Two outstanding individuals from Australia have been selected to represent the nation at the prestigious APEC Voices of the Future Youth Summit 2024, to be held in Lima, Peru, from 10-16 November. This year’s theme, Empower. Include. Grow. highlights the importance of youth leadership in shaping the future of trade, economy, and international cooperation across the 21 APEC economies.
Yolanda Kanyai - Founder & Public Officer of Vibrant Diverse Cultures Inc. who, this year, became a Duke of Ed Employer. Yolanda is a passionate intersectionality advocate and social enterprise leader, dedicated to empowering underrepresented communities in the Northern Territory. Her work focuses on fostering collaboration to drive sustainable growth and address social challenges. Yolanda is eager to bring back fresh ideas from APEC to make a lasting impact on the Territory.
Nathan Alterator - Senior Dean of Students at Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School in the Northern Rivers Region of New South Wales. Nathan, an experienced educator and Duke of Ed Leader, is committed to building global awareness and fostering cooperation among young people. With expertise in commerce, modern history, and international relations, Nathan’s leadership continues to inspire students to engage with global issues and create meaningful change.
The APEC Voices of the Future Program, which began in 1998, is an official youth platform endorsed by the APEC Secretariat, providing young leaders with the opportunity to attend APEC Leaders’ Week, the ABAC Meetings, and the APEC CEO Summit. We are excited to support Yolanda and Nathan as they represent Australia at this global forum!
If you are interested in participating in next year’s summit keep an eye out for details in August 2025. Applications are not restricted to Duke of Ed Framework Users.
Honouring service to youth, community and country. We are delighted to congratulate members of the Duke of Ed community who have been recognised in The King's Birthday 2026 Honours List. These honours reflect decades of service, leadership and commitment to helping others - values that sit at the heart of the Duke of Ed. Congratulations […]
Former NT Chief Minister and youth advocate joins as an Independent Director. Natasha Fyles has joined the Board of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award - Australia as an Independent Director, bringing extensive leadership, governance and community sector experience to the organisation. A lifelong Territorian, Natasha is currently Chief Executive Officer of Somerville Community Services, […]
Developing human skills, confidence and community impact through emergency service volunteering Improving the lives and skills of young Australians to make a positive difference in their communities is the focus of a new partnership between the Duke of Ed and NSW State Emergency Service (SES). The newly announced partnership enables the NSW SES to encourage students completing their Duke of Ed […]
