On Wednesday, May 29th, a captivating presentation about Mongolia was given by Jim Wagenlander, Chair of the Ulaanbaatar Sister City Committee, and Honorary Consul of Mongolia at the University Club in Denver. The interactive presentation and discussion, including 40 guests, was a wonderful opportunity to learn about the remarkable relationship between Denver and Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
One of the most incredible stories shared was that the specific “sister city relationship” for Ulaanbaatar was actually initiated on a visionary’s deathbed. A Mongolian Deputy Prime Minister, Ch. Purvedorj, was working with Jim on expanding a new relationship with the U.S. However he then was diagnosed with cancer and called Jim to his deathbed. It was during that final visit that he made the request that Jim find a way to further advance a blossoming relationship by making Ulaanbaatar and Denver as sister cities to ensure cultural, economic and investment opportunities for his beloved country. Jim promised to do so.
Jim redoubled the efforts of his law firm and himself to create and foster some significant connections. This included creating The Colorado Mongolia Project nonprofit; and a Sister Cities agreement with both cities’ mayors and Mongolia’s Prime Minister. Furthering the economic impact, Joe Wagner, a Colorado-based Caterpillar, Inc. dealer, was tapped to bring Wagner Equipment and Caterpillar’s mining and construction equipment to Mongolia. Like Colorado, Mongolia is rich in natural resources, with one of the world’s largest copper mines (Oyu Tolgoi) and many other coal, gold and silver mines. These relationships, including the establishment of the North America Mongolia Business Council established a pathway for robust and significant investment by both governments.
Mr. Wagenlander then highlighted the Denver Sister Cities International (DSCI)’s Luby-Jenkins and Zorig Foundation’s High School Exchange Program. The program has been open to students, regardless of their ability to pay, to travel to one of the last true frontiers. The educational outreach has been so successful that upperwards of a thousand Mongolian university students have also studied at Colorado School of Mines, D.U., Metropolitan State University of Denver, CSU and University of Colorado at Denver. At this time, our community now has third-generation Mongolians living in Colorado, contributing both locally and internationally.
In attendance at the University Club were notable figures such as Sir Donald Peterson, the Honorary Consul for Sweden; Janice Pugh Wohler, who serves as finance director for the Ulaanbaatar Sister Cities Committee and has traveled to Mongolia as part of a 2023 sister city delegation; Cherish Edwards, a DSCI Board Member; Mary Lee Chin, a Denver Botanic Garden Board of Trustee member and Jim’s spouse; as well as Mike McPhee, a member of the reporting staff that shared a 2000 Pulitzer Prize and the author of “Dana Crawford – 50 Years Saving the Soul of a City.” Also present were Francine Butler, PhD, CAE, CMP; and Julia Costin, the Co-Founder & COO of Cyber Qubits and Romania Chairwoman for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities International.
The evening also served as a prelude to the upcoming 30th Annual Sister Cities Delegation Trip to Mongolia, scheduled for August 14-28, 2024. This two-week expedition promises an immersive exploration of Mongolia’s rich history and culture juxtaposed with its modern developments. Starting in Ulaanbaatar, participants will explore the dynamic contrast between ancient Buddhist monasteries and sleek high-rises, including visits to the expansive Chinggis Khaan Museum, meetings with Ulaanbaatar and Monongolia leadership and a welcome dinner. The itinerary includes a mix of urban experiences and extraordinary adventures into the heart of the Gobi desert, where delegates will stay at the renowned Three Camel Lodge and explore the diverse ecosystem, including the spectacular “Singing Sands” at Hongoryn Els. There is still time to sign up for either this year’s Delegation visit or to get on the interest list for next year’s 2025 summer delegation trip.
This enriching journey not only strengthens the ties between Denver and Ulaanbaatar but also offers delegates deep insights into Mongolia’s nomadic heritage and its contemporary societal fabric, making it an ideal opportunity for those looking to engage deeply with Mongolia’s cultural and natural landscapes while fostering international goodwill and understanding. This event exemplified the vibrant community and international engagement fostered by Denver Sister Cities International.