The event will once again take place online in Shepparton via Zoom. Attendees will break into groups to discuss ways to increase social inclusion in the community, among other issues.
Summit convener Rashidi Sumaili said the summit would continue to encourage young people from diverse backgrounds to become leaders.
“The idea is to empower young people and also to connect with our region,” he said.
“We’ll be discussing how we can promote social cohesion, collaboration and improving the linkage between school, different levels of government and the youth.”
Expert panellists include founder and author of The Gandhi Experiment Margaret Hepworth, Centre for Optimism founder Victor Perton and US Consul General Kathleen Lively, who will speak about her career as a diplomat.
Mr Sumaili said the speakers and panellists brought unique perspectives to the summit.
“Dr Corina Modderman and Tina Powney will bring extensive local and international experience in working with young people with disability and in out-of-home care service delivery,” he said.
Other notable speakers include Dr Linda O’Brien, who will discuss social justice and social cohesion issues, and Universal Peace Federation Australia vice-president Dr John Bellavance, who will focus on creating a good relationship between students, families and school.
“The speakers will talk about life experience, address some social injustice happening in the region and globally, and provide some of the ideas and suggestions to build social cohesion,” Mr Sumaili said.
Fortescue Future Industries advisor Diana Onyonyi will address opportunities to develop community engagement and generating meaningful value for communities.
The unique model of the summit has encouraged many young regional attendees to study diplomacy, law, politics and other community services courses. Others have been inspired to take on greater leadership roles in the community.
“We have a huge number of young people who after attending our program are now in different roles,” Mr Sumaili said.
“Not only in Shepparton, but also outside (the Shepparton region).”
The 2021 Nelson Mandela Youth Summit is hosted by Future Voices Inc, Gallawah Empowering Change, The Centre for Optimism, Gandhi Experimental and supported by schools and other organisations both in the Shepparton region and globally.
The summit will take place on Friday, September 10, from 9 am to noon. Visit to register.www.centreforoptimism.com/event-4446851
