Putting Minchinbury on the map: Scott French will proudly represent western Sydney at the G20 Summit in Washington. Picture: Gary Warrick
A Minchinbury university student will get a once in a lifetime opportunity to mingle with world leaders in Washington next month.
Scott French, 19, is packing his bags for the G20 Summit, where he’ll voice his views on the economy in the hope to influence world policymakers such as Hilary Clinton.
Mr French was one of six chosen for the Global Voices G20 Australian youth delegation at the summit.
The delegation will meet meet and debate other delegations from G20 countries with the priorities set by Mexico, the host of the G20 Leader’s Summit.
Hundreds of young Australians applied for the full expenses paid delegation.
The youth delegates will spend a few days sightseeing in New York before the summit.
‘‘It’s the biggest opportunity of my life so far,’’ Mr French said.
‘‘The experience of dealing with and being part of the international community will bring relevance to my degree and hopefully open up doors for the future.’’
Mr French is in his third year of actuarial studies and economics at Macquarie University, where he is a member of the Global Leadership Program.
Delegates had to complete a Research Fellowship on an aspect related to their delegation and Australia’s involvement, which will be published later this month.
As head of finance on the delegation, Mr French wrote about microfinance and the important role has to reduce world poverty.
The delegates recently went to Canberra to attend briefing with stakeholders including politicians, government department representatives, academics and diplomatic corp members.
Mr French hasn’t ruled out a future in politics after meeting Prime Minister Julia Gillard, treasurer Wayne Swan and shadow treasurer Joe Hockey.
‘‘They’re a lot different to how they’re envisaged on television, which made me appreciate them as people.’’ he said.
‘‘Meeting them make me realise they’re regular people just like everyone else.’’
Mr French hopes his story will inspire local young people to reach their potential.