Two Griffith University students are the only Queenslanders among 15 Australian delegates chosen to participate in the 2023 Global Voices Fellowship.
Griffith Law, Criminology and Criminal Justice student Jennifer Menzie will travel to New York to attend the 68thsession of the UN Commission on the Status of Women for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women.
Griffith Law and Environmental Science student Alexander Blackborough will travel to Dubai to attend the COP28 UN Climate Change Conference which is working to fast-track a global transition to clean energy and decarbonising the energy industry.
Both students will liaise with a range of prominent figures, including thought leaders and Australian government officials, on the development of their own policy papers containing key recommendations for domestic implementation.
Griffith Honours College and Student Success Manager Rhys Cooper said the fellowship aims to develop the next generation of leaders and provide hands-on experience in diplomacy, policymaking and international relations.
“Alexander and Jennifer are future leaders and wonderful ambassadors for Griffith University and its student body,” Mr Cooper said.
“Their success in attaining these opportunities to join two of the most important events on the world calendar speaks to their commitment and passion to create positive change in the world.
“The Griffith Honours College and the Vice President of Industry and External Engagement are proud to support these exceptional students to undertake such lifechanging experiences.”
Ms Menzie said the fellowship is an amazing first step toward her career goal and will allow her to network with individuals who share a passion for making a meaningful and positive global impact.
“I’ll be developing a policy proposal which aims to empower single mothers by providing the resources and support necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of their children and themselves after leaving an Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) relationship,” Ms Menzie said.
“I am deeply committed to advocating for an end to domestic violence, and I firmly believe it is inhumanethat manywomen are forced to choose between poverty and an abusive relationship.
“My career goals include working at the United Nations to promote international human rights, and working with the International Criminal Court to bring justice to those who perpetrate war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
Mr Blackborough aspires to a future career in human rights focused climate litigation and policy to ensure just solutions for marginalised groups.
“My goal during this fellowship is to produce a domestic policy briefing paper for the Australian Government outlining my proposal to establish a direct-communications channel between all Australian and Pacific South Sea Islander communities for knowledge sharing,” Mr Blackborough said.
“For me, attending COP28 in Dubai is an opportunity to connect with Australian policymakers who are working in this area, and I’m also looking forward to observing feedback from people in the Pacific Islands who are experiencing the immediacy of climate change.”