A trio of Curtin University students will travel to some of the most important events on the international calendar to tackle issues such as world hunger, climate change and financial inequality, after being named semester two 2024 Global Voices Scholars.
An Australian not-for-profit, Global Voices provides the next generation of leaders the opportunity to gain in-person, hands-on experience in policymaking, international relations and diplomacy at major international summits.
The Global Voices scholarships will see Danai Jedrzejczyk, Jack Willis and Giovanna Bongiorno travel abroad later this month, having already spent several days attending a training event in Canberra.
Ms Jedrzejczyk will attend the World Food Forum in Rome, Italy, Mr Willisthe COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan and Ms Bongiorno the International Monetary Fund/World Bank Annual Summit in Washington DC.
Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne said the scholarships were an example of the outward-looking perspective that encourages students to engage beyond borders in their learning and experiences.
“Curtin is a truly global organisation, so it’s fitting our students would want to make their voices heard on issues affecting people around the world,” Professor Hayne said.
“I congratulate Danai, Jack and Giovanna for their commitment to addressing such important topics as world hunger, climate change and financial inequity.
“I have no doubt they will each have significant input at their respective events, broaden their understanding of the issues and enhance their leadership skills.”
The World Food Forum is a youth-led initiative organised by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), which brings together the next generation of students, farmers, scientists and entrepreneurs to discuss and enact change so everyone in the world has enough food.
A third-year International Relations student, Ms Jedrzejczyk said she hoped to learn more about food security issues, both global and local.
“Western Australia is a region that battles a harsh climate and isolation, which are threats to food security,” Ms Jedrzejczyk said.
“Through open discussion, I hope to learn from leaders and other attendees about the best ways to promote and encourage sustainable agricultural practises, while also gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by other countries and the relevant policy frameworks in place to support communities facing food insecurity.”
The annual COP event, or Conference of the Parties, is a gathering where countries negotiate and make decisions on global climate policy, including measures such as emissions reduction targets, adaptation strategies and financial support for developing nations.
Mr Willis said he hoped to develop practical strategies to support Australia’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
“As an engineering and physics student, I have gained a strong appreciation for the role diverse perspectives play in effective collaborative problem-solving,” Mr Willis said.
“By promoting scientific literacy, I hope to make climate change discussions more accessible, encouraging a broader range of viewpoints in the search for solutions.
“I hope to hear from experts in their fields and understand their approaches to addressing key issues to contribute meaningfully to future climate change discussions.”
The IMF/WB Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) brings finance leaders together to discuss issues of global concern, such as the world economic outlook, poverty eradication, economic development and aid effectiveness.
Studying Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) degrees, Ms Bongiorno will research and present a paper proposing legislative reforms to reduce wealth and income inequality in Australia.
“I am deeply intrigued by the intersection between law and finance and am particularly interested in how responsible financial stewardship can meaningfully impact people of every socio-economic standing across the globe,” Ms Bongiorno said.
“This experience will enable me to discuss my policy proposal with influential leaders in the political and financial sectors, both within Australia and internationally.”
