Students tackle global issues at youth forum

Three University of Queensland students on exchange in Germany will join student leaders from across the globe at the G20 Youth Forum in Garmisch-Partenkirchen this week.

The forum is believed to be the largest international event organised for young leaders in 2015, with more than 500 students, academics, global business representatives and governments participating.

The three UQ students will participate in the G20 Youth Summit, Conference, and International Young Parliamentarians’ Debate, received funding from the UQ Advantage Office.

Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts student Amelia Bell will sit as an analyst at the round table discussions and will present a paper on domestic violence at the forum.

“Gender equality is an immensely important global issue and I believe that it’s essential that we continue to discuss it,” Miss Bell said.

“Women throughout this world continue to be deprived of basic human rights on a grotesque scale incredible to imagine in this day-and-age.

“If I can communicate the message to a variety of different countries at the G20 Youth Summit that violence against women will decrease as sexism does, then my journey to Garmisch-Partenkirchen will have been perfect.”

UQ Advantage Office Director Dr Dino Willox said UQ was committed to providing opportunities for students to study, volunteer and gain professional development overseas.

“In 2014 alone, we were proud to provide 435 UQ Advantage Grants to students to support participation in programs that will enhance their employability and extend them beyond the lecture theatre,” Dr Willox said.

“I encourage students to apply for a grant to assist with the costs of their involvement in activities such as conferences, internships, research or volunteering programs.”

UQ Advantage Grant applications for activities between June and September close on 15 May. Find out more at www.uq.edu.au/uqadvantage/advantage-grant.

Media: Brittany Macdougall, 07 3346 0655, b.macdougall@uq.edu.au, or Caroline Bird, 07 3365 1130 or c.bird1@uq.edu.au.