Leaders inspire the next generation of young aspiring Leaders in the Chamber at Parliament House.

A very fitting venue to host the Nelson Mandela Youth Leadership Summit – Well done to those on the Nelson Mandela Committee and Victor Perton for securing the use of the Chamber! This will be a day none of us present will forget!

What a privilege to hear from global leaders from diverse backgrounds that clearly have a passion for inspiring young people, generously donating their time today.

Thank you to Steve Rametse, President of the Nelson Mandela Day Australia Committee for opening with “What would Mandela say to us today”. A great way to set the tone for the day to remind us all “the future is in our hands”. – Nelson Mandela

Thank you Vasyl Myroshnnychenko, Ukrainian Ambassador for sharing your personal story and the journey unfolding for you as a leader in real time.

Thank you Kathleen Lively, USA Consul General for reminding us to believe in ourselves.

After the break, so good to have the African Lutheran Choir light up the chamber in song.

Always great to hear from my good friend Dan Bull, extreme mountaineer. I love that you are able share life lessons learnt from the many climbs you’ve made over 2 decades. Your lived experience means so much to us.

Thank you Amanda Wendt, District Governor, Rotary 9800 for the work you are doing through Rotary. Great to be reminded of the work of Rotary do globally.

Thank you to Lara Olsen, Managing Director South East Water for sharing the importance of valuing water in the future.

Thank you to the student leaders that introduced these guests, to the Students, Teachers and other guests that participated today.

Thank you to Rashid and Hussein Sumaili, to Victor and Ted Perton, to Margaret Hepworth and to all those that contribute to the work of hosting Nelson Mandela Youth Leadership Summit each year.

There was the right balance of leaders sharing their stories and time allocated for Q&A from the students.

So much hope, so much optimism flowed.

Thank you Jeff Kerr-Bell for introducing me to Victor Perton all those years ago!