Secondary school students from government and non-government schools right across Australia came together on 12 August 2024 for the inaugural National Youth Summit, hosted by Together For Humanity. This year's inaugural National Youth Summit builds on state-based youth summits that have been held successfully in NSW and Victoria over the past few years.
The theme for this year’s Summit was Growing Belonging in a Disconnected World and provided students the opportunity to express their ideas, hopes and initiatives on diversity, inclusion and community cohesion.
Attendees and speakers included Minister for Education, the Hon Jason Clare, Minister for Youth and Early Childhood Education, the Hon Dr Anne Aly, Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn AC, Senator for Victoria and Shadow Minister for Education, the Hon Sarah Henderson, Member for North Sydney and parliamentary sponsor of the Youth Summit, Kylea Tink MP, Educator and Founder of Somali Support in Perth, Luul Ibrahim, ABC Radio presenter Sirine Demachkie, and human rights campaigner, Thenu Herath.
Students participated in group discussions and activities and listened to guest speakers addressing this year’s Summit theme. After workshopping their ideas, each group presented their ideas to politicians and community leaders and had a chance to ask questions.
Together For Humanity programs are supported by the Australian Government Department of Education.
Volunteers at the event
Performance during the event
The Hon Dr Anne Aly, Minister for Youth and Early Childhood Education
The Hon Jason Clare, Minister for Education