The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia and the Mongolian-German Bridge NGO jointly organized a commemorative conference marking the 100th anniversary of educational cooperation between Mongolia and Germany, celebrating a century of academic exchange and its contribution to Mongolia’s development.
The conference focused on the historical evolution of educational ties between the two countries, the contributions of Mongolian graduates who studied in Germany, particularly in engineering and technology, and opportunities to strengthen cooperation among alumni and expand bilateral educational partnerships. The event was opened by German Ambassador to Mongolia Thomas Graf and Ambassador Sh.Odonbaatar. Member of Parliament and Chair of the Mongolia-Germany Parliamentary Group A.Ariunzaya, delivered a presentation on the current state of political, educational and scientific cooperation between the two countries, outlining prospects for further collaboration. MP J.Zoljargal discussed the significant role engineers have played throughout the century-long history of Mongolia-Germany educational relations.
Over the past century, Mongolians educated in Germany have contributed to the country’s development by bringing home specialized knowledge, professional expertise and technical skills. Their contributions have been particularly significant in engineering, industry and technology, helping strengthen Mongolia’s human capital and professional workforce.
Separately, Mongolian lawmakers are examining Germany’s housing finance system as part of efforts to expand access to affordable housing. During a meeting on October 9, members of parliamentary working groups emphasized the need for low-interest loans and government policy support to help citizens secure adequate housing. They said the groups were studying international legal frameworks and practical experience to inform Mongolia’s housing policies.
The working groups, established under the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economy, were formed following the government’s submission of two draft laws to Parliament: the Law on a Specialized Housing Finance Bank and the Law on Housing Provision. The lawmakers met with a German delegation comprising Helmut Ipsch, Chairman of the Board of LBS NordOst; Marek Buchholz, the bank’s Director of Banking Management; Ilonka Ruhl Stern, Asia Regional Director at the International Cooperation Department of Germany’s Sparkassen banking group; and the group’s representatives in Mongolia, D.Tsatsral, B.Solongo and P.Oyunchimeg.
The discussions focused on Germany’s Bauspar housing finance system and its legal framework. The German representatives explained that the contractual savings model, which combines long-term savings with access to housing loans, emerged in response to housing shortages following World War I. They also outlined Germany’s experience in promoting homeownership through flexible pricing and incentive policies, including government land purchases and financial advisory services tailored to target groups.
Both sides stressed that Mongolia should not simply replicate Germany’s specialized housing bank model, but instead adapt relevant elements to the country’s own economic and institutional circumstances to ensure effective implementation, according to Parliament’s Press Department.
