AUT student to represent New Zealand youth at APEC
AUT student, Jordan Grey, has a desire to help shape what the world will look like; especially for young Maori. Jordan is one of only three New Zealanders going to the APEC Voices of the Future 2013 conference in Bali this week.
The Voices of the Future conference will provide Jordan with an opportunity to network with delegates from all over the world. They will participate in a debate on world issues centred on the theme of Towards Resilience and Growth: Reshaping Priorities for Global Economy. Jordan will also have a once in a life time opportunity to observe a global discussion with participants such as American President Barack Obama and Prime Minister John Key.
Selection for the conference was by private nomination from AUT Faculty Deans who only put forward their best and brightest. Jordan, a third year Māori Development student from Te Ara Poutama faculty was nominated by, Associate Professor Pare Keiha. Associate Professor Keiha views Jordan as a change leader in his local community, especially with young Maori.
AUT’s Vice Chancellor, Derek McCormack says “it is important that young people get the opportunity to see regional issues within a global context. Change at a local level begins with young leaders willing to be the instruments of change and Jordan is such a person.”
Jordan said that the questions from the AUT academic panel during the interview were tough.
“I think my background has helped me be a great fit for this trip. I have worked in youth development and I also bring a unique aspect to it, in that I understand the different ways Māori culture has shaped youth development too,” Jordan says.
“I can share that knowledge with other youth leaders.”
While at high school Jordan worked with at-risk students at a primary school and currently works for a programme aimed at getting at-risk youth physically active.
Jordan, is also doing his co-operative education placement, the final stage of his degree, with the Te Ara Poutama faculty here at AUT. In this role he has worked on a project bringing high school students on campus, hosting them and showing them the opportunities available to them if they decide to go into tertiary education.
For Jordan meeting other youth leaders from around the world is going to be a highlight of the six day experience.