A university student from Cronulla was chosen to represent Australia at the 2018 World Bank and IMF annual meetings in Bali, Indonesia.
Ben Munns, 21, was one of six youth delegates who represented the voice of Australian youth, in particular focusing on digital technology and innovation.
It was an opportunity for University of NSW students to get public policy experience at an international conference, with support from Global Voices.
The event bring together policy makers, central bankers, ministers of finance and development, private sector executives and academics to discuss issues of global concern.
A key issue discusses was global economic outlook, financial stability, poverty eradication, jobs and growth, economic development, and aid effectiveness.
“There is a noticeable under-representation of the youth's voice at such a high level meeting,” Mr Munns said.
“The consequences of the decisions made, will impact today's youth as we will be the ones burdened with finding solutions, so it was imperative we had a seat at the table for the discussion.”
As part of the delegation team of six, he met with Australia's executive directors, ministers.
He is also writing a paper on how the Australian government can support small and large businesses to digitally transform and utilise new technologies.
His paper ‘Commercialising Digital Innovation’ provides practical recommendations on how the government can drive digital transformation.
“This experience has inspired me to see the importance of youth involvement on the world stage, particularly in the debate on issues that our generation will ultimately have to face,” he said.
