UNICEF Australia has marked World Children's Day with the announcement of its 2022 Young Ambassadors, and included in this year's list is a dedicated Margaret River region local.
Amber Anderson, 22, from Bramley was selected to join the group of 12 Young Ambassadors aged 15 to 24 years from around the nation.
She said she was looking forward to participating in the 12-month program for aspiring young leaders.
I want to ensure representation of youth who are voiceless, diverse and underrepresented, and engage them in decision making processes on issues in their communities.
- Amber Anderson
"Young people in Australia have valuable ideas they can contribute but often lack channels to do so," she said.
"I want to ensure representation of youth who are voiceless, diverse and underrepresented, and engage them in decision making processes on issues in their communities."
An Honours student in education policy, Ms Anderson has a special interest in education innovation and wants to create opportunities for young Australians to have a say in their future.
Next year, she will lead nationwide consultations with young Australians, co-design policy responses, and present their recommendations to politicians in Canberra.
UNICEF Australia chief executive Tony Stuart said those making decisions for children often don't include children in the process.
He said the Young Ambassadors program gave young people the opportunity to speak up for a fair Australia.
"For 75 years, all over the globe, UNICEF has been advocating for children's views to be included in the policies that affect their lives," Mr Stuart said.
"Young Australians have faced a tremendous amount of challenges over the past couple of years and there has never been a more important time to hear their voices.
"The program is designed to inspire and empower young people through the network of the 12 we have selected from around the nation."
UNICEF Australia Child & Youth Engagement Manager, Angus Lonergan congratulated Ms Anderson on securing a position in the program.
"There are enormous issues facing children and young people globally, so it has never been more pertinent for young Australians to learn how to engage with public policy design," he said.
"One of the most important aspects of the program is the way it enables a variety of youth voices to be heard. Beyond their geographic location of states, cities, regional and remote areas, we're interested to hear from young people who are diverse in culture and language, gender, and in representing First Nations people and the LGBTQI community," he said.
World Children's Day is UNICEF's annual day of action for children and marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.