Applications for the fifth dialogue of the Australia India Youth Dialogue (AIYD 2016) are now open. AIYD is a pre-eminent track-two young leaders’ dialogue between Australia and India. Our vision is that the AIYD will provide a sustainable platform for the youth of Australia and India to come together and foster an enduring partnership between our two great countries. Each year the AIYD brings together 15 young Australian leaders and 15 young Indian leaders in the fields of business, arts, academia, diplomacy, government, science and sport, amongst others, to discuss opportunities and challenges significant to the Australia-India relationship. AIYD 2016 will be hosted in India in early 2016. More information on AIYD 2016 and how to apply is available here.

Eligibility

1. Applicant must be between the ages of 18-40 (as at 18 September 2015)
2. Applicant must be an Australian citizen or an Indian citizen.

Participants of AIYD 2016 will be selected from diverse professional and social backgrounds to ensure that AIYD 2016 embraces a wide range of perspectives. The AIYD envisages that this diversity will build a greater understanding of issues facing both countries during the delegates’ engagement at AIYD 2016 that in turn will contribute to long term cooperation between the different sectors in each country.

On this premise, AIYD will target participants from the following sectors:

• Business and commerce – Australia and India share a strong relationship when it comes to supporting entrepreneurs and private businesses.
• Sports, culture & the arts – Australia and India are nations which take great pride in their respective sporting, artistic and cultural accomplishments.
• Non-profit organisations – The AIYD recognises that non-profit organisations play a pivotal role in the leadership and growth of both of our nations.
• Research and policy development – Australian and Indian researchers are coming up with breakthrough solutions in agriculture, urban development and other key areas of development and policymaking.
• Science & Technology – Both India & Australia have expertise in this area.
• Government and public sector – Both Australia and India are founded on the principles of democracy and the rule of law and are committed to building institutions to uphold these principles.

Application Process

In order to select and identify candidates of the highest quality to participate in the AIYD, applicants will be subject to a formal and competitive selection and interview process.

Step 1: Online application assessment

Prospective candidates will be required to complete and submit the official AIYD application form along with a résumé and a minimum of one written reference. The application form will establish the depth of the candidate’s knowledge of international affairs, all round excellence and leadership potential. The applicant’s motivation for applying to participate in the AIYD and his/her desire to contribute towards the bilateral relationship will be given particular consideration. Candidates will be shortlisted by the AIYD Steering Committee.

Step 2: Communications skills assessment

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed (either in person or via telephone or video conference) by the AIYD Steering Committee. The interview is designed to assess the prospective candidate’s communication skills and their motivation for involvement in AIYD 2016.

Step 3: Assessment by the Board of Advisors

The final candidate selection will be made by the Board of Advisors from a shortlist of 25 potential candidates. The final selection will consist of five Australian delegates and five Indian delegates.

All delegates will require approval by the AIYD Board of Advisors. Applicants can expect to be notified of the outcome of their applications in late October 2016. Successful delegates will be provided with an information pack containing full details of AIYD 2016 and the program of events prior to AIYD 2016.

Three Themes for the AIYD 2016 

• Theme 1: Sustainability: The role of the environment and natural resources in the Asian Century
• Theme 2: Cultural Identity: How awareness and understanding shape the Australia India relationship
• Theme 3: Next generation leaders: How innovation, business and entrepreneurship are redesigning the future.

Delegates will also work collaboratively with delegates from Australia and India in teams to understand one or more of these themes in depth. AIYD teams will explore and develop ideas around how both India and Australia can create both opportunities and solutions around these key themes.

For regular updates please follow AIYD on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

For an overview of AIYD 2015, which was hosted in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia from 26-29 January 2015,
please see the AIYD 2015 Report.

For further information, please email enquiries@aiyd.org.