The Australia Myanmar Institute for Democracy, Human Rights and Peace (AMIDHRP) was pleased to be represented by its Director, Mr Go Suan Pau, at the 2026 Australian Migrant Resource Centre (AMRC) Youth Forum, held under the theme “Belong. Connect. Lead.”
The Forum provided an important platform for young people from diverse cultural and community backgrounds to come together, share their experiences, celebrate cultural diversity and consider their role in contributing to an inclusive and connected Australian society.
AMIDHRP acknowledges the AMRC for its commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young people to participate in community life and to develop their confidence, leadership and civic engagement.
As one of the youth speakers, Mr Go Suan Pau shared reflections on his personal journey in Australia, including his experiences of migration, education, volunteering, community engagement and professional development.
Mr Go spoke about the challenges that can accompany settling into a new country, including adapting to a new environment, culture, education system and language.
His journey began through the New Arrivals Program at Thebarton Senior College, followed by Foundation Studies at the University of South Australia. He subsequently completed studies in International Relations and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in 2024.
His experience also demonstrates the importance of community participation alongside formal education. During his university studies, he served as a Peer Support Officer, supporting fellow students and contributing to a welcoming and inclusive environment.
He has subsequently participated in a range of community and volunteer initiatives, including with South Australia Police Public Relations, the Royal Society of Arts South Australia, Refugee Alternatives and the Zomi Congress for Democracy.
Within the Zomi community, he has served as Secretary of Zomi Innkuan Adelaide and, since 2021, as a Director of AMIDHRP.
Through these experiences, Mr Go has consistently emphasised the value of participation, service and collaboration as pathways to strengthening social cohesion.
A central message of Mr Go's contribution to the Forum was the relationship between belonging, connection and leadership.
He reflected:
“Belonging gives us confidence, connection gives us strength, and leadership gives us the opportunity to make a difference.”
He encouraged young people to understand leadership not solely as a matter of formal authority or position, but as a commitment to recognising community needs and contributing constructively to addressing them.
This approach is consistent with AMIDHRP's commitment to supporting young people to participate meaningfully in their communities and to develop the confidence and capacity to contribute to positive social change.
Mr Go also encouraged young people to take opportunities to learn, volunteer, build relationships and support others, emphasising that meaningful community contribution can begin with small and practical actions.
The Forum also provided an opportunity to celebrate the cultural richness of Australia's multicultural communities.
The program commenced with a Welcome to Country and Youth Story by Aunty Elaine Magias, followed by a welcome from Ms Mirsia Bunjaku, AMRC CEO.
The Forum was officially launched by The Hon Mira El Dannawi MLC, while Aria Bolkus MP delivered a keynote address reflecting on the experiences and aspirations of young people. The Hon Michelle Lensink MLC also shared a message of encouragement with participants.
Cultural expression was an important component of the program, with Savvas Toumazos presenting Greek bouzouki music and Fokaboy delivering an R&B and Hip Hop performance celebrating the culture and music of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
These contributions demonstrated the important role that culture, music and storytelling can play in fostering understanding and strengthening connections across communities.
AMIDHRP also acknowledges the contribution of the MYLSA Executive Committee, whose involvement helped shape the Forum and facilitate youth engagement through the youth survey and interactive Kahoot activity.
Meaningful youth participation is strengthened when young people are provided not only with opportunities to attend events, but also with opportunities to contribute to their planning, discussion and delivery.
The Forum demonstrated the value of creating spaces where young people can express their perspectives, learn from one another and engage with community leaders and decision-makers.
Mr Go's participation also builds upon his recognition as a 2025 Governor's Multicultural Awards Youth category recipient.
The recognition acknowledged his contribution to multicultural communities and youth engagement and reflects the broader importance of recognising the contributions of young people who actively participate in community life.
For AMIDHRP, such recognition reinforces the principle that leadership and community contribution can take many forms, including volunteering, mentoring, cultural engagement, advocacy and supporting others to navigate opportunities and challenges.
The theme “Belong. Connect. Lead.” carries particular significance in Australia's multicultural context.
Belonging enables individuals and communities to participate with confidence. Connection creates opportunities for mutual understanding and cooperation. Leadership provides a pathway for individuals to transform those connections into constructive action.
AMIDHRP believes that young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds have an important role to play in Australia's social, cultural and civic life.
Young people should be able to maintain meaningful connections to their cultural heritage while also participating fully in Australian society. Cultural identity and civic participation are not competing values; they can complement and strengthen one another.
The 2026 AMRC Youth Forum provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on these principles and to recognise the contribution of young people to Australia's multicultural future.
AMIDHRP extends its appreciation to the Australian Migrant Resource Centre, the organisers, speakers, young participants, volunteers, performers, stallholders, partners and supporters who contributed to the success of the Forum.
AMIDHRP is particularly pleased to see young people being encouraged to belong with confidence, connect with purpose and lead through service.
Belong. Connect. Lead.
"Looking back, my journey has taught me that education can open doors, helping others and building connections can give those opportunities greater meaning."
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