Amy Coetzee is set to join participants from more than 100 countries at the conference, which gives young leaders a special opportunity to meet each other and explore global leadership issues.

The 17-year-old is now seeking sponsorship to raise the $5000 needed to get to the conference and help her achieve her dream of one day working for the United Nations.

Since 2005, Amy has been a member of the City of Melville-supported YAC, including serving time as secretary. The Melville YAC is a group of local young people, aged 14 to 23, who meet monthly to discuss youth issues, plan youth events and advocate local and State government on behalf of youth. “I am passionate about making sure youth have a voice in the community and are part of the consultation process,” she said.

Amy said she had always wanted to take a leading role to change the world for the better. “I was born and raised in South Africa and lived with the reality of poverty and the huge gap between the wealthy and the poor. “I felt helpless,” she said. “At a grassroots level, life-changing programs that work to help lift communities out of poverty are essential, but I’ve discovered that the long-term solution to create change is to work from the top where you can influence laws and policies.”

The Applecross Senior High School graduate was nominated for the Global Young Leaders Conference by a friend of her father’s who is a diplomat and was impressed by Amy’s passion, leadership qualities and academic achievements.

Her nomination was accepted to the conference, which gives aspiring young leaders, aged 16 to 18, a greater understanding of issues such as diplomacy, law, human rights, peace, security, economics and the role of the United Nations. Participants can also learn from and exchange ideas with some of the world's top business leaders, policy officials, lobbyists, journalists, diplomats and academics.

Amy said she was excited about meeting other young people who were passionate about the same things as her. “Some of the guest speakers are incredible and we get to meet representatives from President George W. Bush’s Office as well as from Congress in Washington D.C.,” she said. "Hopefully, I will be able to get some fresh ideas and inspiration from the speakers and other young participants, which I can bring back to improve the work of the Melville YAC.”

To help get over to the United States, Amy has applied for City of Melville Youth Cultural Grant and is also seeking sponsorship from businesses and individuals. Anyone who would like to help can phone Amy on 0422 485 635 or email amycoetzee@yahoo.com.au.