The Winstanley College pair will be talking to Cabinet Office Minister Jim Murphy about a revolution in the way Public Services are planned and delivered across Europe.
It will take place in front of an audience of Ministers and senior officials responsible for eGovernment in EU member states, leading academics, CEOs and senior managers from European industry at the Transforming Public Services conference hosted jointly by the Cabinet Office and the European Commission.
Michaela, from Lowton near Wigan, and Andrew, from Aughton in West Lancashire, won't be overawed by the occasion.
Michaela is a member of the Youth Parliament, while Andrew was awarded the outstanding individual contribution title in last year's national debating competition, won by his team from Winstanley College.
The pair were selected to make their contribution to the debate after giving excellent presentations at the end of a study day on e-Government for 18 students from the North West organised by the University of Manchester as part of its contribution to the Conference.
Murphy said: "I'm really looking forward to hearing what these talented Wigan students think the future holds for eGovernment. I recently launched the government's strategy for transforming public services through IT and it is vital for us to engage the bright young minds of today who will help make the strategy a reality in the future.
"Addressing two thousand senior officials from across Europe is daunting even for a Minister so I have the greatest respect for Michaela and Andrew's poise and professionalism."
The conference, hosted jointly by the Cabinet Office and the European Commission, is taking place at a turning point when new targets to 2010 are being set.
It will demonstrate, with examples and evidence, the real benefits of eGovernment.
By the end of the conference there will be a Ministerial Declaration which could have implications for everyone living and working in Europe.
It will be held on Thursday 24 and Friday 25 November at the Manchester International Convention Centre.
Autor: Ian Morgan
Quelle: 24dash, 23.11.2005
