UWS students to represent Australia at global Summits

Two University of Western Sydney students are travelling overseas to represent Australia at two of the world's most significant global summits.

Edward Popa, 19, a UWS Bachelor of Business and Commerce / Bachelor of Laws student from Parramatta, will attend the biggest environmental summit of the decade, The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, in Brazil.

Edward Popa

Edward Popa (far right)with Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the Global Voices Rio+20 Australian Youth Delegation

 

Edward has received a fully sponsored package to attend the Summit in June  – known as the Rio+20 Summit – as one of only five Australian members of the Global Voices Rio+20 Australian Youth Delegation.

At the Summit, he will have the chance to be involved in key environmental discussions and be amongst over a hundred world leaders that are expected to attend. He is also completing a Research Fellowship with Global Voices as part of the experience.

Ruth Lo Surdo, 20, a UWS Bachelor of Economics and Laws student from Greenacre, is also receiving a fully sponsored package to attend the G20 Youth Summit in Washington, also in June.

Ruth Lo Surdo

Ruth Lo Surdo (far right) with Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the Global Voices G20 Australian Youth Delegation

 

As one of only five young Australians involved in the Global Voices G20 Australian Youth Delegation, she will have the opportunity to interact with youth delegates from other G20 countries, and will complete a Global Voices Research Fellowship as part of the experience.

Established in 2011, Global Voices seeks to promote an understanding of and participation in international diplomacy by young Australians. Involvement in their events and programs is highly competitive, with hundreds of young people applying to participate in each delegation.

Edward and Ruth are both members of the University of Western Sydney's Aspire Future Leaders Program.

Ends 

23 April 2012

Contact: Danielle Roddick, Senior Media Officer