While the agenda for discussion was as academic: 'Actively shaping democracy – taking responsibility at home and abroad', the speakers, Merkel and Obama, were received as if they were rockstars. Obama may not be US president, but he can still pull in the crowds. This was Obama's first public appearance since he left office in January 2017, but the warm reception was quite reminiscent of the kind he would command as president. Germany loves Obama. It was hard to spot a single placard critical of him.

The Orchestra will be in "Residence" to engage in "People-to-People" cultural diplomacy, including two full orchestra concerts, as well as a series of special events throughout Ulaanbaatar. The events will be designed in partnership with Mongolian musicians, local schools and cultural institutions, as well as other civic and government institutions. The Philadelphia Orchestra will be the first Western orchestra to perform in Mongolia.