Caitlin Bell

Caitlin Bell served on the Steering Committee between 2012 – 2014 during her posting as Second Secretary (Political) to the Australian High Commission in New Delhi. In New Delhi, she was responsible for the High Commission’s analysis of India’s domestic politics and this has inspired a lifelong connection with and interest in India.

Caitlin joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as a graduate trainee in 2009. Since then she has held a diverse range of positions in foreign, trade and development policy, including managing Australia’s sponsorship program for the 2010 International Expo in Shanghai. Caitlin is currently a member of the Department’s Crisis Response Team and has been deployed throughout the Asia-Pacific region to provide consular and humanitarian assistance following international crisis events.

Caitlin has an honours degree in law and social science from Macquarie University and is currently completing her Masters of Law from the Australian National University. She is admitted to the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory as a Barrister and Solicitor.

Caitlin believes wholeheartedly in the power that young people have to transform society. She served as a member of the Board of the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme, volunteered as part of the leadership team for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards program in Sydney, and was a Camp Counsellor for the children’s charity, Camp Quality. As International Director for Crossland’s Rotaract Club she established a scholarship scheme for Timor-Leste’s youth to attend leadership activities in Sydney. However, Caitlin’s greatest achievement remains discovering an infallible cure for sea sickness during her first Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race (apples and vegemite – it never fails!).