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Within the scope of the Mongolian-Japanese collaborative research project on “Erdene-Zuu (2009-2011)” was organized an international conference on “Erdene-Zuu: past, present and future” on September 16^th -20^th , 2011 in Ulaanbaatar-Kharkhorin. This conference was organized by International Institute for the Study of Nomadic Civilizations jointly with Mongolian-Japanese “Erdene-Zuu” project team, and financial supporter was the Japanese Foundation. The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science of Mongolia and the Embassy of Japan in Mongolia were supported an activity of this international conference.

There is a growing need to increase the understanding and dialogue between cultures and civilizations. The IISNC (the Institute under the auspices of UNESCO category II) emphasizes the importance of recognizing the richness of nomadic culture and its diversity. Within the scope of UNESCO Participation Programme the institute organized an international conference on “Cultural Diversity of Nomads” on August 6th-7th, 2011 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The conference’s main objective was to combine the theoretical and practical dimensions of intercultural dialogue and cultural diversity, bringing these topical international issues to a wide audience, with particular emphasis on youth and the professional sectors of culture.

On August 7th, 2011 the sixth session of the Academic Council of the IISNC (the International Institute for the Study of Nomadic Civilizations) was successfully held in Mongol Shiltgeen (Mongol Palace) Hotel, Mongolia. Totally 7 members of the Academic Council have participated in this session and 3 members sent their supposition and proposal by letter forms.

During this session welcome speech was given by the chairperson of the Academic Council Prof. J.Legrand. He underlined the role of the IISNC to the further study of nomadic civilizations.

The 2008-2011 activity report of the IISNC was made by the academician B.Enkhtuvshin. In the reporting period the IISNC organized 4 scientific conferences, 11 research projects, 4 archaeological surveys and published 28 books. In the Academic Council meeting the members have approved an activity programme of the IISNC in 2011-2012. Also the members have elected academician B.Enkhtuvshin as a director of the IISNC.