Media Release by The Hon Larry Anthony MP

Anthony welcomes Youth for the Future initiative

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony welcomed the Youth for the Future initiative launched today by the Prime Minister at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Coolum.

“Youth for the Future paves the way for young people to play an important role in strengthening links between Australia and other Commonwealth nations.

“Australia led the way in developing this initiative through the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, AusAID and former Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs.

The initiative comprises of:

  • Youth volunteering (emphasis on transferring new technologies and supporting new approaches for achieving sustainable development);
  • Youth mentoring (linking experienced executives and skilled youth volunteers with young entrepreneurs to transfer business planning and practical skills);
  • Youth leadership awards (scholarships offered to outstanding young Commonwealth citizens to prepare them for leadership); and
  • Youth enterprise (Commonwealth Youth Programme will progressively strengthen its focus on youth’s role in economic development, notably in youth enterprise, in small business and in community trade)

“I am looking forward to developing the youth enterprise part of the initiative. Australia will host an inaugural youth enterprise conference designed to help young people from Commonwealth developing countries to work on business strategies.

“There is no doubt that young entrepreneurs will shape the economies of their countries. Nurturing and developing these skills will go a long way to maintaining economic stability throughout the Commonwealth.

“We need to continually tap into the skills, knowledge and enthusiasm of our young people. The Youth for the Future initiative will provide long-term benefits, not just for Australia, but also for our Commonwealth neighbours,” Mr Anthony said.