18 April 2016: Australia's best young public speakers will gather at the University of Canberra from TOMORROW for the United Nations Youth Voice National Finals.
The finals draw together 48 outstanding students in Years 7 to 10 from across Australia, where they will present innovative and nuanced solutions to some of the world's most prominent and pressing issues.
Competitors have been asked to address timely topics, such as gender equality and racism in sports, domestic violence and homelessness.
UN Youth Australia convenor Phyllida Behm said participants will be judged on three core areas of their speeches, matter, manner and method.
"The UN Youth Voice is an opportunity for some of the country's best young thinkers to explore global issues and do their part in creating meaningful change," she said.
"In addition to competing in the competition, the participants will attend panels with senior journalists, high level political advisors, academics and young advocates of change from the ACT."
The opening ceremony will see presentations from Ms Behm and President of UN Youth Australia, Brianna Bell.
The University will also host elimination speaking rounds, discussions groups and speaker sessions on advocacy and policy, before the final is held at Old Parliament House on Friday, 22 April.