UNICEF Australia's Young Ambassadors

Our Young Ambassadors are passionate, motivated and empowered. They are the voices of the future.

At UNICEF Australia, our 12-month program gives young people aged 15-24 the opportunity to speak up for children’s rights and what matters to Australia's young people.

Recruited from across Australia, they are trained in leadership, government advocacy, media and communications, and engaging with children and young people.

Young Ambassadors bring their skills and lived experiences to the issues that UNICEF Australia advocates for. We work to ensure every child and young person has an equal opportunity to thrive and survive, no matter the circumstances or challenges they face.

This is your chance speak up for a fair Australia that protects and supports every child.

Meet our 2022 Young Ambassadors

From mental health advocates to former refugees, these incredible young people have come together from across Australia to raise the voices of the children and young people.

Emily, 24, Victoria

"As children and young people, we have a fundamental right to be involved in decision making that affects us.I believe that, together, we can co-design a future for all people, regardless of age, background, identity, or neurodiversity."

Harrison, 18, Queensland

"I have lived in regional areas all my life and one of my interests is improving the quality of education and health infrastructure."

Amber, 22, Western Australia

"I’m passionate about making sure young people’s voices are heard by decision makers. I believe young people not only deserve, but need a seat at the table."

Bayan, 22, New South Wales

"I am an Iranian, ethnically Kurd, and came to Australia in 2007. During my time overseas as a refugee, UNICEF helped me receive medical assistance at school when my family could not afford it. I hope to one day be able to apply what I learn in the Young Ambassador program in places around the world that are not as lucky as Australia."

Grace, 19, Northern Territory

"I’m a Nyikina woman and first-year university student living in Melbourne. I would like to help more children and young people to be aware of and fully understand their rights, so that there are less opportunities for others to take advantage of them."

Kbora, 24, South Australia

"I can never forget being given donations of school supplies when I was young. These were from organisations such as UNICEF and they were a symbol of hope that people cared and knew we existed. I was born in Afghanistan and became the first Afghan woman to join the Australian Army. Being honoured as a Young Ambassador today means I can pay it forward."

Christopher, 16, Victoria

"I was born in New York City and attended a public school in Brooklyn which exposed me to significant educational inequality. I co-founded a peer-to-peer tutoring program for younger students at my school and volunteer as a reading buddy for a disadvantaged student."

Isabelle, 22, New South Wales

"Young people have more power to change the world than we are told we have. I want to help ensure our voices are heard because we are responsible in creating a future we believe in."

Zara, 19, Tasmania

"I experienced a class session with a Young Ambassador last year. It was the first time, not only myself but my peers, felt like we were really heard, listened to, and appreciated. This is something I am passionate on continuing and believe the voice for change in this country begins with our youth."

Daniel, 16, South Australia

"My parents and grandparents both grew up in low-income nations, so I have been aware of my privileges, through their childhood stories and that has motivated me to support charities such as UNICEF. I have found satisfaction and fulfilment in improving the lives of others."

Manon, 19, Queensland

"I live by the phrase; have courage and be kind. It’s time that we welcome children seeking asylum to our shores and seek for them, protection from conflict and persecution."

Jahin, 21, Australia Capital Territory

"I want to be a torchbearer for young people who don’t feel like their voices matter or are heard. My ambition is to elevate the concerns of young people from minority communities and ensure that we act on their needs, and deviate away from tokenistic representation."

"I believe young people not only deserve,
but need a seat at the table."

- Amber, 22, UNICEF Australia Young Ambassador for Western Australia

What do the Young Ambassadors do?

Every child and young person under 18 have the right to participate and
have their opinions included in decision-making processes that relate to their lives, according to Article 12 of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child.

Each year, the UNICEF Australia Young Ambassadors meet with thousands of children in their communities to find out what matters to young people. They then raise these issues with our nation’s key decision-makers.

In June 2021, the Young Ambassadors launched ‘Children’s Voices in a Changing World’, the final report of a three-part series during the coronavirus pandemic. Read the child-friendly version here.

The surveys gathered the opinions of 4,078 young people aged seven to 20 years old from around the nation, over a 12-month period. These findings were presented to the country leaders in Canberra.

We’d love to hear from you

Meet Angus

Child and Youth Engagement Manager
alonergan@unicef.org.au
Have questions about the program or want your school, club or community group to host a consultation with the Young Ambassadors, let us know!

If you are under 18 years of age you need to seek permission from your parent or guardian to participate in the program.