Alexander Waworuntu is a graduate student at the Balsillie School of International Affairs, pursuing a Master of Arts in Global Governance. He is a recent graduate of Carleton University with a Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management with a concentration in International Relations and Conflict.

Completing his bachelor degree in the nation’s capital, Alexander explored a number of opportunities that strengthened his abilities in policy analysis and as a young professional in international relations. This includes multiple co-operative education positions throughout the federal government such as at Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Most notably, Alexander was a Junior Analyst at Global Affairs Canada’s Myanmar Development Program, supporting the implementation of development assistance to Myanmar impacted by the combined crises of the 2021 coup d’état and COVID-19. Alexander was also the president of the Carleton International Relations Society, a student-led organization dedicated to bringing IR career and networking opportunities to students through events such as embassy visits and panel discussions. Additionally, Alexander was the President of the Carleton University Kendo Club. He hopes to continue his study of the martial art during his graduate studies at the University of Waterloo.

In his graduate studies, Alexander hopes to deepen his understanding of the complexities of global challenges and how we can find sustainable solutions to them. He seeks to continue exploring his academic interests in human rights in Southeast Asia, conflict and security challenges in the Asia-Pacific, and global development issues. His work supporting human rights defenders in Myanmar has shown him the necessity for a strong and vibrant civil society in sustainable peacebuilding efforts, a topic he hopes to explore further through coursework and research.