W.A. Franke Honors Alumni Bat-Orgil Bat-Erdene Receives Schwarzman Scholarship

W.A. Franke Honors College Alumni Bat-Orgil Bat-Erdene has been named the University of Arizona's first Schwarzman Scholar. A graduate of the University of Arizona in 2019, he holds a BA in Political Science and Environmental Studies as well as an MPA in Innovation, Public Policy, and Public Value from University College London as a Chevening Scholar.

The Schwarzman Scholars Program is one of the world's most distinguished graduate fellowships that supports up to 200 Scholars annually from the U.S., China, and around the world for a one-year master’s in global affairs at Beijing’s Tsinghua University. Ranked first in Asia, Tsinghua is a known center for China’s political, business, and technological leadership.

"As a Schwarzman Scholar, I aim to deepen my understanding of China's role in the global order while building lasting connections with emerging leaders from around the world in Beijing. Additionally, I plan to explore innovative ways to integrate the indigenous knowledge of Mongolian nomadic societies with China's cutting-edge renewable energy technologies to combat climate change effectively," he said.

A photographer, social entrepreneur, and policy advocate dedicated to climate justice and educational equity based in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Bat-Orgil Bat-Erdene recently co-founded the New Nomad Institute to harness the enduring nomadic wisdom to combat climate change. As a storyteller, he passionately engages youth by simplifying complex topics at unnu.news, a local independent explanatory journalism platform. His previous leadership with Zorig Foundation and Global Shapers Community has driven civic engagement and social impact through a variety of projects and programs. 

"In the long term, I aspire to drive meaningful, multidisciplinary change by accelerating climate action, promoting equitable education, and advancing democracy-not just in Mongolia, but globally."

Established in 2013 by Blackstone Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO Stephen A. Schwarzman, the Schwarzman Scholars Program aims to prepare a widespread collective of leaders across the globe. The 2025-26 cohort includes scholars from 38 countries and 105 different universities, with Bat-Orgil Bat-Erdene joining a vast network of past fellows who will help shape the future of international collaboration.