Student takes on the world

21-year-old Southbank student Matthew Sinclair has recently been selected to travel to Geneva, Switzerland to take part in the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) Public Forum.

As a third-year commerce student at Melbourne University, Matthew said he had always been interested in public policy and international affairs.

He said the opportunity to engage with such a major economic institution such as the WTO would allow him to tie all of his passions together and help him make a difference.

“It’s very exciting, it’s a great opportunity to learn a lot about international affairs and trade and hopefully meet a lot of inspirational people,” he said.

“I look forward to learning about how other countries are using innovative techniques to respond to trade-related issues.”

Sponsored by not-for-profit organisation Global Voices, Matthew’s latest achievement is just one of many on what is already becoming a decorated resume.

On top of his studies, the 21-year-old is currently completing a research fellowship on multilateral trade, an internship with a city-based management and consultancy firm and recently just returned from a conference in Canberra hosted by Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

He joins five other young Australians who make up the WTO Australian Youth Delegation.

The World Trade Organisation is one of the three major international financial institutions, which was established with the purpose to reduce artificial trade barriers to all countries around the world.

This year’s youth conference focuses on trade in Africa and, while Matthew is first to acknowledge the well-documented shortcomings of the WTO, he said the institution was still vitally important to solving global issues.

“Organisations such as the WTO are incredibly important. They definitely have limitations and one of the key criticisms of the WTO at the moment is that the agreement of every single member nation is required for a resolution to be passed.”

“But it does show that we need global solutions to solve global problems, to make sure everyone understands the benefits of trade.”

Of course in amongst what is a busy schedule for such a young man, he said Southbank was a wonderful place to call home.

“I love living in Southbank, it’s just so convenient. It’s easy to get to work, it’s easy to get to university and it’s got a great vibe and culture. There are so many restaurants and cafes and things to see and do.