UniSQ Head Start student selected as Australia’s sole Global Youth Diplomacy Forum delegate

A University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) Head Start student will represent Australia on the global stage after being selected as the country’s only delegate to the Global Youth Diplomacy Forum in Paris.

Patrick Chopping, 16, was chosen from more than 600 applicants to attend the international forum this week, joining 400 young leaders from around the world for diplomatic discussions, Q&A panels with global leaders and diplomats, and networking with United Nations officials.

The forum will be held at the Palais du Luxembourg, the home of the French Senate, where the Cathedral College Rockhampton student hopes to contribute a youth perspective to discussions about international relations, global governance and conflict.

“I actually remember reading the acceptance email a couple of times just to make sure I wasn’t hallucinating,” Patrick said.

“It means an enormous amount. Australia has so many fantastic young leaders doing incredible things in their own communities, so to be chosen as the one to represent the country is genuinely humbling.”

Patrick, who is fast-tracking his future by combining high school with tertiary study through UniSQ’s Head Start program, has already developed a strong interest in international affairs through Model United Nations competitions and student leadership.

He said the forum represented an opportunity to build practical experience in international diplomacy while connecting with young leaders from around the world.

“I want to be part of a network of young leaders coordinating in this space to promote world peace and help minimise conflict,” Patrick said.

“I’m mostly excited to be part of real international dialogue and to speak up for people whose voices don’t always get heard in these rooms.”

Patrick said his experience at UniSQ, particularly his involvement in the University’s Student Senate, had played an important role in preparing him for the opportunity.

“Honestly, none of this would have been possible without UniSQ,” he said.

“The University has played a huge role in shaping who I am, particularly through my involvement with the Senate, which has developed me significantly as a leader.”

After the forum, Patrick hopes to bring his learnings back to UniSQ and encourage other young Australians, particularly those from regional areas, to pursue international opportunities.

“This opportunity isn't only about me – it’s a chance to show other young Australians that these international platforms are genuinely within reach if you put yourself forward,” he said.