The Republic of Buryatia, Russia, has recently submitted the application form for the 16^th NEAR chair to the NEAR Secretariat.

The selection process of the next NEAR chair starts with the member regions expressing their hope to assume the position at the NEAR High-Level Working Committee scheduled to be held in Liaoning Province, China, this year. If the number of applicant is more than one, a vote will be carried out before the newly elected chair gets formally approved at the NEAR General Assembly in 2025.

The incumbent chair of NEAR is Liaoning Province, China, and its two-year tenure will end at the NEAR General Assembly in 2025. 

<The Location and Flag of the Republic of Buryatia>

Located on the southeastern part of Lake Vaikal, the Republic of Buryatia has a population of 970 thousand. Its capital is the city of Ulan-Ude. The region features a harmonious mixture of Asian and European cultures and boasts rich experience hosting large-scale international events.