25 March 2015: Former Australian Prime Minister the Hon. John Howard OM AC, Indonesian Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Mr Nadjib Riphat Kesoema and other high-profile speakers will discuss the topic of leadership at a University of Canberra conference starting TOMORROW.
The inaugural Future Leaders Congress, to be held at the Hyatt Hotel, brings together senior ministers, public sector officials, corporate directors and community and social entrepreneurs.
Twelve University of Canberra students will also participate in panel discussions at the beginning and end of the conference. The first group of six will discuss topics including what qualities future leaders need to meet the challenges of the 21st century, while the second group will respond to the outcomes and implications raised during the two-day event.
Director of the National Security Institute at the University of Canberra and conference organiser Peter Leahy said it was important to discuss the role that strong, effective leadership can play in securing and promoting Australia's future, while also providing guidance and advice to the next generation of leaders.
"It's also a great opportunity for University of Canberra students to hear from some of Australia's most iconic and prominent leaders who play an important role in helping shape and encourage the leaders of tomorrow," Professor Leahy said.
Jonathan Goerlach, who is studying a double degree in sports management/sport and exercise science, said he will reflect on his own personal experiences being an elite athlete with a disability, while balancing full-time study and work, when he participates in the opening panel discussion.
Mr Goerlach, whose goal is to represent Australia in paratriathlon in the Paralympic Games, hopes to use his degree and sporting achievements as a platform to create more awareness of the disability community.
"There are a lot of great people doing amazing things in the disability community, but they don't have a voice outside of that community," he said. "As an elite athlete, I have an opportunity to help give a voice to a community I feel very passionate about."
Rosemary Hobart-Karo, who is studying a Masters of International Development, said she was looking forward to making valuable connections with Australian leaders in politics, development and the corporate sector.
Prior to her studies, she worked as a monitoring and evaluation manager with an aid program for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Papua New Guinea.
"My passion is in making a difference in the lives of those that cannot reach opportunities, and in those that cannot see beyond the black hole they live in," she said.
"Attending this congress will not only extend my links to this country, but also provide me an eclectic perspective on leadership," she added.
Other topics to be discussed at the event include global leadership focusing on the Indo-pacific region, public sector leadership, community leadership, national security and how science can lead us into the future.
The conference will also hear from Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin AC, World Vision Australia CEO Tim Costello, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Kate Carnell AO, Secretary of the Department of Industry and Science Glenys Beauchamp, Chief Scientist Professor Ian Chubb and University of Canberra Chancellor Dr Tom Calma AO.
For a full list of speakers and to read the agenda visit here.
- Professor Leahy, Mr Goerlach and Ms Hobart-Karo are available for interview
- Media are also invited to attend the conference
WHAT: Future Leaders Congress
WHEN: Thursday 26 - Friday 27 March, 9am-5pm
WHERE: Hyatt Hotel, 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
Amanda Jones 6201 5422 / 0409 140 415
Marcus Butler 6201 2519 / 0438 447 810