A quartet of Curtin University students driven by their passion to make a positive difference in the areas of sustainability, environmentalism, homelessness and human rights have been named semester two 2023 Global Voices Scholars.
They are among fifteen inspiring young Australians who will undertake the policy fellowship, which will include attending the Global Voices National Conference in Canberra in October, followed by a multilateral forum related to their fields of endeavour.
The Curtin recipients are Master of Environment and Climate Emergency student Callum Noone, Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource Management and International Business) student Emily Letch-Avenell, Bachelor of Arts (Korean Studies and Public Relations) student Caitlin Beattie and Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce (Economic and International Relations) student Ryan Kirby.
Mr Noone and Ms Letch-Avenell will attend the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP28) delegation, Ms Beattie will participate in the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67) delegation and Mr Kirby will join the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank delegation.
The students will liaise with Australian government officials and public servants, senior academics, thought leaders, politicians and senior diplomats to develop a policy paper with key recommendations for addressing their chosen issue at a domestic level.
Curtin’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne said she was impressed by each student’s desire to learn about the critical issues shaping our shared futures in order to make a positive change.
“I congratulate these four students and am truly excited to see them collectively embracing such a broad range of topics including climate change, gender equality, poverty and the global economy,” Professor Hayne said.
“Their incredible leadership qualities and innovative proposals for policy change are what have earned them the rare opportunity of embarking on the Global Voices journey.”
Mr Noone said growing up in country WA had given him an immense appreciation for the natural environment and an understanding of the importance of strengthening the resilience of rural and regional communities.
“I intend to integrate my passion for environmental issues in WA with positive policy outcomes for the State,” Mr Noone said.
Ms Letch-Avenell said she looks forward to connecting with like-minded changemakers through the program.
“I am excited to collaborate with a diverse network of people who share my passion for meaningful change towards a sustainable and resilient future,” Ms Letch-Avenell said.
Ms Beattie said she aimed to reduce the growing number of elderly women facing homelessness in Australia, through her involvement in the Global Voices program.
“My goal is to educate people on this issue and have measures put in place to not only support this overlooked group but also give these women dignity in their retirement years,” Ms Beattie said.
Mr Kirby said as a student of both economics and international relations, he was excited at the opportunity to take his learning of both disciplines outside of the classroom and into a real-world context.
“I look forward to learning from a range of global perspectives and promoting ideas to help solve the problems of tomorrow, whether it be climate change or the advocacy of human rights,” Mr Kirby said.
For more information about Global Voices Scholarships visit here.
