A University centre based in Noosa has again played a key role in managing the annual US Embassy Student Leadership Program.
The US Embassy Student Leadership Program ’Looking to 2040 – Developing Next-Generation Leaders and Policy Thinkers of the U.S.- Australia Partnership in the Indo-Pacific Region’, recently culminated in a Capstone event in Canberra.
The Program was funded by the US Embassy, managed by the Centre for International Development, Social Entrepreneurship and Leadership (CIDSEL) of the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), and comprised twenty-five Australian university students from across the country, including USC representatives.
With the combination of mentors, motivational speakers, and targeted sessions, students have developed leadership and diplomatic skills and more greatly understand the importance of the Australian and American alliance role in regional and global governance.
US consulate general Sydney, Head of Public Affairs, Donald Maynard said this alliance was more important than ever.
“Australia and the US will need to work together to grow our economies out of this pandemic and help our Indo-Pacific neighbours to do the same,“ he said.
Participants had the opportunity to meet in-person, network with key experts in the Alliance and the Indo-Pacific Region, participate in discussion panels and workshops, attend site visits around the Australian Capital Territory, and receive information on several graduate opportunities at Fulbright and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
One of the highlights of the program was to attend a roundtable and cocktail at the US Ambassador’s Residence in the US Embassy, where the participants had the unique chance to mingle with delegates of the US Mission in Australia, converse about important matters related to the Alliance and enjoy a great time with their peers.
During these five days in Canberra, the young leaders applied the knowledge and skills they had gained during the online component and were able to discuss and debate in person.
They also participated in a final competition, which had everyone thinking critically and creatively about the current and future scene in the Indo-Pacific Region and the US-Australia Alliance.
This program initially was supposed to run on USC’s grounds in Noosa and the Sunshine Coast, however, due to the pandemic it was completed online.
More than 45 participants from varying undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from around Australia had the opportunity to connect weekly through Zoom and receive important information relating to the US-Australia Alliance and our shared vision and values.
This empowered participants to understand Australia’s commitment to democratic principles and the strengthening of our ongoing U.S.-Australian collaboration on joint policy initiatives in the Indo-Pacific.
The importance of this program for the United States and Australia lies in the increased understanding of; young generational perspectives of Australia, pertinent issues to young Australians, and young Australian views on the nations’ future relationship that the program has afforded.
