By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
INTERNATIONAL relations conferences are usually the realm of Barack Obama or our own Kevin Rudd, but 21-year-old Amena Ziard can now also be added to the list of high-flying delegates.
The Monash University student from Narre Warren North was recently selected as a delegate to attend the upcoming Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR) Conference in Dubai.
Speaking just before she left our shores, Amena said the conference felt like something she was destined to do.
“I have always been interested in international relations and I have minored in international studies,” she said.
“I’ve also participated in delegations before but this is the first time I’m doing it overseas.”
Amena is one of 500 delegates picked from across the world that will take part in the five-day conference, for which the theme is ‘East Meets West: Sustainable Development in the 21st Century’.
The conference, held at the American University of Dubai, is divided into seven different panels, with Amena receiving her first preference – entrepreneurship.
Amena has received a contribution from the City of Casey for her delegation and can’t wait to start the conference, but originally thought she’d missed out after submitting her application.
“I wasn’t getting interviews or calls so I was expecting the worst,” she said.
“I sort of doubted if I was good enough, I was so relieved!”
With Amena’s honour roll of past achievements there is certainly no doubting her eligibility for the conference. She is an active member and treasurer of the Monash International Affairs Society (MIAS) and has participated in the Harvard World Model United Nations.
Amena said she has relished her role in the MIAS, especially training other students to prepare for delegation trips.
“It’s very rewarding, to help all these students who are new to university to take part in conferences,” she said.
“I helped give them a bit more experience.”
Casey councillor Rafal Kaplon said it was vital for the city’s young academic talents to be supported.
“I wish Amena all the best on her trip and I am confident she will represent Australia exceptionally well,” he said.
