UN General Assembly 6th Committee
13-17th October 2025 | New York, USA

What is the Sir Ninian Stephen’s Law Delegation?

Proudly Powered by the Menzies Leadership Foundation, the Sir Ninian Stephen Law Delegation honours the extraordinary legacy of Sir Ninian Stephen, one of Australia’s most distinguished legal minds. Sir Ninian Stephen was an Australian Judge, High Court Justice and the 20th Governor General of Australia. Originally studying at Melbourne Law School and quickly becoming one of Australia’s leading constitutional lawyers, Sir Ninian Stephen had a remarkable career - being appointed as a judge on the international tribunals investigating war crimes in Yugoslavia and Rwanda, in addition to serving as Australia’s Ambassador for the Environment and as special envoy of the UN Secretary General to resolve political conflicts in Bangladesh.

Following his passing in 2017, Sir Ninian left behind a powerful legacy, including a fund dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Australian leaders in international law. In 2025, Global Voices is proud to partner with the Menzies Foundation to launch the inaugural Sir Ninian Stephen Law Delegation in his honour. Through the Global Voices Policy Fellowship, young legal students and professionals will have the unique opportunity to attend and observe the United Nations General Assembly Sixth Committee, gaining firsthand experience in the international legal arena while continuing Sir Ninian’s commitment to justice on a global scale.

What is the United Nations General Assembly 6th Committee?

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) 6th Committee (Legal) is the primary forum where all 193 UN member states discuss and develop international law. As one of the six main committees of the UN General Assembly, it is responsible for legal questions related to international governance, peace and security, and state cooperation.

The Sixth Committee works closely with institutions like the International Law Commission (ILC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to create and refine legal frameworks that govern global interactions. Topics addressed by the committee include counterterrorism, international humanitarian law, treaty law, peacekeeping operations, and legal responsibilities of states. Every year, legal experts, diplomats, and government representatives gather at UN Headquarters in New York to deliberate on these critical matters, shaping the future of international legal policies.

For Global Voices Fellows, attending the UNGA Sixth Committee provides a unique opportunity to engage directly with international legal discussions and diplomacy at the highest level. Fellows will witness live negotiations on pressing global legal issues, gaining firsthand insights into the complexities of international law. They will also participate in high-level briefings, side events, and private meetings with legal experts, diplomats, and policymakers. Through this experience, Fellows will enhance their understanding of global governance, expand their professional networks, and develop valuable skills in policy analysis and legal diplomacy.

By attending the Sixth Committee, Global Voices Fellows will deepen their expertise in international law and position themselves as future leaders in legal and policy fields, equipped with the knowledge and connections to contribute meaningfully to international affairs.

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 23-25th June 2025
Be available and able to travel for the full duration of the international delegation you are applying for
Be able to travel to the country of the 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 which is valid for at least 6-months after the end of your delegation
Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
Have not taken part in the Global Voices Fellowship Program before
You are a current/graduate student of law AND/OR have experience in the law/legal profession.

We are looking for delegates that have:

Personal and/or professional interest in the delegation’s purpose and issues
Potential to gain professionally and personally from the Fellowship Program
Intention to use this unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their communities
A desire to upskill in policy writing to create meaningful change.

There are 2 Fellowship streams you can apply for:

Menzies Leadership Foundation

If you are aged 18–30 (and meet all other eligibility requirements) with a passion for leadership and driving positive change, you can apply for UNGA 6th Committee through the Menzies Leadership Foundation stream.

Menzies Leadership Foundation aspires to raise the profile and importance of outstanding leadership by encouraging Australians to reflect on leadership, build their leadership capability and act for the greater good.

The Foundation supports leadership platforms which facilitate the exploration, deepen understanding, and codification of approaches to leadership. Their efforts to examine various dimensions of leadership from diverse perspectives reinforce the Foundation’s commitment to identifying the essential leadership qualities and attributes required for effective leadership in both the Australian and global contexts. This important work supports our leadership movement as we share these insights with the Australian and Global community; contributing to the leadership discourse.

Curtin University

If you are a current Curtin University student (and meet all other eligibility requirements), you can apply for UNGA 6th Committee through the Curtin University stream. This pathway connects students to global opportunities for growth, collaboration, and advocacy. Curtin University seeks applicants who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, a commitment to international affairs, and strong communication skills.

Curtin University has a history of its students excelling in the Global Voices program. In 2025, two Curtin students were awarded Global Voices scholarships to attend major international summits, reflecting the university's dedication to nurturing globally minded leaders. By supporting students to attend the UNGA Sixth Committee, Curtin University aims to equip them with firsthand experience in international legal discussions, enhancing their understanding and ability to contribute to global policy-making processes.