding anti-torture, discrimination of women and girls, work harassment, domestic violence, etc. Eventually, this path in diplomacy and public service led me to become an Ambassador.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What did you like about China, especially Beijing?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

As we have close economic ties with both China and Russia, at the same time \u201cThird Neighbour Policy\u201d is based on more diversified investment, cross-sectoral business partnership and economic cooperation. China is primarily shaped by export of consumer products and infrastructure projects, it is our largest trading partner and a top investor, while Russia is a key partner for energy resources, so understanding our neighbors is essential.
During my time in Beijing, I was impressed by both the cultural richness and the dynamic development of the country. I especially enjoyed traditional performances like Chinese opera, with its distinctive masks and unique artistic style.
At the same time, I admired how rapidly China\u2019s economy is growing. The pace of development is remarkable, and it creates strong motivation for countries like Mongolia to keep up. I was also struck by how hardworking and disciplined people are, with a lifestyle that values routine, balance and dedication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How would you describe your cooperation with Poland and your main responsibilities there?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Mongolia considers Poland a key \u201cthird neighbor,\u201d which is an important part of our foreign policy aimed at maintaining balanced relations beyond our immediate neighbors, China and Russia. Our cooperation is built on a long history of friendship. Even during the communist period, we had strong exchanges in education, science, geology, paleontology, and archaeology. Poland also contributed to Mongolia\u2019s development by helping to build factories and support industrial sectors such as construction and manufacturing. After the 1990s, our relationship continued to grow, adapting to new political and economic realities. Today, cooperation remains strong across multiple areas, including education, culture, and economic partnership, reflecting the lasting and positive ties between our two countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
H.E. Mrs. Oyundari Navaan-Yunden, Ambassador of Mongolia to the Republic of Poland during Naadam Festival in Powsin Culture Park, Warsaw, Republic of Poland, June 9, 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

