The Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network (MYAN) has taken a ground breaking step in shaping the future of youth policy advocacy with the official launch of the National Policy Alliance (NPA). Held on February 27 to 28, 2025, in Melbourne, Victoria, the two-day event brought together stakeholders, policymakers, and young leaders to address key migration and settlement issues affecting multicultural youth across Australia. 

A Vision for Change 

“Young multicultural people have a huge impact on society.” – Andrew Kiley, First Assistant Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs

The NPA, spearheaded by MYAN, is designed to drive national conversations on policies impacting young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. With a strong focus on collaboration and action, the launch event set the stage for meaningful change by: 

• Celebrating the establishment of the NPA as a unified voice for youth advocacy. 
• Sparking discussions on pressing policy challenges and opportunities. 
• Strengthening connections among staff, volunteers, stakeholders, and partners. 
• Empowering young people to engage in policymaking and advocacy. 

A Dynamic Two-Day Program 

“Today we ask you to dream about what is possible.” – Carmel Guerra, CEO of Centre for Multicultural Youth

Day 1: Setting the Foundation 

Against the elegant backdrop of The Savoy Hotel, the first day focused on building relationships and preparing for the conversations ahead. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as participants from MYAN’s Youth Advisory Group, Project Support Officers and Governance Groups engaged in: 

• Team-building activities and event briefings 
• A refresher workshop on the National Youth Settlement Framework (NYSF) 
• Strategic planning sessions for the governance group 
• A compelling storytelling workshop for MYAN’s Youth Advisory Group 
• An evening networking dinner, fostering collaboration and shared purpose 

After months of online meetings across states and territories, Day 1 was an opportunity to meet many familiar faces in person, connect and engage with like-minded people. With many hopping on flights to meet in Melbourne, it was the first time attending a MYAN event in person.

“The launch of the Alliance emphasises the strength of harnessing our collective expertise and streamlining our collaborative advocacy efforts across local, state, and national levels to drive meaningful change.

The voices and insights of young people are central to the work of the Alliance. Young people have an extraordinary ability to envision new solutions to old problems, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that challenge conventional thinking.” – Shannon White, National Policy & Advocacy Lead

Day 2: Launch and Policy Action 

The historic Hotel Windsor set the stage for the official launch, bringing together thought leaders and emerging changemakers. The day unfolded with powerful moments and insightful discussions: 

• A Welcome to Country by Uncle Shane Charles, honoring the land and its history.  

“Multicultural people and First Nations people have a lot in common, it is imperative that we work together.” – Uncle Shane Charles 

• Opening remarks by Carmel Guerra OAM, MYAN’s Chairperson, setting an inspiring tone. 
• The official launch of the NPA by Andrew Kiley, First Assistant Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, marking a milestone in youth policy advocacy. 
• World Café discussions, where participants tackled some of the most pressing issues affecting young people today, including:
  • Education pathways 
  • Employment and economic growth 
  • Youth settlement in regional and metropolitan areas 
  • Racism in schools 
  • Mental health and wellbeing 
  • Family violence 
  • Redefining youth leadership 

Lively round-table discussions led to innovative policy recommendations, with young voices at the forefront of the conversation. Plenary Sessions then provided a space to reflect, share insights, and chart the path forward, ensuring that ideas translated into tangible action. 

“When I spoke, people turned their heads, their eyes locked on, listening. My opinion was valued, cared for, and taken seriously.” – Konan, MYAN YAG member

Throughout the event, Rana Ebrahimi, MYAN National Manager, shared a compelling message that underscored the importance of this movement: 

“The launch of the NPA is more than a moment—it is a movement. With a clear roadmap and an engaged network of advocates, MYAN has set the foundation for a future where the voices of young people from diverse backgrounds shape national policy. As conversations turn into action, the impact of this initiative is only just beginning.”

Nayonika, MYAN YAG member, left the event with powerful closing remarks:

“Us young people are here to stay. While stumbling and figuring out this experience called life, young people are also doing it with the commitment to bring their communities and people together with them. Today has been a class act in demonstrating the milestone we can all achieve when yound people are given a space and the respect and dignity to voice their opinion – whether you like them or not.’

Photography by Ishani Buff.