Steppe Closer Initiative Launches with Virtual Lecture on Gender Barriers in Conservation The Steppe Closer initiative, a partnership between Western Washington University (WWU) and the American Center for Mongolian Studies (ACMS), launched its first virtual lecture, attracting over 60 participants from around the globe. Titled "Gendered Barriers to Working in Conservation: A Comparative Case Study in South Korea and Mongolia," the lecture featured Turmunkh Enkhzaya from the Mongolian Academy of Sciences and Nari Lee from the University of Montana. They explored how patriarchal structures and gender norms create systemic barriers in the conservation field, limiting women’s leadership opportunities. Their research underscores the need for more inclusive practices in conservation organizations. Mark Greenberg, Director of Faculty Global Engagement at WWU, and Maggie Lindrooth, U.S. Director at ACMS, delivered the opening remarks, expressing their enthusiasm for the initiative and highlighting the importance of fostering international research collaborations. To ensure accessibility for all participants, the event featured simultaneous translation in both English and Mongolian. For more information about the initiative and upcoming events, visit: https://mongoliacenter.org/a-steppe-closer/. (fb)

TRANSLATING EMPIRE: THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE MONGOLS AND THE FUTURE OF MONGOLIAN STUDIES Join us for a special public lecture by Professor Christopher P. Atwood, a leading scholar of Mongolian and Inner Asian history, as part of the ACMS Special Edition Speaker Series. This edition celebrates long-time collaborators and contributors to the ACMS community. Professor Atwood will share insights from his recent translation of The Secret History of the Mongols, the oldest surviving literary work in the Mongolian language. Drawing on his extensive research into the multi-ethnic and multi-lingual historiography of the Mongol Yuan dynasty, Professor Atwood will also reflect on the current landscape and future of Mongolian Studies, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary approaches and diverse perspectives in the field. 📅 Date: Tuesday, 27 May 2025 🕠 Time: 5:30 PM 📍 Venue: American Corner & MakeUspace, Ulaanbaatar Open to the public. Scholars, students, researchers, ACMS members, and all those interested in Mongolia, Central Asia, translation, or global history are warmly invited to attend. Registration preferred. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsD-qDlNF3QAoG_YBe8tNBasOsXfPacPNl52PoffteMLVH8Q/viewform #ACMSSpeakerSeries #FriendsOfACMS (fb)