The second Australia India Youth Dialogue (AIYD) conference began here today, bringing in several young leaders of the two countries to deliberate on a host of issues lying to boost the bilateral relationship.

AIYD Conference 2013 entails a vision to provide a sustainable platform for the youth to come together and foster an enduring partnership between the two countries. It was established in 2011 to create a new bond through young generation.

The four-day long event starts in Melbourne before moving to Sydney for its last two days.

Speakers expected to address the conference include Indian High Commissioner Biren Nanda, former Australian High Commissioner to India John McCarthy, Australian Labour Party Senator for Tasmania Lisa Singh and Governor of Victoria Alex Chernov.

The event will discuss issues like international security, FDI in Australia and India, education, challenge of sustainability, entrepreneurship and social innovation, diaspora and cultural representation.

Referring to the growing importance of India-Australia ties, Monika Barthwal-Datta, a member of the Steering Committee of the AIYD, said while the bilateral trade between the two countries is on the upswing, their top leaders will be meeting in New Delhi in March for the first round of negotiations on the Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement.

“Our strategic value to each other in the geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific region has also become more obvious. As vibrant democracies, Australia and India are committed to the rule of law at home, and to peace and stability in the region,” she said.

“This new-found momentum, however, requires a new level of creativity and enterprise from both countries if it is to be sustained over the long-term. It is here that the youth can play a key role in helping to shift old attitudes and find new avenues for collaboration and partnership,” she added.

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