Ulaanbaatar, July 29, 2024 /MONTSAME/. The Urban Planning Administration of the New Kharkhorum City is currently presenting the top works of teams qualified for the second stage of the International Master Planning Competition for Kharkhorum City.

The works of 36 teams from 18 countries that advanced to the second stage of the international open competition are available to Mongolian citizens for vote at the Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Kharkhorumcity. Public voting will be open until July 31, 2024.

The works of over 100 urban planners and leading architects from the 36 teams qualified for the second round are also on display at an International Exhibition of Urban Planning, being held on July 29-31, 2024, at the MPM Event Hall, Ulaanbaatar City. The final selection for the five best teams will take place on August 1, 2024, and the planning concept for Kharkhorum City will be developed further.

A total of 428 teams from 54 countries registered for the competition, with 76 teams submitting their work. The selected best works from 36 teams are from 18 countries including Mongolia, China, Russia, Japan, France, Germany, the UK, Italy, Mexico, Luxembourg, Indonesia, Greece, India, and the Netherlands. Among the 36 works the best five works that thoroughly reflected Mongolia's history, unique geography, culture, and traditions, and integrated modern technology in every aspect will be selected. The panel of judges for the International was selected between April 22, 2024, and May 21, 2024. This distinguished panel is composed of 11 judges including leading urban planners and architects from the USA, South Korea, Poland, and Germany.

Zandanshatar Gombojav, the Chief of Staff of the Office of the President, expressed gratitude to the urban planners, architects, scholars, and researchers contributing to the revival of the historic Kharkhorum City. He noted, "In 1220, Chinggis Khaan decreed to build Kharkhorum City, the capital of Mongolia. Beyond being a social and cultural center of its time, Kharkhorum also was a political, economic, military, scientific, and religious center of the world, connecting the East and West. In other words, Kharakhorum was the main hub of the Silk Road. Establishing a New Kharkhorum City today has multifaceted significance."

Mr. Zandanshatar highlighted that the new city would be a solution for the pressing issues of traffic congestion and air and soil pollution in Ulaanbaatar while promoting balanced regional development. The "Vision 2050: Long-Term Development Policy of Mongolia" reflects plans to establish a new city in the Orkhon Valley between 2021 and 2030 and relocate the capital there. The final city plan will incorporate public feedback and the top five selected works, envisioning New Kharkhorum City as the future development center and new capital of Mongolia, built with modern technology to meet all human needs.

Uchral Nyam-Osor, the Head of the Government Secretariat emphasized during the Opening of the International Exhibition of Urban Planning that countries in the world organize an international competition when they develop a master plan for a new city to incorporate future development trend, innovative ideas, and solutions and experiences. The Government Secretariat added, "This is the first time Mongolia is hosting an international urban planning exhibition, gathering international researchers and experts to present their work. We will rebuild  Kharkhorum with the best works and ideas, ensuring it becomes a symbol of national pride and common value."

The Government of Mongolia has designated 189,363.19 hectares in the Orkhon Valley, located in Arkhangai and Uvurkhangai aimags, as a special area for the establishment of New Kharkhorum City. The city is planned to be a smart city featuring government and administrative offices, international organizations, foreign diplomatic missions, and comprehensive infrastructure. This will include social services, healthcare, high-tech industries, housing, culture, arts, tourism, and green spaces.

On the occasion of the 111th Anniversary of the Restoration of National Freedom and Independence, on December 29, 2022, President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa issued a Decree on the Restoration of the Ancient Capital of the Great Mongol Empire, Kharkhorum, giving directions to the Government of Mongolia. The Decree on the Restoration of the Ancient Capital of the Great Mongol Empire aims at ensuring healthy and safe living conditions for citizens, enhancing the accessibility of fundamental social services, reducing urban congestion, promoting balanced regional development, and preserving and reviving historical and cultural heritage.