Two exceptional students from Charles Darwin University have been accepted to attend the upcoming Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) university meeting to be held in New Orleans.
CDU’s Maria Kambouris and Kevin Kadirgamar will join hundreds of students, university officials, and global leaders in New Orleans at the forum which will be hosted by former US President, Bill Clinton.
The inaugural meeting of CGI at Tulane University, to be held on 14 – 16 March, will focus on CGI’s four main areas: energy and climate change, global health, human rights and peace, and poverty alleviation.
Maria and Kevin will represent CDU with the Territory University one of only three universities Australia wide being represented. Their input and expertise in the area of global health will be considered critical to the forum.
Graduating Bachelor of Social Work student, Maria Kambouris said that she and Kevin couldn’t wait to get to New Orleans and voice their opinions along with others committed to making a difference.
“The Northern Territory is a multicultural melting pot and it is important to assist each individual in ways which are culturally appropriate,” she said.
“I work towards promoting knowledge, social justice and human rights. The CGI will enable me to further pursue this."
Second year Business/Law student, Kevin Kadirgamar said he hoped his background in legal studies would allow him to contribute to the dialogue.
“Most matters of global importance are underpinned by issues of legality which ultimately is the vehicle to positive change,” he said.
“One of the aims of this initiative is to engage and empower the young people of today and it will be a great experience to meet and network with people who have similar passions and goals.”
On their return, Maria and Kevin will put ideas and skills learnt from the conference into action by undertaking a practical project to counter the issue of health illiteracy in Darwin.
The Talloires Network, a network of higher education institutions from across the globe committed to civic engagement and social responsibility, will fund Maria and Kevin’s travel to New Orleans.
CDU Community Engagement Coordinator, Linda Cuttriss said that CDU was a proud member of the Talloires Network.
“The Talloires Network is providing an amazing opportunity for our CDU students to engage with students from around the world in transforming ideas into actions on important global issues,” she said.
CGI’s mission is to bring attention to the world’s most pressing issues.