A Pinetree secondary school student is on her way to fulfilling her dream of being a diplomat as she takes part in a junior trade mission to Lima, Peru.
While diplomats around the world are handling increasingly challenging situations, Ananya Pampana wants to use her negotiation skills and communications skills to make the world a better place.
The 15-year-old says she is passionate about international relations and to that end she is participating in the Junior Team Canada Trade and Development Mission to Peru Feb.13-22. The program is organized by Global Vision and marks the 75th anniversary of Canadian-Peruvian trade relations.
Pampana, who is finishing up her homework, raising sponsorships and connecting with local businesses and other agencies in preparation for the 10-day trip, said she is excited to be on the upcoming mission.
“As a youth we have a stage, we have a place where we can go where we can put our ideas out there. It’s important that 15-year-olds like me participate in the action — this is what I want to do,” Pampana said.
On the trip, she will be promoting student exchanges, meeting with education officials and identifying trade opportunities for Canadian companies and organizations in agriculture, education, finance, clean technology and mining.
Pampana has already made connections with local businesses that might be interested in trade with Peru when she spoke at the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce gala last month. She’s also not a stranger to international relations, having recently attended the Y20 summit in Argentina, as well as the model G20 conference in Boston.
The student who also does fencing and is a classical Indian singer in her spare time is active in the Tri-Cities as vice president of the Tri-Cities Rotary International Interact Club. She also attends model United Nations events in the Lower Mainland.
“I want to be a diplomat one day, this is exactly the path I want to follow,” Pampana said.
She is still raising funds for her trip and is looking for sponsorships. To connect, email [email protected]. Her instagram is ananyapampana and her Twitter is @AnanyaPampana
