Q&A: Carmen Shaw
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Head Delegate
Food Security and Global Health
Carmen is pursuing a PhD in Biodefense with a specialization in International Security. Her research focuses on developing an adaptive governance framework for emerging biotechnology across the U.S. and allied partners.
Q: How did you hear about the Y20 Summit and what made you apply to be a delegate?
A former colleague of mine at the U.S. National Academy of Sciences informed me about the Y20 Summit. Upon further research, it seemed like a great opportunity to expand my network and learn from other bright, young minds from all over the world.
Q: What has been your proudest accomplishment as an American Delegate so far?
My proudest moment as an American Delegate has been meeting with other young delegates in the 'Food Security & Global Health' track to write our section of the Y20 2026 Communiqué report. To be able to hear about their stories and lived experiences in their respective countries has made my viewpoint on the world that much more connected, enriching, and inspiring.
Q: How do you want to leverage this opportunity to build your career?
I plan to leverage my role as the U.S. Head Delegate in the Y20 2026 Summit to sharpen my expertise in international policy negotiation, consensus building, and multilateral governance. Co-authoring and negotiating high-impact policy proposals and a report for G20 leaders, particularly surrounding global health, pandemic preparedness, and One Health frameworks, will directly inform my career trajectory as a global health security analyst and policy strategist.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you've met during your time as a Delegate for the Youth G20 Summit?
One of the most interesting people I've met during my time as a Y20 Delegate is my track colleague, Paulina Rosales, the Y20 Delegate representing Mexico. She's enriched our negotiations with her unique blend of grassroots advocacy and diplomatic experience - having previously represented Mexico at last year's Y20 Summit in South Africa. With a background in international relations, Paulina brings an incredible background in human rights and equity, and she is leading initiatives for women's access to sexual and reproductive health. Also, her experience as a worship leader shines through in her grounded, compassionate, and community-centric approach to leadership.
About the 2026 Y20 Summit 🌍
As the official youth engagement group of the G20, the Y20 Summit is the only formal channel through which youth voices are integrated into the G20's official agenda. With the United States holding the 2026 G20 Presidency, this year's highly anticipated Y20 Summit will take place in Washington, D.C., from August 10–14, 2026.
Experience Y20 Week! 🎉
Curious to learn more about the official Y20 communiqué and what happens after the negotiations wrap up? Join us for a full week of Y20 programming, culminating in our closing panel: Y20 Week: From Consensus to Action.
This panel event is a unique opportunity to gain key insights from foreign policy leaders, learn about the delegate experience, and network with fellow young professionals. Together, with high-level policy experts from BPIA and the Kettering Institute, United Nations Foundation, GSIS, and YPFP, we will reflect on the week's intense negotiations, unpack the youth consensus, and explore how to bridge the gap from the Y20 to actionable G20 policy.
Date & Time: Friday, August 14, 2026 | 6:00 PM — 8:00 PM EDT
Location: Peterson Institute, 1750 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC.
