Australia’s Youth Representative to the United Nations for 2026
Each year, UN Youth Australia, in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, appoints one young Australian aged 18–25 as the official Youth Representative to the United Nations. Over the course of a year, the Youth Rep conducts a national Listening Tour, engaging thousands of young Australians to understand their views, concerns, and hopes for the future. These findings inform a formal report and speech delivered at the UN General Assembly in New York.
This is a fully immersive, high-impact role that includes national travel, international representation, media engagement, report writing, and high-level policy influence. No other role in Australia offers this level of access to national and international decision-making as a young person.
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Selection Process Timeline
Stage 1 – Written EOI: Opens late July, closes 25 August 2025
Stage 2 – Video Extended Response: 1–8 September
Stage 3 – Internal Experience Assessment: 15–29 September
Stage 4 – Fit Interview: 6–20 October
Final selection announced: By 1 December 2025
Role Timeline (2026):
Nov–Dec 2025: Training, onboarding, consultation design
Jan 2026: Public announcement and national calendar release
Feb–July 2026: National Listening Tour (travel and facilitation)
Aug–Sep 2026: UN General Assembly participation in New York
Oct–Dec 2026: Report writing, distribution, media, and legacy work
Workload ranges from ~2 hours/week in off-peak periods to 38+ hours/week during travel and UN placement.
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Aged 18–25 for the full duration of the role
Australian citizen or permanent resident
Able to obtain Working with Children Checks in all states/territories
Available for significant travel and public engagement across 2026
Strong communication, initiative, and interpersonal skills
No formal qualifications required as this is a youth-led role prioritising lived experience, empathy, and vision