On 12 September 2025, history was made in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, with the nation’s first-ever international scientific meeting dedicated to osteoporosis and musculoskeletal health. The “Bone and Muscle Health 2025” International Conference, held at the Holiday Inn, brought together leaders and experts from across the globe, marking a new chapter for bone health in Mongolia.
The conference was organized by the Mongolian Naran Society for Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Health, led by Dr Myadagmaa Jaalkhorol, APCO Scientific Advisory Member, together with the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS), the National Trauma and Orthopedic Research Center, the National Center for Maternal and Child Health, and Suu JSC. Importantly, it was also supported by three leading international organizations – the Asia Pacific Consortium on Osteoporosis (APCO), the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), and the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO).
A Symbol of Resilience and Protection
Drawing inspiration from the Mazaalai, Mongolia’s rare and endangered Gobi Desert bear, the conference embraced a powerful message: just as the Mazaalai’s survival depends on protecting its fragile environment, human health relies on safeguarding and strengthening our bone health ecosystem.
Global and Local Voices Come Together
The opening ceremony set the tone with addresses by respected leaders, including:
- Munkhsaikhan Togtmol, Member of Parliament of Mongolia
- Prof Jean-Yves Reginster, IOF Co-Founder and ESCEO President
- Assoc Prof Bilegtsaikhan Tsolmon, Vice President for Research and International Affairs, MNUMS
- Peljidmaa Gunchin-Ish, Deputy General Director, Suu JSC
- Dr Myadagmaa Jaalkhorol, Chairperson of the Mongolian Naran Society, APCO Scientific Advisory Member
Their words highlighted both the urgency of tackling osteoporosis and fractures in Mongolia, and the promise of international collaboration to bring change.
On the left, Dr Myadagmaa Jaalkhorol and in the center Assoc Prof Bilegtsaikhan Tsolmon. On the right, the judges with the Best Oral Presentation award winner.
APCO’s Contribution
The Asia Pacific Consortium on Osteoporosis (APCO) was proud to play a key role in this milestone. Prof Manju Chandran, APCO Chairperson, attended as an invited guest speaker, sharing her expertise and representing APCO at this historic gathering. APCO also proudly funded the Best Abstract Awards, supporting Mongolia’s rising researchers and encouraging the next generation of leaders in bone health.
Reflecting on the event, Prof Chandran shared: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. It was an honour to support Dr Myadagmaa and her team, to join hands with our partners from IOF and ESCEO, and to witness the passion of Mongolian clinicians and researchers in this beautiful land of blue skies.”
On the left, Prof Manju Chandran delivering her lecture. On the right, the invited international faculty comprising of (from left to right) Prof René Rizzoli, Prof Manju Chandran, Prof Jean-Yves Reginster and Prof Olivier Bruyère.
A Rich Scientific Programme
The distinguished faculty included Prof Manju Chandran, Prof Jean-Yves Reginster, Prof René Rizzoli, Prof Olivier Bruyère, and many others, alongside Mongolian scholars. Together, they explored topics ranging from osteoporosis treatment gaps and sarcopenia to the role of dairy nutrition, diabetes-related fracture risks, and innovative approaches to fracture healing.
These discussions not only shared cutting-edge international knowledge but also grounded it in Mongolia’s unique context – paving the way for locally relevant strategies to strengthen bone and muscle health.
A Milestone for Mongolia and the Asia Pacific
With osteoporosis and fracture rates on the rise in Mongolia, yet limited access to education, diagnosis, and treatment, this conference was more than an academic exchange – it was a turning point. It offered Mongolian clinicians and researchers the opportunity to engage directly with global experts, to learn, share, and build networks that will help shape the future of musculoskeletal health in the country.
The Bone and Muscle Health 2025 Conference was, in every sense, a celebration of collaboration, of knowledge, and of Mongolia’s first big step in advancing osteoporosis awareness and care. APCO is honoured to have been part of this journey, together with IOF and ESCEO, and looks forward to continuing its partnership with Mongolian colleagues to strengthen bone health across the Asia Pacific.
