At the heart of the Menzies Foundation’s mission lies a steadfast commitment to shaping a new generation of leaders who will drive positive change, strengthen communities, and make a lasting impact on Australian society and the world. By empowering young Australians with the tools, experiences, and networks they need to become effective leaders, the Foundation is laying the groundwork for a brighter, more sustainable future.
This vision was vividly brought to life through the participation of our 2024 Menzies Foundation Global Voices Fellows, Elina Forsyth and Nicholas Drew, at the recently concluded Y20 Summit in Rio De Janeiro.
The Menzies Foundation is delighted to share the participation of these exceptional young leaders at the Y20 Summit, an event hosted by Brazil that brought together youth delegates from G20 countries to discuss critical global issues and develop policy recommendations that will help shape the future of our world.
As part of their Global Voices journey, Elina and Nicholas attended the rigorous pre-departure briefing and skills-building session in Canberra in May before joining other youth delegates in Rio De Janeiro. The Y20 Summit provided a unique platform for these young leaders to engage directly with policymakers and present their perspectives on issues such as sustainable development, economic inclusion, and global governance.
“Attending the Y20 Summit has been an incredible opportunity to collaborate with young leaders from around the world. The discussions were intense and inspiring, and I am eager to bring these global perspectives back to Australia, where we can begin implementing solutions that drive positive change in our communities.” reflected Elina Forsyth.
Nicholas Drew also shared his insights, saying, “The Y20 Summit emphasised the importance of youth voices in shaping global policy. The connections I’ve made and the ideas we’ve exchanged will be invaluable as we work to strengthen our communities and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future.”
This experience is just the beginning for Elina and Nicholas.
As part of their fellowship, they will now embark on an extensive policy fellowship where they will develop key recommendations for domestic implementation. These recommendations will address some of the most pressing issues facing Australian society and the world. Stay tuned!
For more information on the Menzies Foundation Global Voices Fellows and their ongoing work, please visit our Emerging Leaders platform.
