From Canberra to the G20: How the Master of International Law and Diplomacy empowered Zyarna Leefe to represent Australia on the global stage
For Zyarna Leefe, growing up in Canberra meant being surrounded by national and international decision-making. Her Māori and Cook Islander heritage, love for politics and passion for representing Indigenous perspectives within international spaces led her to the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific (CAP), a community that celebrates the intersection of culture, diplomacy, and global understanding.
This combination of interests and identity inspired Zyarna to pursue the ANU Master of International Law and Diplomacy, a program designed to bridge the worlds of law, politics, and practice, preparing students to make a real impact in global affairs
“The combination of law and diplomacy has given me a really well-rounded skill set. It aligns with my passion for contributing to Australia’s engagement on important policy issues, both here and abroad,” she says.
Zyarna’s studies came to life when she was selected as one of five Australian delegates to attend the G20 Youth Summit (Y20) in Johannesburg, South Africa, through the Global Voices program.
“It was an incredible experience to represent Australia at the G20 Youth Summit in Johannesburg and to collaborate with delegates from around the world on issues that matter to young people.”
At the Y20, Zyarna drew directly on what she learned at CAP. The program’s unique blend of theoretical insight and real-world practice prepared her to engage confidently in high-level international negotiations.
“The mix of theory and practical learning opportunities meant I could step into the Y20 discussions with a clear understanding of how international law and diplomacy actually work together and feel comfortable engaging with people from very different policy and cultural backgrounds,” she says.
During the Summit, Zyarna worked on meaningful youth engagement and concepts for a just future. This included developing a proposal that drew directly from her ANU studies and cultural background to advocate for institutions to include Indigenous peoples in global decision making.
“The final negotiation session was a standout moment for me. Seeing delegates from all over the world, with completely different perspectives, come together to agree on a set of shared recommendations was really powerful. It showed me how diplomacy can work in practice when people are willing to listen and find common ground.”
Throughout her Y20 journey, Zyarna was supported by the CAP community.
“The support from the College and my lecturers was amazing, especially from my supervisor, James Blackwell. He gave me great advice on connecting my academic research to the work I was doing at the Y20, and I really appreciated the encouragement from staff who understood how important opportunities like this are for students.”
Looking ahead, Zyarna hopes to continue championing Indigenous voices in international policy spaces.
“I would like to continue building my skills in policy, with a long-term goal of strengthening Indigenous participation and leadership in global decision making.”
Through her studies and work at the Y20 Summit, Zyarna embodies how the Master of International Law and Diplomacy empowers students not just to understand the world but to help shape it.
“If you are thinking about studying this degree, go for it. The program gives you both the knowledge and the confidence to take part in global conversations and actually make a difference. If you want to build a career that combines purpose with impact, this is a great place to start.”
The ANU College of Asia and the Pacific would like to congratulate Zyarna for her incredible work representing Australia and contributing to a more just and inclusive world.
Feeling inspired? Explore your study options at CAP and see how you can help shape global change.