The Youth InterACT Conference aligns with the National Youth Week (NYW) each year every year.  The conference, aims to inform and engage young people in a variety of topical issues and exciting activities, whilst providing them with an opportunity to give feedback to the ACT Government.  It provides young people with opportunities to engage in activities, decision-making and informative forums as well as community and government events.

The conference is focused on generating discussion on issues that impact on young people; promote youth inclusion, participation and feedback to government on issues of importance to young people.

Body image is one of the major concerns among young people today. Research states that having a poor body image can lead to a number of negative health problems, including depression, dangerous dieting, eating disorders, smoking and anxiety.

The Butterfly Foundation will co-facilitate this forum and will aim to challenge the constructed ideal of beauty for both women and men and will explore ways to promote a healthier body image among young people.

The Conservation Council through Act OtherWISE will co-facilitate this forum with the aim to increase young people’s understanding of the importance and relevance of the issue of climate change and the need to minimise its effects.  It also aims to encourage young people to share their ideas about the best ways to achieve sustainability and to become leaders in implementing these strategies in the community.

Young drivers (aged 18 to 25 years) are over represented in vehicle accidents, especially those involving high speed, drink driving and fatigue. Finding a balance between saving young lives while not placing unfair restrictions on young drivers is a complex issue. ‘Arrive Alive’ forum will be co-facilitated by the ACT branch of the Australian Federal Police and explore new initiatives to encourage safer driving practices.

This will also include discussions on rights and responsibilities of passengers to speak up about unsafe driving practices in order to significantly reduce their involvement in vehicle accidents.

Inclusive Communities Forum is an opportunity for young people to share their experiences and ideas on ways in which we can better live in an inclusive community without discrimination and racism.  This forum will be co-facilitated by the Office of the Children and Young People Commissioner and look at the issues of discrimination and racism and their impact to encourage and promote an inclusive community that value diversity.
 

This forum conducted by the Youth Coalition of the ACT will look at what role schools play in supporting young people through transition periods, what information young people need to prepare to make decisions about their future and how the Government and community can assist young people.  Transitions from youth to adult services will also be explored.