Today, in 2018, I had the opportunity to visit Beijing, China, alongside fellow trainers to deliver a safety training course for Chinese engineers. While the country is beautiful and rapidly developing, peace and human rights are always top of mind. I often find myself reflecting on the rights of the Inner Mongolian people and their treatment within China.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Beijing, including the chance to see the Great Wall — a historical symbol built to protect China from Mongolian invasions — I was reminded of the deep historical connections between China and Mongolia. Beijing itself was founded during the reign of Khubilai Khan, the grandson of Chinggis Khan, during the era of the Great Mongolian Empire.
While geographically close, the language barrier made China feel distant, and it made me appreciate even more the efforts of our ancestors in preserving Mongolia’s independence a century ago, protecting it from Chinese expansion. For thousands of years, Mongolian culture—rooted in nomadic traditions—and the Mongolian language have remained largely untouched by Chinese or other regional influences.
However, it’s a sad and ongoing story for the Inner Mongolian people, who continue to live under Chinese rule and have not been able to reunite with Mongolia. Sadly, the use of the Mongolian language and script is banned in China, and cultural minorities continue to face immense hardships. These human rights violations are heartbreaking.
As we navigate global issues, it’s critical to keep ESG topics—especially those surrounding cultural heritage, the rights of minorities, and human rights—at the forefront of our conversations. The plight of the Inner Mongolians serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving identity and defending freedom for all.