What about education? Do Mongolian students study in Poland?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Yes, Education has always been a strong pillar of cooperation between Mongolia and Poland. When I presented my credentials to President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, he noted that nearly 1,000 Mongolian students have graduated from Polish universities over the years. Most of these students came to Poland in the 1960s and 1970s, studying in person across a wide range of fields such as medicine, engineering, law, and economics. These graduates later played an important role in Mongolia\u2019s development, contributing their expertise in various sectors. After the 1990s and the transition to a market economy, educational exchange continued, but with more diverse and modern directions. Today, Mongolian students are increasingly interested in fields like IT, business, international relations, and advanced engineering, while traditional areas like medicine remain important. Educational partnerships, including scholarships and academic exchanges, have strengthened people to people ties and created long-term bridges between our societies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are Mongolia\u2019s main export products, and are they present on the Polish market?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Mongolia is rich in natural resources, therefore a large part of its exports includes raw materials such as copper, coal, gold, and molybdenum. At the same time, we also have a strong light industry, with cashmere being one of our most well-known and high-quality products. Mongolian cashmere is especially valued worldwide, and there is growing interest in it in Poland as well. While there are not many physical stores, these products are available, particularly through online channels. Cashmere is also an essential part of everyday life in Mongolia, as it provides warmth in our very cold climate. In addition, some Mongolian products, such as vodka, have also entered the Polish market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In recent years, under the initiative the President of Mongolia, H.E. Mr. Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, Mongolia has been promoting the \u201cWhite Gold\u201d program to support the cashmere industry and increase exports of value-added products. At the same time, the \u201cFood Revolution\u201d initiative aims to strengthen agriculture and expand food production, which will also contribute to diversifying Mongolia\u2019s exports in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are there opportunities for business cooperation, for example in the mining sector?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Yes, definitely. Mongolia is very interested in cooperating in the field of mining, especially in heavy machinery for open-pit mining, which is the dominant method in our country. We will be visiting Katowice with a business delegation, and there may be interest in purchasing equipment and developing partnerships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mongolia sees significant potential in several strategic areas of cooperation with Europe, particularly as global supply chains evolve and new economic priorities emerge. Critical raw materials and responsible mining remain central, as Mongolia can offer Europe a stable and transparent partnership in securing essential resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, renewable energy\u2014especially wind and solar\u2014represents a major opportunity, given Mongolia\u2019s vast natural potential and Europe\u2019s strong technological capabilities. Agriculture and food production, including high\u2011quality meat, cashmere, and organic products, also present promising avenues for collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, digitalization, innovation, and logistics are areas where European expertise aligns well with Mongolia\u2019s development goals, creating a strong foundation for long\u2011term partnership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several examples that illustrate the strong potential of Mongolia\u2013Europe cooperation. European involvement in Mongolia\u2019s renewable energy projects demonstrates how shared priorities\u2014such as sustainability and energy transition\u2014can translate into concrete investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the mining sector, European technology and expertise have contributed to higher environmental and safety standards, showing how responsible development can benefit both sides.
A particularly inspiring example is the Forest Partnership between the European Union and Mongolia, launched in 2022 and now expanding with new initiatives. This cooperation supports forest restoration, climate\u2011resilient land management, and green job creation, reflecting a shared commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.
Educational partnerships, including scholarships and academic exchanges, have strengthened people\u2011to\u2011people ties and created long\u2011term bridges between our societies.
Growing trade in cashmere, leather goods, and food products also highlights the strong demand for high\u2011quality Mongolian goods in Europe. These examples show that when both sides commit, cooperation delivers tangible results.
There are many so many opportunities for potential cooperation between our countries, also for example in the medical field, such as traditional medicine and so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
5. H.E. Mrs. Oyundari Navaan-Yunden, Ambassador of Mongolia to the Republic of Poland during the \u201cMongolia-Poland Business Meeting\u201d at the Asia and Pacific Museum in Warsaw during the visit of the Mongolian-Polish Parliamentary Group to Poland, Warsaw, Republic of Poland, April 13, 2026<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Finally, what are you most proud of in your professional and personal life?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In my professional life, I am proud of the path I have taken in both politics and diplomacy. I have achieved many important roles, I feel satisfied with what I have accomplished. It required a lot of hard work, dedication, knowledge, and sincerity, and I have always remained loyal to my responsibilities. There are still a lot of work to do, I would like to dedicate much of my time to community work that meaningfully helps others.
In my personal life, I am also very happy. I married young, and I have two children\u2014a son who is now an adult and a very young daughter. Balancing both career and family has been important to me, and I feel fulfilled in both areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have you visited many countries around the world?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Yes, I\u2019ve had the opportunity to travel widely across almost all continents, including Europe, Asia, North America, South America, and Australia, as well as New Zealand. Much of this travel was connected to my professional work, especially during my time in the Ministry of Environment, when I was constantly attending international meetings and cooperation projects, often spending very little time at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which Polish cities have you visited?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve had the opportunity to visit several cities in Poland. I\u2019ve been to Katowice and Krak\u00f3w twice, and I have also visited Lublin, Bia\u0142ystok, and Gda\u0144sk. During my time as an ambassador, I hope to explore even more places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are your plans for the future?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I have very ambitious plans to further strengthen relations between Mongolia and Poland. With our cooperation now being elevated to a Comprehensive partnership, we see many new opportunities to deepen and expand our collaboration.
We would like to expand cooperation in several areas. Education is one of the priorities, encouraging more Mongolian students to study in Poland and learn from its experience. At the same time, we hope to attract more Polish visitors and investors to Mongolia, supporting business development and economic ties. There are still a lot to be done, but the potential for deeper cooperation between our countries is very strong. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anna Kawa
Beata Seku\u0142a<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

An interview with H.E. Mrs Oyundari Navaan-Yunden \u2013 Ambassador of Mongolia to the Republic of Poland about developing Mongolian & Polish relationship and cooperation in the area of business, education, art, etc. The Ambassador has been just nominated to the title of A Charismatic Woman in the category of diplomacy. Were you born a charismatic woman, or did you become […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6562,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1140],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/whystory.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6558"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/whystory.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/whystory.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/whystory.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/whystory.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6558"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"http:\/\/whystory.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6558\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6601,"href":"http:\/\/whystory.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6558\/revisions\/6601"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/whystory.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6562"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/whystory.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6558"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/whystory.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6558"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/whystory.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6558"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}