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The Department of Public Administration at the School of Political Science, International Relations, and Public Administration, National University of Mongolia (NUM), hosted the 24th edition of its flagship event, UB Impulse: Public Lecture and Discussion, continuing a tradition that began in 2013.

This year’s lecture, titled “Resource Rivalries: The Politics of Critical Minerals,” featured Mr. Boris Dolgonos, a leading international lawyer and partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in New York.

The event took place on 8 October 2025, from 14:30 to 17:00, in the Round Hall of the Main Building at NUM.

Since its inception, UB Impulse has served as an open forum for scholars, professionals, and the public to engage in dialogue on topics of national and global importance. Each year, the series brings together experts from diverse fields to share perspectives on issues shaping policy, governance, and sustainable development.

In his opening address, Prof. Dr. B. Ochirkhuyag, Rector of the National University of Mongolia, highlighted the university’s commitment to fostering evidence-based public discourse and connecting global expertise with local realities.

Mr. Dolgonos’s lecture examined how global demand for critical minerals—essential for renewable energy, digital technology, and defense industries—has intensified geopolitical competition. He outlined how resource-rich countries face both opportunities and challenges in navigating these rivalries, emphasizing the importance of sound governance, transparent contracts, and equitable partnerships.

Drawing on decades of legal experience in mining, investment, and international finance, Mr. Dolgonos provided an insider’s perspective on how resource politics shape economic strategy and foreign relations.

The lecture was moderated by Prof. Dr. Stefan Hanselmann, Cluster Coordinator for Private Sector Development at GIZ Cambodia and founder of the UB Impulse series, alongside Prof. Dr. N. Burmaa of NUM.

Closing remarks were delivered by Prof. Dr. S. Munkhbat, Dean of the School of Political Science, International Relations, and Public Administration, who emphasized the significance of UB Impulse in fostering a dialogue between academic research and practical public policy solutions.

For over a decade, UB Impulse has been a defining initiative of the National University of Mongolia—bridging research, policy, and public dialogue, and reaffirming the university’s role as a center of knowledge exchange and civic engagement.

Organized by:

The Department of Public Administration, School of Political Science, International Relations, and Public Administration