10 YEARS OF YAIA
Launching in March of 2014, Young Australians in International Affairs has grown significantly over the last ten years.
Young Australians in International Affairs (YAIA) has championed the voices of young Australians in foreign policy and international relations for a decade, promoting a deep understanding of global issues and amplifying diverse perspectives on Australia’s place in the world. Since its founding, YAIA has created opportunities for emerging leaders through impactful programs like our Future Leaders Series, publications, events, and a thriving Fellowship program, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to skill-building and knowledge-sharing in international affairs.
Celebrating our ten-year anniversary, YAIA is excited to showcase our history, featuring a look back at key activities, notable publications, and initiatives that have shaped our organisation and our community. Join us as we reflect on a decade of empowering future leaders and continue to build a platform for the next generation of changemakers in international affairs.
You'll find all our special initiatives, events and programs we are organising to celebrate ten years of empowering young Australians in international affairs.
In celebration of our ten-year anniversary, YAIA is proud to present a special publication reflecting on a decade of transformation in international affairs. Since our founding in 2014, the world has witnessed dramatic shifts, from the rise of populism and regional power movements to the disruptive impacts of new technologies and shifting economic dependencies.
This publication provides a thematic analysis of the top ten developments shaping Australia's international affairs outlook over the past decade, exploring how these changes impact Australia and the world at large. Dive in as we chart how far we’ve come, where we’re headed, and YAIA’s role in this evolving landscape.
FROM ORDER TO DISORDER:
AUSTRALIA'S PAST DECADE IN
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
As Australia’s largest not-for-profit dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders in international affairs, we have made significant strides over the past decade thanks to the commitment of our 50+ volunteers who serve as the driving force behind our initiatives.
By donating, you will directly support the expansion of our programs and the creation of educational opportunities that nurture the aspirations of youth in international affairs.
For example, just $10 can sponsor a participant from a low socio-economic background to attend a YAIA event, while $50 ensures a spot for someone facing financial hardship in our six-week Future Leaders Series.
As we reflect on our journey over the last ten years, we invite you to join us in building a brighter future for young leaders in Australia.
10K for 10 YEARS
MERCHANDISE
Unveiling a special addition to YAIA’s ten-year journey: our exclusive merch line! Each piece is designed to reflect our commitment to empowering young Australians in international affairs. Not only will you look great, but every purchase directly supports our educational programs, helping to create opportunities for the next generation of changemakers. Launching November 6th—get ready to rep YAIA and make an impact!
.png)
OUR SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY EVENT
We are working hard behind the scenes to get some incredible 10YR anniversary events. Check back here soon for details and keep an eye on our socials for event announcements.
In the meantime, walk down memory lane some of our significant activities over the last ten years below.
Midweek Memories
September 2024: We hosted our incredible Future23 conference in Canberra, bringing together young Australians passionate about international affairs!
.png)
June 2023: The launch of our first iteration of the Mentor Program where participants gain valuable insights into international affairs.
September 2022: Our National conference Professional Development Sessions. Participants spent the sessions learning industry skills and asking exclusive questions of our experts.
June 2016: We hosted a discussion on North Korea in Perth with Professor Gordon Flake, CEO of the Perth USAsia Centre and then co-Vice Chair of the Board of the U.S. Committee for Human Rights in North Korea.
June 2017: We co-hosted a special discussion on populism event in Perth with Curtin University's Strategic Flashlight Forum.
December 2023: YAIA’s Canberra team had the honour of facilitating a fascinating tour of the HCA.
September 2022: Our Future21 Gala Dinner. Guests gathered to enjoy an evening of networking and an enlightening keynote address by Mr. Paul Symon AO, Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service.
March 2017: We hosted Mr Noel Campbell and Mr Robert Fergusson, who were the Australian Ambassadors to Argentina and Chile, held in conjunction with the Flinders University School of History and International Relations, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
September 2016: Our first conference. The Future 21 Conference was held in partnership with ANU Crawford School of Public Policy, and explored the pressing challenges for Australia in the 21st Century, through issues-based sessions & practical workshops.
September 2016: Our 'The US Election Results: Impact and Issues for the Asia Pacific' event.
November 2023: Our delegation to the Consulate-General of Japan, Brisbane.
September 2022: We had the privilege of delving into what a First Nations foreign policy could look like, a promise made by Labor before their election.
October 2016: We held a discussion on security tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.
July 2017: We hosted a special event in Melbourne to discuss the Trump Presidency, and what it could mean for international affairs, featuring veteran journalist and political expert, Jim Middleton.
June 2015: Climate Change Future Leaders Series. This was the first time we ran our Future Leaders Series, which remains a key initiative in the YAIA calendar nine years later!