2025 International Careers Speed Mentoring

At the UN Association of Australia (UNAA) Victoria - Future Leaders Network for Young Professionals, we aspire to highlight the importance and values of the United Nations and the work of the UN, as well as the SDGs to people in Victoria, particularly young professionals.

Our annual ‘International Careers Speed Mentoring’ is run this year in collaboration with the Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA) Victoria Young Professionals, and aims to inspire young professionals in Victoria towards an international career in the United Nations, UN agencies and related international organisations, private and not-for-profit sectors, as well as Government.

Speed mentoring is a dynamic format where breakout rooms are hosted by guest speakers. Groups of up to 10 attendees rotate through each room, spending 10 minutes with each guest speaker. This setup ensures participants gain diverse insights and personalised guidance within a short time, making the experience efficient and impactful.

This event will comprise exceptional guest speakers with expertise spanning international relations, global health, sustainability, and government leadership. Each speaker offers unique insights from their distinguished careers in the United Nations, global organisations and public service.

Event overview

Designed for students and young professionals, ‘International Careers Speed Mentoring’ will provide the inspiration and information for Young Professionals to take the next step towards a fulfilling and impactful career. Participants will acquire an understanding of the crucial professional requirements essential for forging a successful international career or excelling within the UN.

Event agenda

• 5:45 PM: Registration opens

• 6:00 PM – 6:20 PM: Welcome and opening speeches, followed by introductions of our 6 speakers

• 6:20 PM – 7:25 PM: Mentoring sessions in breakout groups

• 7:25 PM – 8:15 PM: Closing remarks and networking (light refreshments provided)

Mentors:

• Amanda Gorely, former Australian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Conference on Disarmament in Geneva

• Carlisle Richardson, former Ambassador of St. Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations, former Economic Affairs Officer of the United Nations, UNAA Victoria Board member

• Laiza Garcia, Human Rights Principal Consultant, ERM

• Lynette Phuong, Health Program Adviser, Disease Surveillance and Prevention, Indo-Pacific Centre for Health Security, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, UNAA Victoria Board member

• Stella Tan, Global Health Policy professional

• Associate Professor Susie Ho, Senior Academic Director, Monash University

Tickets: 50% discount for UNAA Victoria Future Leaders Network members. Join the network for only $30 per year. (Please choose the Young Professionals option)

About UNAAV FLN : The UNAA Future Leaders Network for Young Professionals Network Victoria is a collective of like-minded individuals from across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors, brought together by our common passion for the work of the United Nations. We’re run entirely by a team of young professional leaders committed to creating social impact by working as part of a group of values-driven students, early career professionals, and mid-career professionals across the Victorian region.Our mission is to connect, empower and build the skills of young professionals to achieve the United Nations Association of Australia’s mission of creating a safer, fairer and more sustainable world.

About AIIA: The AIIA Victoria Young Professionals (YP) is a dynamic platform within the AIIA that brings together tertiary students and young professionals (aged 18 to 35) from a variety of government and non-government industries to network and share ideas in a professional and social environment. Additionally, we act as a conduit for young people to gain access to experts in government, business, not-for-profits, and other international industry groups. The AIIA Victoria YP Network encourages young professionals to develop a greater awareness of past and present international events that are shaping Australia's position in the world.