Curtin students use their Global Voices to tackle important issues abroad

Driven to make a positive difference, two Curtin University students will travel overseas to help tackle major issues, after winning prestigious Global Voices scholarships.

Oliver Price and Ayesha Ibrahim will travel to Switzerland and the US respectively, to attend major international summits on artificial intelligence and the status of women.

An Australian not-for-profit, Global Voices, provides the next generation of leaders with the opportunity to gain in-person, hands-on experience in policymaking, international relations and diplomacy at major international events.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne said as a truly global university, it’s fitting Curtin students should be on the international stage alongside world-renowned leaders in their fields.

“I congratulate Oliver and Ayesha for their commitment to addressing such important topics as ethical AI use and women’s rights,” Professor Hayne said.

“I have no doubt they will make significant contributions at their respective events and contribute to the ongoing conversations about these important subjects.”

A fourth year Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (International Relations) student, Mr Price was named a Global Voices AI for Good Global Summit Scholarship recipient and will attend the AI for Good Summit 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland in July.

He currently works in human rights law, aiding vulnerable culturally and linguistically diverse clients navigate the Australian immigration system.

“I aim to bring this humanitarian perspective to the development of AI policy,” he said.

“AI presents both opportunities and challenges and I am particularly excited to participate in discussions on AI’s influence on information and misinformation with global experts and stakeholders.

“Ultimately, I hope to use this opportunity to contribute to the responsible and ethical development of AI, ensuring these technologies benefit all.”

Currently studying a Master of International Relations and National Security, Ms Ibrahim will attend the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York in March, after winning a Global Voices Commission on the Status of Women Scholarship.

“The Commission on the Status of Women delegation’s agenda resonates deeply with me because it provides a platform to amplify the voices of women whose struggles are often overlooked in policy and legislation,” Ms Ibrahim said.

“Spiritual and religious abuse, including issues such as forced marriage, female genital mutilation and coercive control within faith-based communities, disproportionately affect women from minority and migrant backgrounds yet remain inadequately recognised or addressed in Australia.

“I am driven to bridge this gap and the Global Voices scholarship has provided me with a chance to deepen my expertise, apply my international experience locally and engage in meaningful advocacy that reflects the complexities of minority women’s experiences.”