By VANESSA VALENZUELA
TWO aspiring young leaders from Melbourne’s West have teamed up to tackle tough global issues at an international college conference early next year.
Amanda Vella, 20 and Merry Kim Hoang, 21, who are both studying Commerce and Law at Monash University will take part in the 2013 Harvard World Model United Nations (WorldMUN) forum.
The student-led event is expected to bring approximately 1,700 delegates from more than 65 counties to Melbourne and generate $8.6 million for the state economy.
Amanda said she decided to get involved in the annual event because she believes is a great opportunity to speak with other young adults from across the world.
The Ardeer resident has been working alongside her peers to help prepare the event for its launch in March.
“I love being behind the scenes and taking responsibility in the running of such an enormous and amazing event,” Amanda said.
“Working in teams to strategically present passionate views and proposals is one aspect of the job which I really enjoy.”
She said the event will address important international issues such as gender equality, primary education, maternal health and eradicating extreme poverty and hungry.
“They are important because as the leaders of tomorrow, these goals encourage us to communicate, cooperate and think critically about the world we inhabit as the global community moves towards a new era in development.”
Yarravile resident Merry Kim, who has also been involved in the planning process, attended the WorldMUN event in Singapore 2011 and Vancouver earlier this year.
She said the best thing about being involved in the forum is the chance to meet a different people from different countries.
“The bonds that are formed within the team are enough to counteract the pressures as we all juggle university studies and try to maintain our social lives while committing ourselves to deliver a conference like no other,” she said.
Merry Kim encourages any interested university students who want to meet like-minded people to register for the event next year.
For more information about the WorldMUN student conference visit www.melbourne2013.org.au
