This International Youth Day, we are reflecting on the 2026 theme: Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.
Across the world, young people share common aspirations for dignity, opportunity, participation and a sustainable future. Yet achieving these aspirations requires more than creating opportunities for young people to speak. It requires creating pathways for young people to influence decisions, priorities and systems.
This is why MYAN and the Australia Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC) are launching From Youth Voice to Influence, a national discussion paper and survey exploring meaningful influence, genuine partnership and shared decision-making.
We are inviting young people, practitioners, policymakers and sector leaders to contribute to this conversation.
Your insights will help inform future advocacy, policy advice and sector development across Australia’s youth sector.