Ambassador HE Simon Ernst

Welcome to the official account of the Australian Ambassador to Nepal HE Mr Simon Ernst. For visas, scholarships or grants, visit

[Ambassador HE Simon Ernst @AusAmbNP]

I enjoyed exploring the cultural city of Patan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and living centre of art, architecture and tradition. Special thanks to Anil Chitrakar for the insightful tour. Heritage tourism helps preserve culture while supporting local communities.

[Ambassador HE Simon Ernst @AusAmbNP]

https://t.co/FpCEJuQQdi

[Ambassador HE Simon Ernst @AusAmbNP]

Congratulations to journalist @AnupOjha7 & @AFP on receiving the @ADBInstitute Developing Asia Journalism Awards 2026 Honor for Outstanding Reporting on AI and Development.
The story highlights 🇦🇺-supported SAFE-RISCCS and the partnership with the people of Kimtang, Nuwakot.

[Ambassador HE Simon Ernst @AusAmbNP]

July 30 is the UN World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
🇦🇺is working closely with regional and global partners to share key information, identify and disrupt human trafficking, and protect and assist victims and survivors.
#EndHumanTrafficking
#TrappedBehindTheScam

[Ambassador HE Simon Ernst @AusAmbNP]

Happy Guru Purnima! 🙏
At Aasha Vidhyashram School, Ambassador's wife, Simone Murphy was deeply touched by the love and respect shown to teachers. A beautiful reminder that teachers help shape lives and inspire dreams.

सबै गुरुजनप्रति सम्मान र कृतज्ञता। गुरु पूर्णिमाको शुभकामना!

[Ambassador HE Simon Ernst @AusAmbNP]

100 km. Thousands of memories.

I joined the #KathmanduKora, showcasing Kathmandu’s incredible cycling routes and the power of an active cycling community.

🙏 Mr Raj Gyawali and the Kora Challenge team for making it happen. #OutdoorDiplomat

[Ambassador HE Simon Ernst @AusAmbNP]

श्रावण शंक्रान्तिको शुभकामना
Happy Shrawan Shakranti

[Ambassador HE Simon Ernst @AusAmbNP]

I met Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Ms Sunita Dangol, to discuss strengthening links between Australian and Nepali cities and promoting cultural exchange.

Thank you for the warm hospitality and productive discussions.

Photos: KMC

[Ambassador HE Simon Ernst @AusAmbNP]

A privilege to visit Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology and witness Nepali excellence in eye health.

🙏 Dr Sanduk Ruit, Dr Rita Gurung and the team for their inspiring work. proud of TIO’s global impact and 🇦🇺’s longstanding partnership.

[Ambassador HE Simon Ernst @AusAmbNP]

@naidocweek is Australia’s national celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year’s theme – 50 years deadly – honours the unyielding spirit of First Nations peoples and invites everyone to stand in solidarity.

[Ambassador HE Simon Ernst @AusAmbNP]

For Nepali @AustraliaAwards scholars, the lead-up to #NAIDOCWeek 🇦🇺 is a powerful learning journey.

Engaging with First Nations communities in Australia deepened the scholars’ understanding of Indigenous knowledge, culture and identity.

Read more: https://t.co/qStTdlO1Kk

[Ambassador HE Simon Ernst @AusAmbNP]

🌾🥣 Happy Asar 15!

Celebrating Dahi Chiura Khane Din — honouring tradition, hardworking farmers & rice planting!

[Ambassador HE Simon Ernst @AusAmbNP]

I had a productive discussion with BASE Nepal on dialogue platforms and provincial policy networks advancing inclusive governance in Lumbini.
In partnership with #SNGP, these engagements strengthen participatory, evidence-informed policymaking.
@Asia_Foundation

[Ambassador HE Simon Ernst @AusAmbNP]

During a recent public lecture, renowned geologist and @AustraliaAwards alum Prof Bishal Nath Upreti warned that a major earthquake is inevitable, and called for stronger infrastructure, early warning systems & public awareness to save lives.

[Ambassador HE Simon Ernst @AusAmbNP]

🙏 Prof. Wendy Wright on being nominated as @NTNCNepal's Board Member.

This new role will further advance our conservation partnership.

To date 100+ 🇦🇺 students learned from NTNC & 🇳🇵scholars have completed research under her supervision.

More: https://t.co/P7pfXfb78g

[Ambassador HE Simon Ernst @AusAmbNP]

Visited Lumbini, birthplace of Lord Buddha — a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of peace, compassion, and understanding in today’s world.
Thanks @Lumbinidtrust for insights on tourism and development under the Masterplan.

#Lumbini #Peace #Compassion

[Ambassador HE Simon Ernst @AusAmbNP]

Australian Volunteer Stuart Allardice has been welcomed in Birendranagar Municipality where he’ll be working with stakeholders across Surkhet and Karnali to co-create an inclusive tourism strategy.
@AusVols

[Ambassador HE Simon Ernst @AusAmbNP]

20+ @AustraliaAwards alumni returned to 🇳🇵 after studying in and joined a welcome‑home workshop.

They shared plans to use their skills to support Nepal’s development and strengthen🇳🇵🇦🇺 ties.

For more details https://t.co/EsIUocR1PJ

[Ambassador HE Simon Ernst @AusAmbNP]

Pleased to work with @icimod and partners through HI-GRID - supporting community-driven nature-based solutions for water security.

[ICIMOD @icimod]

Every monsoon, floods destroy springs and turn water sources murky. Every winter, they dry up.

For families in Madhesh Province, Nepal, especially women, this means walking for hours just to find safe drinking water. These periods also coincide with rice and wheat planting seasons, compounding daily hardship and increase health risks. The seasonal water insecurity is not a background statistic - it is a daily crisis.

Through the “Building capabilities for green, climate-resilient and inclusive development” (HI-GRID) project, supported by the Australian Government and implemented by ICIMOD in partnership with the local organisation Community Development and Advocacy Forum Nepal (CDAFN), site specific Nature-based Solutions are being implemented in Gajale Kholsi, a tributary of the Ratu watershed.

These measures, including gabion and bamboo check dams, locally adapted vegetation, and toe protection works, help trap sediment, regulate water flow, stabilise erosion prone riverbanks, and protect agricultural land.

Total investment: NPR 8 million with 31% contributed by local communities, Community Forest User Groups, and Mithila municipality.

@AusAmbNP

[Ambassador HE Simon Ernst @AusAmbNP]

40+ @AustraliaAwards alumni explored human‑centred problem solving at an Alumni Learn & Network Series workshop on Design Thinking💡

Read more: https://t.co/kkAg5b8043