International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Youth Forum Scholarship

This scholarship provides an opportunity for communications, engineering and other relevant university students to attend a Youth Forum in Switzerland in October 2009.

Airfares, accommodation and daily costs will be paid for, and students will have the chance to participate in an international forum run by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Background

The ITU is the United Nations agency for information and communications technology issues and an advisory committee for governments and the private sector in developing networks and services. Annually, the ITU runs several exhibitions and workshops, including a Youth Forum, which will be held in Geneva, Switzerland from the 5 to 9 of October 2009. The forum draws on talented, young adults from around the world, and Australia will be sending two adolescents (one male, one female) to represent the country.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to all Australian citizens aged between 18 and 23 with a minimum of two completed years of study at a university or higher technical institution by 30 June 2009. The ITU seeks to assemble a forum of individuals with a variety of skills and interests and thus encourages all eligible adolescents to apply.

Application

Students interested in applying to participate at the Youth Forum are required to write a short essay (250-500 words) that responds to the following question:

“What is the biggest problem facing people in your community and how would you use information communication technologies to solve it?”

The essay should be typed and applicants should retain an electronic copy.

Applicants must also complete a nomination form which includes a statement of recommendation from their university.

Download Selection Procedure (Word document)

Download Nomination Form (Word document)

Hardcopy application submission should be to made to:

Associate Professor Rachel Cardell-Oliver
Associate Dean (Research)
Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics (M002)
35 Stirling Highway
CRAWLEY  WA  6009
Ph: 6488 2231
Fax: 6488 1089
associatedean.research@ecm.uwa.edu.au

The internal deadline for hard-copy submissions is 25 March 2009.

Electronic submissions should also be forwarded by email to itu@dbcde.gov.au to ensure that essays are received promptly. Applicants should clearly state their name, age, home university and degree.

Closing date

25 March 2009 - hardcopy applications to UWA

27 March 2009 - electronic copy of application to Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy

Notification

In June 2009, candidates will be selected and shortly thereafter, successful applicants will be contacted. 

Further Information 

ITU website - Youth Forum information 

For further queries about the event, please contact:
Raoul Raward
Policy Officer
International Branch
Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Ph: (02) 6271 7099
itu@dbcde.gov.au