Two Bermudian girls will soon attend a two-stop international conference with 325 students from countries around the globe.

Kristan Burch and Kimberly Caines will represent the Island at the Global Young Leaders Conference in Washington DC and New York from July 30 to August 10.

They have been described as having a "demonstrated leadership potential and scholastic merit'' by teachers who nominated them to attend the highly acclaimed conference.

Sixteen-year-old Kristan Burch of Ocean Lane, Pembroke said "I'm anxious. I want to meet new people and learn more.'' Kimberly Caines, also 16, of Long Range Hill, Devonshire said she'd like to see the United Nations in New York. "I want to study anthropology,'' she said.

Both girls described their deep desire to change the world by helping and caring.

The 12-day conference will feature welcoming remarks at the National Press Club in Washington D.C., a briefing at the US Department of State, an address at the United Nations and a site visit to a financial institution on New York's Wall Street.

"Global Young Leaders Conference challenges students from around the world to work as a team in order to address worldwide conflict and to provide resolution for many issues facing our international community today,'' said Michael Lasday, executive director of the Congressional Youth Leadership Council, the organisation that sponsors the GYLC.

The conference will culminate with a Global Summit when students will practice what they've learned throughout the conference.

Students will debate resolutions, negotiate and build coalitions dealing with issues such as foreign aid, global warming, cooperative efforts in space, terrorism, and human rights.

Both young women are accomplished students with merits ranging from a Silver Duke of Edinburgh award to President of the Bermuda High School Leo Club.

"An open mind toward other cultures.'' said Kimberly who is moving into her senior year at BHS. Kristan has graduated and plans to attend Bermuda College in the autumn.