Curtin Students Embark on Global Quest for Change in Brazil and Switzerland
Two Curtin University students will embark on an international adventure to discover how Australia and other nations can lead global peacebuilding efforts and how AI can help ensure the sustainable development of society, after being named semester one 2024 Global Voices Fellows.
Bachelor of Advanced Science (Computing) Honours student Stefan Hofmann will attend the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, Switzerland while Bachelor of Arts (Security and Strategic Studies) student Robert Haca will participate in the Y20 Global Summit in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
The pair are among a group of ten talented young Australians set to gain invaluable experience in policymaking and international diplomacy through the Fellowship program. Prior to heading overseas, they will participate in a three-day briefing and skills-building session in Canberra.
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne said being selected for the Global Voices Fellowship program was an amazing opportunity for Mr Haca and Mr Hofmann to develop their understanding of policy as a powerful tool for positive change.
“I congratulate these two students who are on the cusp of a life-changing experience that will be of tremendous benefit to them individually and to the future of Australian leadership,” Professor Hayne said.
“I’m confident Mr Haca and Mr Hofmann will make the most of the experience, which will culminate in them writing a policy proposal that will offer fresh perspectives on domestic and global decision-making.”
Mr Hofmann said he was deeply interested in the parliamentary and policy writing processes of Australia and the Fellowship was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be immersed within the environment where major decisions are made.
“Attending the summit in Geneva will allow me to learn from a wide variety of experts in the field to find beneficial solutions for my future career in computing, my policy writing and the creation of thoughtful policy with the potential to push our nation forward,” Mr Hofmann said.
Mr Haca said the policymaking process was not only interesting to him personally but was also important in improving outcomes for people in conflict-stricken parts of the world.
“The knowledge I have gained during my time studying has contributed greatly to preparing me for the Y20 Youth Summit in Brazil, where I will present the perspectives of Australian youth on issues of major global significance,” Mr Haca said.