In a joint initiative, Macquarie University, the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards and Australian Volunteers International have brought together young aspiring leaders from East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Australia for two days of learning, sharing and growth in the name of youth development.
The Youth Development Forum held at Macquarie University involves bringing together key youth groups to be inspired by high profile local and international experts in development and learn practical skills in human rights and advocacy.
“This is a chance for young people to network and skills share with likeminded young leaders from the Asia-Pacific region” says Gail Whiteford Pro Vice-Chancellor (Social Inclusion), Macquarie University.
A notable organisation to contribute to the Forum is The Voice Inc, a Papua New Guinean youth initiative. The Voice is a youth development organisation which encourages young people in Papua New Guinea to get involved in their communities through advocating on issues and implementing small projects. Four members of The Voice will join their Executive Director, Serena Sasingian at the forum to speak about their work with young leaders.
The forum will begin with a keynote address by Serena Sasingian, and be followed by a panel of distinguished speakers discussing youth and community development including, his Excellency Abel Guterres Timor Leste Ambassador, Dave Husy Director of International Projects Plan Australia, National Director of The Global Poverty Project Samah Hadid, Manager – International Projects at Australian Volunteers International Emma Hess and Macquarie University Vice Chancellor Bruce Dowton. The forum also includes workshops run by experts from the Diplomacy Training Program and The Voice.
“This is a one of a kind event, where the youth are leading the discussion and been given the agency to make real change,” says Whiteford.
From this forum Macquarie University hopes to increase understanding among participants of the challenges and strengths of young people in East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Australia. It also hopes to develop an on-going program to support youth development in the region.
The Youth Development Forum held at Macquarie University involves bringing together key youth groups to be inspired by high profile local and international experts in development and learn practical skills in human rights and advocacy.
“This is a chance for young people to network and skills share with likeminded young leaders from the Asia-Pacific region” says Gail Whiteford Pro Vice-Chancellor (Social Inclusion), Macquarie University.
A notable organisation to contribute to the Forum is The Voice Inc, a Papua New Guinean youth initiative. The Voice is a youth development organisation which encourages young people in Papua New Guinea to get involved in their communities through advocating on issues and implementing small projects. Four members of The Voice will join their Executive Director, Serena Sasingian at the forum to speak about their work with young leaders.
The forum will begin with a keynote address by Serena Sasingian, and be followed by a panel of distinguished speakers discussing youth and community development including, his Excellency Abel Guterres Timor Leste Ambassador, Dave Husy Director of International Projects Plan Australia, National Director of The Global Poverty Project Samah Hadid, Manager – International Projects at Australian Volunteers International Emma Hess and Macquarie University Vice Chancellor Bruce Dowton. The forum also includes workshops run by experts from the Diplomacy Training Program and The Voice.
“This is a one of a kind event, where the youth are leading the discussion and been given the agency to make real change,” says Whiteford.
From this forum Macquarie University hopes to increase understanding among participants of the challenges and strengths of young people in East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Australia. It also hopes to develop an on-going program to support youth development in the region.
