The University of Newcastle, Australia

A University of Newcastle student will debate who owns war-torn Kashmir at the Asia Pacific Model United Nations Conference to be held in Brisbane next week.

The conference is a simulation of a real United Nations meeting attracting students from throughout the world who - in their roles as foreign diplomats or journalists - debate real-world topics in 16 committees.

India and Pakistan both lay claim to Kashmir and since 1947 have had three wars and numerous skirmishes.

Acting as the Pakistani Foreign Minister and arguing Pakistan's case at the Crisis Council will be University of Newcastle law student Nina Rossi.

Despite its role-playing basis, attending the conference is more than just play-acting to Ms Rossi.

"Attending the conference will provide an opportunity for me to understand the work of the United Nations and the reality of multi-lateral politics," Ms Rossi said.

"In addition to the Kashmir crisis, poverty, global hunger, climate change and terrorism will also be discussed and these are all important topics my generation will have to address."

The University is sponsoring seven University of Newcastle students to attend the conference.

University of Newcastle Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Global Relations), Professor Kevin McConkey, said the conference provided an outstanding forum where future leaders could develop their political expertise.

"Students will have the opportunity to hone their negotiating abilities and broaden their perspectives regarding issues likely to impact them and the world now and in the future," Professor McConkey said.

The Asia Pacific Model United Nations Conference will run from 12 - 17 July at The University of Queensland, Brisbane.