As young Australians seeking a career in international relations, Australia’s leadership at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) shows us what it’s like to be a world leader. By navigating complex global challenges, Australia’s delegation to the UNGA provides aspiring leaders with an example of effective leadership in international affairs. These lessons are invaluable as we develop our skills through early-career roles, internships, and hands-on experiences. Check out YAIA’s Jobs, Internships, and Opportunities board to see currently available opportunities to develop your skills and kick-start your career!
Leading as a Middle Power: Mediator and Facilitator
While Australia might lack the veto power of other states in the UN Security Council, its position as a middle power gives it unique influence as a mediator and facilitator of multilateralism. Australia's network through the ASEAN Regional Forum, Pacific Islands Forum, AUKUS, and the QUAD spans the globe, and these positive relations give it an influential voice in calls to action.
Crucially, Australia has used this power to amplify smaller voices in its region. In 2024, Australia made advocacy for Pacific Island states a key priority, pushing the UNGA to recognise and act on the extreme threat posed by sea level rise. Calling on the UNSC to utilise the Climate Security Mechanism and climate risk assessments to inform peacekeeping and political mission mandates, it conveyed consistent, measurable targets that inspire action, rather than just rhetoric. However, Australia was careful to recognise the importance of self-determination and grassroots initiatives in this space. Australia pledged a $100 million anchor investment in the Pacific Resilience Facility, rejoined the Green Climate Fund, and noted that small island states should be at the front of the queue for UN climate adaptation funding. Australia leads by example by both acknowledging the disproportionate hardships faced by the South Pacific, while respecting the region’s tenacity and right to shape its own future.
Youth-led international organisations and conferences give us the opportunity to develop these skills in cross-cultural mediation and advocacy. By getting involved in organisations such as UN Youth Australia, Model UN, the Young Diplomats Society, the ASEAN Youth Organisation, or the ASEAN-Australia Strategic Youth Partnership, we can engage with diverse groups of motivated youth to tackle the issues that matter to us, simultaneously practicing consensus-building skills that are essential to mediators. Through involvement with advocacy based NGOs like the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, we can strengthen skills in facilitating dialogues, promoting inclusive policies, and amplifying underrepresented voices, similar to Australia’s climate advocacy at the UNGA. Leadership in these organisations often involves balancing limited resources with impactful initiatives, showing us how to prioritise and frame emerging issues in a way that influences public opinion or policy. Gaining practical experience in budget management, resource allocation, and focused advocacy develops strategic thinking skills that relevant to international diplomacy.
A principled approach to global challenges
Diversity in the international community means that negotiation and compromise are part of the UNGA’s daily work. However, leadership on the world stage demands integrity on the issues that matter. In 2024, Australia demonstrated this by declining to support two resolutions on principled grounds. One was rejected because it lacked real ambition on gender equality. The other was a resolution on decolonisation, which Australia argued was "made a mockery" by Russia’s co-sponsorship, pointing out that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine undermined the principles of anti-colonialism. However, Australia's abstention from a Palestine-backed resolution demanding that Israel end its "unlawful presence" in Gaza has stirred domestic debate. Some Australians expressed that this was a missed opportunity to stand up for peace and human rights. For young people considering a career in this field, these issues highlight the importance – and the difficulty – of making choices that reflect both strategic interests and core, national values.
The ability to call out behaviour which does not align with your values is a key leadership skill, but it’s not always easy or comfortable one. Building the analytical skills, and practical know-how needed to develop a principled approach to global challenges and diplomacy takes practice. Engaging in policy writing and research is a great way to build your understanding of core global issues, and demonstrate commitment to solving those challenges. Gaining experience through internships with government or non-government organisations, and submitting articles to think tanks like the Lowey Institute and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, as well as youth-focused publications such as the Young Diplomats Society and YAIA, is a great way to practice these essential skills. YAIA is currently taking applications for fellows to contribute to our insights blog.
Stepping Up as Australia's Next Generation of Leaders
As young Australians step up as the next generation shaping global diplomacy, Australia’s role at the UNGA in advocacy and mediation gives us a great example of leadership on the international stage. Leadership at the local, national and international level is complex, but YAIA is committed to making these experiences accessible to all. Currently, YAIA is offering the chance to learn directly from established professionals through our mentor program. We also encourage you to visit our JIO board to explore current openings that can support your journey towards impactful leadership.