Opening Ceremony

Sunday 11 July, 5 - 7pm, Great Hall, The Quadrangle, The University of Sydney

Set in the stunning and timeless Great Hall of the University of Sydney, the opening ceremony is where delegates and directors officially start their AMUNC journey. The stained glass and sandstone architecture provide a wonderful stage to welcome international and domestic guests to Sydney, together with sponsors, speakers and special guests. A reception at the Holme Refectory will follow the Opening Ceremony where light canapes and drinks will be available.

Keynote Speakers

Anna Rose

Anna Rose is one of Australia's rising environmental leaders. As Co-Director of the AYCC (Australian Youth Climate Coalition), she has united diverse youth organisations mobilising young people in resolving climate issues.One of her most outstanding achievements has been launching a national Campus Clean Energy campaign across all 37 Australian universities. She has been the recipient of the Future Summit Leadership Award, presented by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

Anna was instrumental in building the US youth climate movement and has been working to establish a global youth climate coalition. She has addressed audiences on climate change around the world, including the G8 Civil Society Forum in Japan. In 2005 Anna was a youth representative to the United Nations Kyoto Protocol negotiations in Montreal and in 2007 was a youth delegate to the UN Secretary General's Meeting on Climate Change in New York. She also led a delegation of 25 young Australians to the Copenhagen negotiations last year. Anna is a Fellow of the International Youth Foundation.

In 2009 Anna received the Banksia Award, the Environment Minister’s Young Environmentalist of the Year award and the Sydney University Young Alumni Award. Anna is a published author.

Ian Biggs

Ian Biggs is an Assistant Secretary of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and (since 2008) Secretary of the International Commission on Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament.

His service in DFAT commenced in 1986 and has included positions as Head of Arms Control and Counter-Proliferation (2008) and Director in Executive Branch (2001-02). His most recent overseas assignment was as Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman and Yemen (2005- 08), with earlier postings in Cairo, Riyadh, Damascus, Beirut and Vienna, following archaeological fieldwork in Jordan (1981-85).

He was a Senior Analyst in the Office of National Assessments (1994- 96) and served as Special Assistant (chief of staff) to the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (2002-04).