CASS student takes on World's big issues

When nearly 1600 of the world’s brightest young leaders meet in Zurich next month, Australia will be represented by ANU student, Vanessa Picker.

The 20-year-old Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws student will participate in the One Young World Summit (OYWS) and debate a youth response to a range of issues including the environment, politics, and healthcare.

“The purpose of the OYWS is to connect and bring together youths from 192 countries to ensure that their concerns, opinions and solutions are heard,” Picker says.

“The conference will include intensive debate, learning experiences, and the opportunity to hear from influential global leaders.”

Picker graduated from Erindale College in 2008 and commenced her studies at ANU in 2010.  Her studies have helped maintain her passion for addressing world issues.  At the One Young World Summit she will participate in discussions over four days that will be led by Nobel Peace Laureates Kofi Annan, Muhammad Yunus and Desmond Tutu.

This Summit is not the first time Picker has participated in a global youth event. Last month she had her first taste of international politics at the International Youth Leadership Conference in Prague. The conference involved more than 100 young leaders from 30 different countries and issues involving nuclear energy, human rights, and international security were discussed.

The OYWS runs from 1 September to 4 September in Zurich, Switzerland and is the premier global forum for young people of leadership calibre.