A QUT Business School student has just returned from Lima, Peru, where she attended the World Bank and IMF annual meetings and was impressed to discover more about the role Australia plays in representing its region.
"Australia is a very strong representative for our smaller neighbours; ensuring places like Vanuatu, Tonga and other countries in the region have a voice that's heard," said 21-year-old Bronte Greer who is studying international business and hopes to one day work for the World Bank or IMF.
"I don't think many people realise just what Australia's role is when it comes to meetings of important international organisations like the World Bank and IMF. It was quite an eye-opener for me."
Sponsored by the QUT Business School, Bronte was selected in the Global Voices Australian Youth Delegation to attend the World Bank and IMF annual meetings from 4-11 October.
She and other Australian delegates attended a briefing in Canberra prior to their departure and met with political leaders including Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.
In Peru, Bronte and other delegates had meetings and discussions with APEC, OECD, IMF and World Bank dignitaries. A major highlight for her was meeting World Bank Group Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer Bertrand Badré.
"One of the most rewarding experiences on a personal level was our meeting with Ngaire Woods, Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. She was incredibly inspiring and had us all buzzing. Her questions really made us think," said Bronte.
Global Voices is a non-profit organisation providing opportunities for young people to engage with international policy through attendance at diplomatic events abroad.
The Global Voices mission is to provide opportunities for young Australians to engage with international policy at home and abroad.
Media contact:
Amanda Weaver, QUT Media, 07 3138 9449, amanda.weaver@qut.edu.au
After hours: Rose Trapnell, 0407 585 901, media@qut.edu.au
