The cultural and natural heritage is among the priceless and irreplaceable assets, not only of each nation but of humanity as a whole. The estimated value of the movable and immovable cultural property, regardless of whether archeological or ethnological, is immeasurable.

In 2021, the Mongolian Parliament adopted a revised version of the “Law on Cultural Heritage Protection” and the “Law on Museums”. In this framework, the Government of Mongolia is making great efforts to facilitate the legal environment for the protection of cultural heritage, introduce good international practices, strengthen the capacity of human resources, increase public awareness about the importance of cultural heritage, prevent risks and combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property.

the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO with support from the UNESCO Beijing Office organized the “National Consultation on Prevention of Crimes and Offenses against Cultural Property” on 10-11 November 2022, in partnership with Culture and Arts Authority of the Implementing Agency of the Government of Mongolia and Ministry of Culture.

The presentations of the international speakers raised the knowledge and capacity of key stakeholders in the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural property in Mongolia. In particular, they serve to build momentum for the initiative to ratify the 1995 UNIDROIT Convention and the UNESCO 2001 Convention.

More than 100 representatives from 20 organizations, including the Ministry of Defense, the National Security Council of Mongolia, the General Intelligence Agency of Mongolia, the National Police Agency, and the Mongolian Academies of Archeology and Paleethnology actively have participated in the national consultation.

In addition, representatives of the Department of Culture and Art, museums, cultural centers, and the police of 21 provinces have participated online. As a result of the consultation, a list of 9 recommendations on administrative and legislative activities that need to be taken to enhance the protection of cultural property have been prepared and will be shared with key government organizations.