Skip to content | Change text size
 

Student thinks big

21 May 2008

Thom Woodroofe and Dr Jane Goodall.

Thom Woodroofe with primatologist Dr Jane Goodall at the Global Youth Summit.

Monash undergraduate student Thom Woodroofe recently returned from a five-day trip to Florida where he took part in the Jane Goodall Global Youth Summit.

Mr Woodroofe was one of 100 young people (and one of only two Australians) from 28 countries brought together by British primatologist Dr Jane Goodall to discuss the critical issues facing the planet including poverty alleviation, environmental protections, wildlife preservation, water security and youth empowerment.

Dr Goodall is well known for her 45-year study of chimpanzee social and family interactions in Tanzania.

Currently studying a Bachelor of Arts (Global) and majoring in International Affairs, Politics and French, Mr Woodroofe was handpicked by Dr Goodall, the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) and partner organisations on the basis of his strong history of community service.

Over the course of the summit, participants worked with a panel of experts to identity key issues and ways to tackle the topics that concerned them. They left the summit with individual action plans.

Mr Woodroofe's action plan centred around an organisation called Left Right Think-Tank which he has been developing for several months.

Left Right aims to be Australia's first think-tank of young minds dedicated to the advancement of progressive ideas, discussion and policy. Mr Woodroofe will travel overseas during June and July this year to discuss the initiative with some of the major think-tanks of the world, ahead of a public launch in early 2009.

"Young people have always been a catalyst for phenomenal change within society," Mr Woodroofe said. "This summit allowed these passions and projects to transcend sovereign borders to take a more global, networked and resourceful approach to the major issues facing our generation."

Dr Goodall said the time she spent with summit participants was incredibly stimulating and moving.

"I know I speak for everyone involved when I say we left the summit energised, inspired and filled with a new hope for the future and new ideas for encouraging others to bring about a more peaceful world," Dr Goodall said.

For more information on Left Right email Thom at thom@leftright.org.au or visit the Left Right website.

For more information about Jane Goodall's Global Youth Summit, visit the summit website.