Investing in our region’s emerging leaders

Today, I am pleased to launch the Australia Awards Leadership Conference, which brings together 130 of the most outstanding Australia Awards scholars from 47 developing countries.

The achievements of these future leaders deserve to be celebrated. The scholars I met today are developing skills in key industries such as trade, agriculture and mining through their engagement with the Australia Awards program.

The Australian Government will continue to invest in the Australia Awards, a $350 million investment to develop the next generation of leaders in our region. In 2014/15 the global Australia Awards program budget increased by $31.7 million (this is an increase of around 29.5 per cent), that will ensure we offer around 4,500 scholarships.

Leaders make a significant difference to the pace of economic development and Australia Awards Leadership Program participants are chosen because they demonstrate potential to influence social and economic reform.

These scholars will receive a first-class education at an Australian university and develop leadership capabilities in their chosen profession that empower them to effect positive change and economic growth within their communities.

The majority of Australia Award recipients are from Indo-Pacific countries and around half are women. These awards build people-to-people links and institutional connections with Australia, promoting greater cooperation and regional security.