Whose day includes a three-hour train ride between Washington D.C. and New York, an engagement with influential business leaders eager to invest in Australia, a media briefing to ensure that the Australian story is told in the best way, a meeting with members of the defence force, connecting with Year Five students at The King David School, a chicken sandwich—and a pat of Xing Xing?

Year Five students had the opportunity to meet online with Ambassador Kevin Rudd on 10 September as part of their Global Citizenship and Early Colonies Unit of Work. Ambassador Rudd responded thoughtfully to questions posed by a student panel—from Joseph Welch’s visionary inquiry, “Could you describe your vision of an ideal world?” to Mila Cooper’s question about The Ambassador’s legacy, “Can you tell us about one important change you made to create peace, sustainability or equality for Australians?”

During the session, Ambassador Rudd spoke about issues of both national and global importance, connecting his insights to the students’ own lives and relationships. He discussed climate change, the renewable energy initiatives introduced by his government, and his current role in developing practical solutions through the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. He highlighted poverty as one of his greatest concerns, reflected in his commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal Number One: No Poverty. Ambassador Rudd emphasised the value of building a peaceful world, sharing his belief in living with purpose—whether through helping others or responding to the call of community service.

During the Unit of Work, students had been particularly affected when learning about The National Apology to the Stolen Generations, a moment that continues to shape their understanding of what it means to be both Australian and global citizens. Ambassador Rudd explained the defining period in Australia’s History and the process of reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. He highlighted that restoring relationships begins with saying “sorry” and is sustained by treating others with respect and dignity into the future.