On 24 May 2024, the Australia Awards – Mongolia team, in collaboration with the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation, hosted a ‘welcome back ceremony’, to mark the return of recently returned alumni who completed their studies in Australia with the support of Australia Awards Scholarships. Ahead of World Environment Day, participants planted trees at a centre for vulnerable children in the Bayankhoshuu area of Songinokhairkhan district.

Officials from the Australian Embassy in Mongolia, along with board members of Mongolia Australia Society (Mozzies) and participants in the Australia Awards Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths Short Course, warmly welcomed the alumni, who pursued their master’s degrees in various sectors, including development policy and finance.

Alumnus Munkhbayar Purevdorj, who studied a Master of International and Development Economics at the Australian National University said, “Completing my studies successfully in Australia has been an incredible journey and taking part in the tree planting event during the ‘welcome back ceremony’ perfectly encapsulates this experience. This meaningful activity highlights both my academic achievements and my dedication to contributing positively to the environment and community.”

The tree planting complemented the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation’s broader values of sustainability and community. It also reflected the commitment of the Australian Embassy in Mongolia and Australia Awards to environmental sustainability.