Young Australians aged 18-40 who are passionate about the dynamic and deepening relationship between Australia and the world’s largest democracy are invited to nominate to take part in the Australia India Youth Dialogue (AIYD).
Dr Bodean Hedwards, AIYD Co-Chair, said in a statement:
“At the heart of the AIYD is the unshakable belief that young people have to be at the table as our countries re-design the way we respond to the issues that affect Australia, India and the world and play a meaningful role in shaping one of the region’s most important bilateral
relationships.”
Over four days delegates will grapple with some of major issues shaping the bilateral relationship and wider world, including climate, AI, healthcare, and international security. They will also hear from and engage with a series of high-level guest speakers.
Dr Hedwards added:
“As the two countries grow ever close, leadership, knowledge and cultural exchanges such as the AIYD set a positive example to others. Simply, we are stronger together. I encourage people to apply for what is an exciting and truly life-changing experience.”
The conference has been held annually since 2012 in Australia and India in alternating years, with the aim of developing fresh avenues for collaboration and partnership, as well as forging strong connections between young Indians and Australians from all walks of life.
More than 300 people from across Australia have taken part, ranging from Olympians, Paralympians, entrepreneurs, academics, writers and journalists, to economists, social activists, emerging politicians, foreign policy specialists and even a Grammy Award-winning composer.
Australian delegates have included Test cricketer Nathan Bracken; political activists, three of whom are now Federal Ministers (Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts, Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells, and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh); Olympic gold medal winning swimmer Stephanie Rice, journalist Del Irani; award-winning entrepreneur Esha Oberoi; and CEO of High Earth Orbit Robotics, William Crowe.
Indian delegates have included Olympic swimmer Hakim Habibulla; member of parliament Hibi Eden; Muthoot Finance executive George Alexander; Grammy-award winner Ricky Kej; industrial company CEO Madhavkrishna Singhania; and journalists Mitali Mukherjee and Sunaina Kumar.
The annual AIYD conference will be held in New Delhi and Bengaluru in September. It will gather 30 emerging leaders from Australia and India – 15 from each country – with AIYD covering the cost of flights and accommodation.
The Dialogue is supported by partners including the Victorian Government, the University of
Sydney, Macquarie University, Monash University, Deakin University, and Bluescope Steel.
