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World Water Day: Students’ Scientific Conference Fosters a New Generation of Water Experts in Mongolia
In celebration of World Water Day 2025, 91鶹Ʒ partnered with the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of Mongolia, and various organizations to organize the Students’ Scientific Conference titled “Water – A key to development”. This annual event, is hosted in rotation by Mongolian universities, serves as a vital platform for students, researchers, and experts to engage in discussions on critical topics of water security, water resource management, water conservation policies in Mongolia, and global water challenges.
This year, on 24 March 2025, the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences’ School of Public Health hosted the conference, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the International Hydrological Programme (IHP), the 70th anniversary of the School of Public Health, and the 19th anniversary of the conference itself, marking a significant milestone since its inception—excluding the hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the conference, 10 papers were presented as pitch and wall presentations, which were selected among a total of 21 submitted papers.
The event featured opening remarks from Ms. Odontuya Saldan, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Mongolia, who underscored the significance of fostering a new generation of water experts and highlighted various initiatives aimed at enhancing water safety across the country.
Prof. Shahbaz Khan, a Director of UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, delivered a video message to the participants, reflecting on this year's World Water Day theme that emphasizes glacier preservation and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions while implementing local strategies to safeguard water resources for future generations. His remarks also included three major achievements of the IHP relevant to Mongolia's water resource management: groundwater governance and sustainable management, climate change and water security research, and citizen science engagement among youth in hydrology.
The conference’s organizers, including Ms. Battsetseg I, a water advisor to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, expressed her appreciation for the support from partner agencies. Notably she mentions, last year’s conference winner, Mr. Darkhan-Erdene Ariunbat from the Mongolian University of Science and Technology, was sponsored by UNESCO to participate in the 10th World Water Forum Youth Session in Bali, Indonesia, in 2024. His experience inspired him to take on the role of President of the Student Organization for Water Management. At this year's conference, he also presented his co-authored paper titled “A laboratory Study of Water Samples from a Deep Well Near a Substandard Pit Latrine.”
A distinguished jury composed of renowned professors, water scientists, and pioneers in the field of water science evaluated the students’ presentations. Participants praised the conference for its role in inspiring enthusiasm for water science, fostering networking opportunities among students, faculty, and water experts, and facilitating connections with relevant donor organizations.
As Mongolia continues to prioritize water security and environmental preservation, events like the Students’ Scientific Conference are crucial in cultivating future leaders equipped to tackle these pressing global challenges.
