“Together, let’s build a forest” campaign: Children unite their voices against climate change
Save the Children in Mongolia organized the “Together, let’s build a forest” climate campaign and Open Mic event on September 24, 2026, in Nalaikh District of Ulaanbaatar.
The event aimed to increase children, youth and community members’ knowledge and understanding of climate change and environmental issues, amplify the voices and participation of children and youth and encourage environmentally responsible behaviors and real action.
The event was opened with remarks by Bayan-Altai Luvsandorj, Country Manager of Save the Children in Mongolia, and N. Manduul, Chair of the Citizens’ Representatives Khural of Nalaikh District. Both speakers highlighted the importance of children and youth participation in protecting the environment.
Bayan-Altai Luvsandorj, Country Manager of Save the Children in Mongolia, said:
“The main purpose of this event is to amplify children’s voices and encourage everyone to take action to protect the environment and address climate change. We also wanted to showcase the work carried out by eco clubs we work with. By organizing “Open Mic”, we are giving children a space to openly express their ideas and voices. I am very happy to see so many children coming together under the call, ‘Together, let’s build a forest.’ By involving children in activities that create greener environment and giving them opportunities to express their voices, we hope they will grow into environmentally conscious and responsible citizens in the future.”
L. Manduul, Chair of the Citizens’ Representatives Khural of Nalaikh District, said:
“Through the ‘My Forest Child’ project, Save the Children is playing an important role in promoting tree planting by engaging children. What I find particularly valuable about this project is that it does not simply involve planting trees and leaving them there. Children are provided with training on how to plant, care for, and grow trees, while an incubation and training center and a practical learning base are being established for them. This demonstrates that this kind of approach can make such projects more effective in the long term.
“I had the opportunity to visit the different stations today. I am especially pleased to see activities that encourage children to take an interest in creating greener environment. I am truly happy to see so many children joining the call, ‘Together, let’s build a forest.’
Five secondary schools and the Polytechnic College partnering with Save the Children took part in the climate campaign, running six interactive stations where participants could learn about climate change, forests, desertification, and proper waste sorting.
The Eco Club of Secondary School No. 109 in Nalaikh District created an interactive exhibit on “Desertification”, introducing visiting children and people to the causes and consequences of desertification, as well as ways to prevent it.
The Eco Club of Erdmiin Orgil School created a Commitment Tree where participants wrote down their personal commitments to protecting nature and added them to the tree.
The Eco Club of the Polytechnic College organized a fun waste-sorting game to help children reinforce their knowledge of proper waste separation.
The Eco Club of Secondary School No. 103 prepared a creative display featuring interesting facts and information about trees and forests and shared it with the participating children.
The Eco Club of Secondary School No. 119 engaged participants in a fun drawing activity and a question-and-answer game using cards, making environmental learning interactive and enjoyable.
Meanwhile, the Eco Club of Golomt School presented information about forest in creative ways and encouraged participants to take an active role in the activities.
Student G. Davaadondov shared his impressions after visiting the stations: “We don’t usually have activities like this in Nalaikh, so it’s really cool. I visited lots of different stations. I’m also going to sing today. Even the weather is nice, just the way we hoped it would be. Let’s plant trees together!”
Another student, N. Yesugen, said: “I really liked the station where they introduced the map of Mongolia and the ones where we learned about forest. I learned a lot of new things. The waste-sorting competition was also fun. I collected stickers and got a gift.”
As part of the climate campaign, children actively participated in the Open Mic, using music and performance to unite their voices on climate change and encourage others to protect the environment and plant trees.
During the event, L. Bayan-Altai, Country Manager of Save the Children in Mongolia, and N. Manduul, Chair of the Citizens’ Representatives Khural of Nalaikh District, also presented certificates to children and youth who represented their peers and shared their voices at the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP17).
Many children and youth took part in the event, learning new information from their peers in engaging and interactive ways, enjoying music and performances, and actively participating in the activities. Participants highlighted the event as an effective and inclusive activity that provided opportunities for everyone to take part.
Despite the rain and cool weather, around 300 children, youth and community members actively participated in the “Together, let’s build a forest” climate campaign. Participants were served hot aarts (a traditional Mongolian fermented dairy) and children who visited the stations received gifts.
A total of six school eco clubs, around 300 children, youth and members of the community participated in the event, with participants visiting and engaging with the six interactive stations.