Mongolia celebrated the 80th anniversary of its landmark referendum with an international academic conference focused on national independence. Moreover, the event highlighted the historical significance of the vote and emphasized its ongoing relevance for state sovereignty.
The conference, jointly hosted by the National Security Council of Mongolia and the Institute of History and Ethnology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences, took place on October 20, 2025, at the Chinggis Khaan National Museum in Ulaanbaatar. In addition, experts from Mongolia, Russia, and Japan attended, presenting research on the referendum’s political, legal, and historical implications.
Dr. Khishigt Norovsambuu emphasized the 1945 referendum’s importance, noting the principles of representative democracy and universal participation. A total of 494,960 citizens were eligible to vote, with 487,409 participating. Consequently, the referendum confirmed Mongolia’s independence with 100 percent support. Dr. Norovsambuu said this high participation underscores the enduring significance of national independence.
Dr. Lundeejantsan Danzan highlighted the link between sovereignty and independence. He explained that sovereignty allows a state to exercise supreme authority, while independence ensures autonomy in political, economic, and cultural development. Therefore, he argued that understanding this relationship strengthens national security.
The conference featured 12 papers discussing Allied policies post-World War II, the referendum process, the positions of Soviet and Chinese governments, and newly discovered archival documents. Furthermore, the presentations emphasized how national independence shaped Mongolia’s modern statehood.
Additionally, the General Authority for Archives of Mongolia displayed an exhibition at the museum. Here, visitors explored new archival documents, photographs, and artifacts that illustrated the referendum’s historical significance.
Scholars stressed that commemorating the referendum not only honors the past but also inspires current and future generations to understand and safeguard Mongolia’s sovereignty and independence.
