In commemoration of the 30^th anniversary of opportunities for Mongolians to pursue both long and short-term studies in Australia, the “30^th Anniversary Party” event was jointly hosted by Australia Awards – Mongolia and the Australian Embassy in Mongolia on 24 November 2023 in Novotel Hotel Ballroom.

In the past 30 years, over 740 Mongolians have received equitable, prestigious, and transformational Australia Awards scholarships. Representatives in attendance include the Government of Mongolia, the Australian Embassy in Mongolia, Australia Awards – Mongolia, the Mongolia-Australia Chamber of Commerce, Australian Volunteers International, the Australian Mongolian Extractives Program, the Mongolia Australia Society/Mozzies, other bilateral scholarship officials in Mongolia, Australia Awards alumni, and current scholars who are yet to embark on their journey to Australia.

In her opening remarks, HE Katie Smith, the Ambassador of Australia to Mongolia, extended her congratulations to the audience on the occasion of the 30^th anniversary of the Australia Awards Scholarships in Mongolia. She underscored the significance of the year 2023 as it commemorates the 30^th anniversary of Australia Awards Scholarships in Mongolia. Ambassador Smith further stated that the Australia-Mongolia relationship is strengthened by the numerous advantages the two countries’ people, business-to-business connections, and government organisations derive from mutual respect and friendship. She thanked attendees for their participation in sharing the celebration together with the Australian community. Finally, HE Smith wished for this relationship to continue for many more years ahead.

Following her speech, Professor the Hon Gareth Evans Ac Kc, Former Foreign Minister of Australia, greeted Australian alumni Mozzies and other guests through a video. He reminisced briefly about how Australia Awards – Scholarships started back in 1993, during his long flight back home when he happened to sit next to the former Mongolian foreign minister, Gombosuren Tserenpil, both sketching out and scribbling down on a paper napkin and signing, were embodied in a formal MOU later that year. He concluded by congratulating on the 30^th anniversary of Australia Awards Scholarships in Mongolia and wishing best wishes to Australia Awards alumni in strengthening people-to-people linkages between Australia and Mongolia.

Mr. Tsogtbaatar Damdin, Member of Parliament and President of the Mozzies, Mongolia-Australia Society, extended best wishes to all Australia Awards alumni on the 30^th anniversary of the Australia Awards Scholarships in Mongolia. He has proudly informed that since the program launched in Mongolia in 1993, more than 740 graduates have contributed actively to the country’s development. The speaker emphasised the assistance rendered by the Australian government and organisations across multiple sectors, particularly on the mining industry. Mr. Tsogtbaatar thanked the Australian government for providing long-term and short-term scholarship opportunities for Mongolians to study in Australia.

The event concluded with a cultural performance, allowing attendees to network and socialise with fellow Australia Awards alumni and stakeholders.