Acting Head of the Republic of Tuva Hovalyg Vladislav, aged 54, took office as the Head on September 28 following his victory in the Republic of Tuva head election, which was held on September 19.

Hailing from the Tuva Republic, newly elected Hovalyg started his public career as a government officer at the Tuvan government in 1992. He served as the Mayor of Kyzyl, the capital city of the Tuva Republic, from 2008 to 2018 and was appointed the interim head of the Republic of Tuva in April 2021.

Since joining NEAR in 2006, the Tuvan Republic has participated actively in NEAR events including the General Assembly, the Working-level Workshop, the Young Leaders Forum, and the Youth Contest.

NEAR Secretary-General Kim Ok-chae sent a congratulatory letter to Mr. Hovalyg on his election victory and asked the Tuvan Republic to continue in its support of and active participation in NEAR activities.