The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Stephen Smith, and Ghanaian Foreign Minister, Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni addressed more than 200 people at Old Parliament House in Canberra this week to farewell the latest intake of Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development.
During July, 160 skilled young Australians will travel to 17 countries across the globe as Youth Ambassadors to experience culture and life in a developing country, while contributing to Australia's international aid efforts.
'In 2010, for the first time, the Youth Ambassador program was extended to Africa, where Australia has considerably enhanced its foreign policy engagement and development assistance presence,' said Mr Smith.
In 2010 there will be seven Youth Ambassadors mobilised to Ghana and four to Kenya as part of Australia's increasing engagement with Africa. The program is also expected to expand to Latin America and the Caribbean in the coming years.
Youth Ambassadors bring a unique perspective to development challenges while gaining insight into a new culture and community. They form lasting friendships and build Australia's international image.
Since 1999, more than 3000 Australians aged between 18 and 30 have volunteered as Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development, funded by AusAID, working in jobs as diverse as farming, water supply improvement, sustainable forestry and occupational therapy.
The Ghanaian Foreign Minister was in Australia as a guest of the Australian Government. Mr Smith and Minister Mumuni met earlier in the day to discuss ways to advance the Australia–Ghana relationship and exchanged views on issues of common interest and concern. This was the first full bilateral visit to Australia by a Ghanaian Foreign Minister.
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Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development
Young Australian volunteers for Asia, the Pacific and Africa