4 July 2000
The Prime Ministers have announced that sixty young Britons and Australians will meet in Sydney next February to discuss some of the key issues common to British and Australian societies: political structures, economic partnership and national identity. The first Young Leaders Forum will draw professionals, aged 25-35, from business, academic and public backgrounds.
The Forum will be the first in a "Centenary Series" of events celebrating Australia’s Centenary of Federation. Later events will continue the dialogue between Australians and Britons throughout 2001 with themes as diverse as technology and innovation, education and citizenship, culture and communities. The Prime Minister and Mr Howard said that the Forum was a symbol of their commitment to strengthening the close relationship between the UK and Australia: "This week, as well as celebrating the strong bonds that have evolved between Britain and Australia over the past 100 years, we are also committing to expanding that partnership over the next 100 years. It is a challenge both for the leaders of today, and even more so for the leaders of tomorrow. That is why we are pleased to announce that the Young Leaders Forum in Sydney next February will be the first in a special Centenary of Federation programme aiming to construct new, envigorating networks between our two countries. This first Forum will bring together young professional men and women from Australia and Britain to exchange ideas across a broad range of political, social and economic topics. It is an opportunity to share expertise and to build connections which will see the partnership between our two countries goes from strength to strength. We wish the initiative every success."
Notes for Editors
Australia Week (2-9 July) celebrates the centenary of the passage of the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act through Parliament in 1900. The Act created the Commonwealth of Australia. The cost of the Forum will be met by private sponsors.
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