The Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center (APARC) is pleased to share that Stanford sociologist Gi-Wook Shin, the William J. Perry Professor of Contemporary Korea and the director of the Korea and Taiwan Programs at APARC, and Dr. Cheryll Alipio, APARC’s associate director for program and policy, have been honored with a commemorative coin presented on behalf of President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh of Mongolia.

Begzjav Munkhbaatar, Consul General of Mongolia in San Francisco, presented the Mongolian Presidential Commemorative Coin to Professor Shin on November 20, 2025 and to Dr. Alipio on December 5, 2025.

The award recognizes Shin’s and Alipio’s valuable contributions to the Sustainability Dialogue 2025 – Climate Action: Billions of Trees conference, part of the Trans-Altai Sustainability Dialogue, as well as their leadership in fostering international dialogue on climate change, sustainability, and global cooperation.

The Trans-Altai Sustainability Dialogue is a subregional convening of the Trans-Pacific Sustainability Dialogue, a joint initiative of APARC and the Ban Ki-moon Foundation for a Better Future. Held annually, the initiative scales action on the SDGs by activating new research and policy partnerships between experts from the United States and Asia, governments, and non-state actors. The Trans-Altai Sustainability Dialogues have focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals including promoting gender equality (SDG 5) and fostering peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16).

Issued by the President of Mongolia, the Mongolian Commemorative Coin of Honor is a symbolic distinction awarded to individuals who have made notable contributions to Mongolia or to strengthening its international relations, culture, education, and other significant fields. Unlike a traditional medal, the honor takes the form of a specially minted coin, carrying both symbolic and commemorative value. It formally acknowledges achievements that reflect positively on Mongolia and advance its interests abroad.