Babet de Groot, Niamh Callinan inform G20 through youth panel

Babet de Groot, 24 from Cronulla, and Niamh Callinan, 24 from Oatley, are two of three 2021 delegates from Australia appointed to the Y20, the Youth Engagement Group to the G20, a global forum that gathers annually to find collective solutions to the world's most pressing issues.

The duo was involved in creating the Y20 Communique, a document that details the aspirations and policy ambitions of young people from across the world and informs discussions at the G20.

The Communique captures months of negotiations with young people from around the world on the issues of climate and sustainability, digitalisation, the future of work, and equal opportunity, and is a shining example of how young people can effectively have a seat at the international decision-making and agenda-setting table.

Critically, the piece also calls on the Australian PM to ensure that young people are better represented in decision-making at the domestic level.

Ms de Groot, who is the Delegate for Climate, Sustainability and Energy, said her work with the Y20 sought to rectify Australia's record on climate action, which was "the worst" of OECD countries, and "among the worst of G20 countries".

"The working group for climate, sustainability and energy called for immediate climate action guided by robust targets. We need to plan for a just transition to net zero as soon as possible to ensure prosperity for current and future generations," Ms de Groot said.

Among the policy priorities in the climate portfolio are to ensure at least 30 per cent representation from youth, marginalised and vulnerable voices in decision-making processes at climate negotiations; and to conserve at least 60 per cent of biodiverse sites, including 30 per cent of land and sea areas by 2030.

Ms Callinan, who is the Delegate for Digitalisation, Innovation and Future of Work, said she called for the "immediate redress of availability of digital tools, literacy, and skills for those living in rural and remote" areas.

"We want equitable access to knowledge, education, and innovation to give young Australians the tools to build a sustainable future," Ms Callinan said.

Among the recommendations in this portfolio are to achieve universal, equal, and safe access to quality digital infrastructure by 2030; and by 2025 to create, develop and implement an educational framework for young people and educators on computer science, algorithmic fairness, digital rights and identification of misinformation in the digital space.

The third Y20 delegate is Ibrahim Taha, 21 from Lidcombe, who is acting as the Delegate for Inclusion and Equal Opportunity.

Since formalising the Y20 Communique during the Y20 Summit in July, the local delegates have been promoting the priorities of young people with our Members of Parliament.

"Our hard work is now in their hands," said Ms de Groot.