University of Queensland graduate Laura Carniel is off to the World Food Forum in Rome after being selected for the Global Voices Fellowship program.
The program aims to upskill and develop the next generation of Australian leaders to contribute to domestic and global decision-making.
Ms Carniel, a recent graduate of a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours), has always been passionate about agriculture, having grown up on a horticultural farm in the Lockyer Valley.
The young graduate is honoured be selected as a Global Voices Fellow, with the opportunity to share policy ideas with leaders and decision-makers.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to drive meaningful change,” Ms Carniel said.
“I’m excited to be a part of the agrifood systems transformation and I’m keen to help develop fit-for-purpose policy that supports our farmers and communities on their transformation journeys towards regenerating global soil, plant and human health.
“I’ll be advocating for the positive impact and action that farmers can deliver towards many of the United Nations Development Goals.
“We need to ensure that the spotlight remains on critical policy issues even after the summit concludes.”
As an UQ Future Leader and AgriFutures Horizon Scholar (2022-2023), Ms Carniel worked with industry-leading professionals to address global food system challenges and has engaged with a wide range of farmers, innovators and entrepreneurs.
Now, as a Global Voices Fellow, she has a unique platform to be heard on the international stage, contributing to the discourse on global issues.
The Global Voices Fellowship program has been actively preparing participants for the forum.
“We recently had the privilege of participating in a comprehensive pre-departure briefing with Global Voices in Canberra,” Ms Carniel said.
“Over three days, we engaged in meaningful discussions with diplomats, academics, consultants, industry leaders, government representatives, scientists, and media professionals.
“It was a truly energising experience to collaborate with fellow Global Voices fellows, all of whom are passionate young Australians committed to driving positive policy change across diverse sectors.
“I would encourage all UQ students to look into Global Voices opportunities which cover a wide range of meaningful fellowships focusing on climate change, sustainable development, global economic issues and more!”
More information can be found on the Global Voices website.
Media: Ms Laura Carniel, uqlcarn1@uq.edu.au; Faculty of Science Media, science.media@uq.edu.au, +61 438 162 687.
