The 2026 ACT Youth Assembly will once again give young people a chance to contribute directly to conversations about Canberra's future.
Open to people aged 12-25, the ACT Youth Assembly is an opportunity for young Canberrans to share their experiences, discuss issues facing our community, and shape Government policy.
Minister for Children, Youth and Families, Michael Pettersson MLA, said the ACT Youth Assembly was an opportunity for young leaders to help the Government find new ideas to improve people's lives in our city.
"Young people understand the unique problems they and their peers face and can provide invaluable insights into how we address them" Minister Pettersson said.
"Young people in the ACT are politically engaged, thoughtful and full of fresh ideas on how we can make our community a better place for everyone.
"We want to help young people get involved in democracy and create opportunities for them to directly shape decision making.
"That is why I made the Youth Assembly an annual event. Because the input of young people strengthens our whole community."
The Assembly is hosted by the ACT Youth Advisory Council in partnership with the ACT Government's Office for Youth Engagement. Comprising of a series of structured, interactive forums, this year's Assembly will focus on issues including discrimination and safety.
The Youth Advisory Council will capture the insights and ideas of the Assembly in a report to be presented to Minister Pettersson, ensuring that young people's voices form part of the Government's decision-making.
Quote attributable to Charles Marpaung, Acting Co-Chair of the ACT Youth Advisory Council:
"To me, the ACT Youth Assembly represents a chance for young people to step forward, be taken seriously, and work together to make a difference in ways that matter to us."
