Engaging Young People in the Australia-US Alliance and Presenting a Policy Pitch to US Officials

The Australia-United States Alliance

The Australia-United States alliance (alliance) is arguably one of the strongest, most influential international alliances in the world, and it is undoubtedly more vital today than ever before. The 1951 Australia, New Zealand, and United States (ANZUS) Security Treaty serve as the foundation for this alliance, with last year marking the 70th anniversary. From the beginning of the US's history, Australia has been an important and reliable ally as Australia has fought alongside the US in the most significant conflicts in recent history. Hence, the strong defence relationship is an essential component of this alliance, including the "Five Eyes" pact for intelligence sharing with the UK, New Zealand, and Canada. Australia's most significant economic partner is also the US, especially in terms of investment and two-way trade. The Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) is a pillar of their robust economic relationship. According to Austrade, the US accounts for one-fourth of Australia's inbound foreign capital. The two nations also have significant ties in education, culture, research, and sport, in addition to their special defence and economic partnership. Ultimately, this alliance is a relationship built on a shared set of values based on a mutual commitment to democracy and freedom. It is a relationship with a long and proud history and can withstand the test of time. This relationship's strength and progress will further shape the next century, especially the next generation.

Engaging young people in the alliance

The strong economic ties between the two countries have created significant economic benefits, especially for young Australians. For example, given the strong presence of U.S.-based aerospace and defence firms in Australia, several young Australians have had the chance to work side-by-side with Americans and develop cutting-edge Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) capabilities and skills right here in Australia, demonstrating the Australia-United States alliance in action. However, about 60% of the Indo-Pacific population comprises young people, and there is still much room to increase youth engagement in decision-making bodies and processes. There is a significant opportunity to engage more young people from both US and Australia in developing novel policy responses to persistent security risks and overlaying their innovative thinking with unprecedented global threats such as pandemics, cybercrime, and climate change. Engagement and education activities such as The Future of the Australia-US alliance workshop and Next Generation Leaders U.S.-Australia alliance – Regional Workshops are great examples of activities that provide young people with the opportunity to share their ideas and increase their engagement and understanding of the Australia-United States alliance. Using these workshops, other committees, advisory boards and engaging with youth-led organisations, the Australia-United States alliance can ensure the voices and ideas of young people are included in policy development and decision-making. Continuing to fund such meaningful activities would provide ongoing engagement opportunities for young people in decision-making and make them feel empowered and like their voices are being heard.

Presenting a Policy Pitch to the US officials

One such opportunity in Australia is the Youth Advisory Council of the US Embassy in Australia. It is a group of young leaders under 30 with various backgrounds and experiences who meet regularly to advise the U.S. Embassy on next-generation issues and undertake projects on topics of mutual interest. The councils are based in Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane and provide an incredible opportunity for young leaders to be directly part of the alliance. Earlier this year, I was grateful to be selected to join the Canberra Youth Advisory Council to work with other talented young people on next-generation issues and advance the Australia-US alliance. As part of this council, on 08 August 2022, I had an incredible opportunity to present a policy pitch about a climate research commercialisation partnership to the US Deputy Secretary of State, Wendy Sherman and the US Ambassador to Australia, Caroline Kennedy, at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. To say it was a fascinating experience to present a policy pitch to such influential and powerful US Officials in person, at such a historical place as the former House of Representatives Chamber at the Old Parliament House, would be an understatement. I was awe-inspired to be amongst such a group of high achievers and to hear thoughts and feedback from the Deputy Secretary of State and the Ambassador.

The Policy Pitch

Over the past month, I worked with five other amazing councilmembers to research and craft the policy pitch for the United States and Australia to establish a research commercialisation scheme in collaboration with the Pacific Island nations on climate research. The idea of the pitch was to take regional mechanisms and approaches to climate change and sustainability and invest in that research to make them commercially viable, a similar model to the Australia-US Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (AUSMURI) program implemented between the US and Australia. This can be implemented through proposals invited through a competitive pitch process and selecting the most robust applications that can articulate clear use of money and commercialisation technologies. This proposal would have significant economic benefits, including creating thousands of jobs, propelling development in the climate industry, and creating more robust climate technology industries that will see stronger demand in the future. This proposal would act as a positive and vital link between Australia and US, and strengthening our ties in the region would also positively impact our national security.

Conclusion

The peace and stability fostered by a solid Australia-US alliance would benefit the Indo-Pacific region and the rest of the world. Ultimately, the obstacles many current and previous leaders have not faced are raised for future generations. Hence it is inevitable to engage more and more young people in policy development. Harnessing young people's positive energy, enthusiasm, and innovative ideas would further strengthen the Australia-US alliance. The opportunity for me and other young Australian leaders of the Canberra Youth Advisory Council to present a policy pitch to the US Deputy Secretary of State and the US Ambassador to Australia was a great example of such positive youth engagement. Such engagements indicate that the future of the Australia-US alliance would only grow stronger. I am beyond thankful for the whole public affairs team at the US Embassy in Canberra, as well as my team of council members who contributed to crafting and presenting the policy pitch. It’s a day I will never forget and is the absolute highlight of my career!