.png)
.png){kind=small}
The Global Voices Fellowship supports young Australians (18-30)* to have an unparalleled opportunity with experience in policymaking and international diplomacy.
*All Global Voices Fellows must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or permanent humanitarian residents aged 18 - 30 years. All participants must have a valid passport (or the ability to acquire one at short notice) and be able to travel internationally without restriction.
What is included in a
Global Voices Fellowship?
GV is the only organisation in Australia to offer a Policy Fellowship Program that provides in-person and practical experience in policy-making and international relations.
2024 Global Voices Delegations
Global Voices runs two recruitment rounds each year:
February/March (Semester 1) and June/July (Semester 2)
Semester 1
Y20 Global Summit
Where: Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
When: August
The Y20 Summit is an annual gathering that brings together youth delegates from G20 countries to discuss and develop policy recommendations on global issues. It provides a platform for young people to engage with policymakers and contribute their perspectives to the broader G20 agenda.
AI for Good
Where: Geneva, Switzerland
When: May
The AI for Good Global Summit is the leading action-oriented United Nations platform promoting AI to advance health, climate, gender, inclusive prosperity, sustainable infrastructure, and other global development priorities.
Higher Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF)
Where: New York, USA
When: July
The Higher Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) Conference is a United Nations platform for reviewing progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It brings together governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to share experiences, discuss challenges, and identify solutions for advancing sustainable development globally.
Semester 2
Convention on the Status of Women
Where: New York, USA
When: March 2025
The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is a functional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) dedicated to promoting gender equality and women's empowerment worldwide. It convenes annually to evaluate progress, identify challenges, and develop policies to advance the rights and well-being of women and girls in areas such as education, employment, and political participation.
Biodiversity COP16
Where: Colombia
When: October
The Biodiversity COP, or Conference of the Parties, is a series of meetings held under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), where member countries come together to discuss and negotiate agreements on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. These meetings play a crucial role in shaping international efforts to protect and manage the world's biological resources.
Climate COP29
Where: Azerbaijan
When: November
The Climate COP, or Conference of the Parties, is an annual gathering under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), where countries negotiate and make decisions on global climate policy. It serves as a platform for discussing and implementing measures to address climate change, including emissions reduction targets, adaptation strategies, and financial support for developing nations.
International Monetary Fund / World Bank AGM
Where: Washington, USA
When: October
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Annual Meetings (AGM) are gatherings of finance ministers, central bank governors, and other key stakeholders from member countries to discuss global economic issues, development priorities, and financial policies.
FAQs
During the program:
During the program, you will also have the remarkable opportunity to attend private meetings with subject matter experts, esteemed academics, top-level Commonwealth Government departmental representatives, Members of the Australian Parliament and leaders of civil society and private organisations.
Fellows also receive ongoing mentoring, support and guidance from our experienced Executive Team and their dedicated Delegation Manager. Further, the Delegation Manager ensures that the Fellows’ health and safety is prioritised throughout the entire experience. Global Voices is committed to creating a space where all Fellows can enjoy, learn and engage with the Fellowship Program.
How many places are there in each delegation?
There are generally four to six places available on each delegation. The number of places and eligibility requirements are outlined on our application portal page.
Do I have to have experience in policy or international relations to apply?
No! We are looking for young people with a demonstrated interest in global issues, an ambitious spirit and the ability to communicate their ideas with the world effectively. That's it! We've had fellows studying engineering, design, law, science or not studying at all. If you've got a policy idea and an interest in international relations we want to hear from you.
How long do you go on delegation for?
GV attendance at international delegations is usually 5-7 days depending on the summit/conference.
I've hit submit, what's next?
After the application close date, our team will begin the assessment process. During this time, we carefully review each application, considering the content of policy proposals and the quality of policy recommendations provided.
Following the initial assessment, shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in an online interview with members of the Executive Team. Final selections will be made after these interviews are completed.
We aim to notify all applicants of their status within four weeks of the application close date. If you have not heard from us by that time, please feel free to reach out. We kindly request that applicants refrain from contacting us unless it has been over a month since the application deadline
Will I have any out-of-pocket expenses?
This fully funded scholarship includes all domestic and international flights, accommodation, breakfasts, visas, insurance, and registration fees. You will need to cover the cost of meals, some transfers and obtaining your passport if required.
What are the eligibility requirements?
To be eligible to apply, you must:
-
Be aged 18 - 30 for the full duration of the program
-
Be available for pre-departure training in Canberra (dates listed in the application form)
-
Be available and able to travel for the full duration of the international delegation you are applying for
-
Have the ability to commit at least 5 hours per week to the fellowship program
-
Currently hold or can obtain a passport well before your delegation's dates and will be valid for at least 6 months after the end of your delegation
-
Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
What do Global Voices do to ensure my safety while travelling?
Global Voices monitors travel warnings and security updates issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Our Board of Directors also considers the safety and security of the host city when confirming our upcoming schedule of delegations. We also ensure all Fellows are covered by appropriate insurance during all stages of the program.
I want to apply for multiple delegations, can I recycle some of my wording in the application?
It's important to tailor your response for each delegation when working on your personal statement, work/educational history and of course your policy proposal. However, it is fine to recycle some other components such as teamwork, conflict and commitment examples.
Learn more about how to apply
How to apply:
1
Ensure you have read the requirements of a Global Voices Fellowship, and confirm that you're eligible to apply (look at the Apply Now page).
2
It is suggested you research and prepare your 500-word policy proposal and responses to the application questions in advance. If successful, your proposal will become the basis of your final policy paper and help to familiarise you with the core themes of your international summit.
Review the 2024 Policy Prompts relevant to the fellowship you are applying for to write your policy proposal.
3
Complete the application form by the closing date.
The Application Form includes:
-
A Personal Statement - up to 500 words
-
Your Policy Proposal - up to 500 words
-
A Description of Your Work and Education History
-
Short answer questions on how you manage teamwork, conflict, and time
"My Global Voices experience was nothing short of transformative. As someone with an interest in climate change but not much previous exposure to the policy/international diplomacy space, I gained an immense amount from this program."
Faith Woon, 2023 Climate COP
"The mechanisms for the decisions that affect our lives usually seem elusive. The Global Voices Scholarship program provides a launchpad for young Australians to uncover these mechanisms."
Julian Garratt, 2023 IMF/WB
"As a public school student from regional Australia, the chance to meet with individuals who are at the top of their field was an amazing opportunity and a great honour."
Callum Noone, 2023 Climate COP