In 2021 one of our younger team members came to me with an idea – that the youth of Australia deserved to have input into the national security debate – for they would bring a different perspective. Two things leapt out at me – the sheer breadth of the endeavour and his courage to give it a go, and the concept of perspectives, which is a foundational Kiah theme.

They just needed a hand – for confidence, and to encourage others to support them. We were the first to support, and others were quickly convinced.

Throughout 2022, despite COVOD, forty-two young leaders were identified through a rigorous selection process and were then engaged to co-author the nation’s first youth-led national security strategy.

It was an outstanding piece of work. Just the sheer endeavour of seeking support, coordination, and invitations to participate resulted in over 600 applicants, the down selection to 42 participants, an education and development program engaging some of Australia’s brightest strategists – and eventually the innovative publication of a coordinated, articulate strategy.

You can find it here. YNSS