Peacebuilding National Youth Design Challenge

The Peacebuilding National Youth Design Challenge is a nationwide design thinking initiative run by Young Change Agents, a not-for-profit social enterprise that supports youth to develop creative solutions to real-world problems. It invites young Australians aged 10–21 to identify barriers to peace and connection in their schools, communities or online spaces, and to apply empathy, innovation and design skills to develop actionable ideas that foster more inclusive, respectful and peaceful environments. Participants choose from one of five focus areas, bridging cultural divides, emotional resilience and conflict skills, peace through art and storytelling, reconciliation between First Nations and non-Indigenous young people, or digital peacebuilding, to explore challenges and ideate solutions tailored to those themes.

The challenge is delivered entirely online through downloadable resources, structured activities and guidance grounded in design thinking. Youth can participate independently or collaboratively, with educators and parents also able to support involvement via provided worksheets and educational materials. Submissions are evaluated in junior (10–13) and senior (14–21) categories, with the top 20 ideas shortlisted for judging; selected finalists receive feedback and all finalists are awarded certificates. Winners from each age group receive a Young Change Agents prize pack and virtual mentoring to help progress their concepts beyond the competition.

By combining creative problem-solving with youth empowerment and community engagement, the Peacebuilding Challenge aims to enhance young people’s critical thinking, resilience and capacity to contribute meaningfully to peaceful social change across diverse Australian contexts.

• 📅 Key Dates

  Application period

  • Challenge runs from March to November 2026.

  Submission deadline

  • Entries must be submitted by the challenge close date in November 2026 (exact final submission date published as part of challenge materials).

  Time commitment

  • Participants engage in self-paced design challenge activities, including problem exploration, idea development and submission preparation.

  Evaluation and outcomes

  • Shortlisted ideas are reviewed and finalists notified in November 2026, with prizes and mentor opportunities awarded around challenge close.

• 👥 Eligibility

  [Drafting Note – Eligibility | Internal Use Only]
  Clearly outline who is eligible to apply for this opportunity. Each eligibility requirement should be listed on its own line, with any clarifying details included as sub-points beneath the main line. This section should prioritise clarity over breadth and avoid vague or exclusionary language unless explicitly required by the opportunity provider.

  Include, where applicable:

  • Applicant status

    • Student, recent graduate, early career, open to all

  • Age requirements

    • Specific age range or note if none applies

  • Location or citizenship

    • Country, region, visa status, or “open globally”

  • Field or background

    • Required or preferred discipline, skills, or experience

  • Language requirements

    • Required level of proficiency, if applicable

  • Other conditions

    • Availability, background checks, enrolment status, or exclusions