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Learning to become a voice of the future - feature image, used as a supportive image and isn't important to understand article

“I jumped at the opportunity to attend an international forum, to see international diplomacy at work and understand how nations work together to tackle cross-border issues such as climate change.”

It’s not every day that you get the opportunity to lead a group of five young Australians to learn from world leaders.

Next week, National Youth Science Forum(NYSF) 2008 alumna, Holstein Wong, will be one of five Australian delegates at the APEC Voices of the Future youth summit, a forum for dialogue among young professionals and students from each economy held concurrently with the APEC CEO Summit, aiming to let young people know more about APEC and promote in-depth cultural exchanges among countries.

Holstein will lead the Australian youth delegation through talks and activities with delegates from other APEC member economies in Port Moresby from 12-18 November.

“I was invited to apply by the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. I completed the Bronze and Silver Awards during high school and completed my Gold Award in 2015,” she said.

“I jumped at the opportunity to attend an international forum, to see international diplomacy at work and understand how nations work together to tackle cross-border issues such as climate change.”

The Voices of the Future program brings together young people with potential to make a difference in society and expose them to the real-life deal-making process of world leaders, inspiring them to do the same with their own ideas. Over 7 days, delegates attend numerous events and collaborate with other youth, political leaders, and business magnates.

APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) is an inter-governmental forum for 21 Pacific Rim member economies that promotes economic growth, cooperation, trade and investment throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Established in 1989 in response to the growing interdependence of Asia-Pacific economies and the advent of regional trade blocs in other parts of the world, APEC is recognised as the oldest and highest-level multilateral bloc in the Asia-Pacific region and exerts a significant global influence. Operating on the basis of non-binding commitments, open dialogue and equal respect for the views of all participants, APEC is being hosted this year in PNG.

Learning to become a voice of the future - content image

Holstein is looking forward to the summit to experience how world issues are debated and how our region works to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in the face of climate change.

“I hope to make friends with like-minded young people who are active in their communities, and passionate about causes similar to me such as gender pay balance, sustainable development, women in STEM, shifting to a sustainable energy mix, being conscious of our energy consumption.”

“I'm really excited about visiting PNG and learning about different cultures.”

Holstein is currently based in Brisbane and has worked in the QLD resources industry for just over four years across a range of site-based and commercial roles. Her interests include advocating for workplace inclusion and diversity, sustainable development, and learning about different cultures through travel. Holstein graduated fromUNSW with First Class Honours and the University Medal in Materials Science and Engineering.

She has remained an active supporter of the NYSF since her participation in 2008, and gave the Closing Ceremony address at the NYSF 2018 Session B in Brisbane.