Young Aussies to sail on Ship for World Youth

A delegation of young Australians will be representing the nation on board the Ship for World Youth on voyage from 10 January to 2 March 2006.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Children and Youth Affairs, the Hon Sussan Ley MP, today announced the Australian delegation consisting of one national leader and 11 participating members, selected from over 360 applications received from across the country.

“Ship for World Youth (SWY 18), now in its 18th year, is an international cultural exchange programme organised by the Japanese Government and brings together 250 young people from all over the world,” Ms Ley said.

“On board the ship, the young Australians will meet delegates from Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, Greece, India, Japan, Kenya, Mauritius, Morocco, Sweden, Tonga and the United Arab Emirates.

“The successful members were selected on their ability to be positive role models and their strong interest in gaining a broader understanding of international and cultural issues.

“The delegation will be excellent ambassadors of Australian youth, with representatives from all over the country, including members from Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and from rural Australia.

“SWY is an annual event with different nations participating each year, visiting various ports during the cruise. Countries to be visited in 2006 will include Japan, Singapore, India, Kenya and Mauritius.

“It is important for youth to have a voice, not just locally but on a global scale and next year is particularly special as it is the 2006 Australia-Japan Year of Exchange.

“The Ship for World Youth is the perfect opportunity to foster cultural understanding and tolerance between different nations,” Ms Ley said.

For more information on the Australian delegation to SWY 18,
visit Ship for World Youth website (www.thesource.gov.au/swy), email SWY (swy@thesource.gov.au) or
call 1800 624 309 (toll free).

Related information
The Ship for World Youth