Building on the success of 2007, the 2008 BYM summit was an inspirational and moving event. For five days 100 of Australia’s brightest social, political, business, scientific and environmental minds joined together in Sydney at Macquarie University’s North Ryde campus.

Age was no barrier to the BYM delegates - the energy, ambition and diversity of the delegates brought together their ideas for ways to improve the lives of all people in our world. Through charities, profit-for-purpose initiatives and sustainable enterprises the BYM delegates demonstrated their ability to positively impact society.

Speakers from the 2008 summit, who shared their wisdom and experiences, included:

• David Bussau (CEO Opportunity International and Senior Australian of the Year 08)
• Matt Noffs (Street University)

BYM delegates made connections for life with other like-minded and motivated individuals during the summit. As well as interacting with the corporate sector through industry events with Westpac, Lend Lease and Baker & McKenzie in their CBD headquarters, delegates had time to socialise, enjoy themselves and reflect on what they were learning.

Through the connections and bonds they formed the delegates deepened their values about how to better run a sustainable world. Delegates left the summit with the understanding that they are the next generation of leaders who can make a difference through their business practices – together the 100 young people literally have the power to significantly impact their worlds.

Not content with just growing into the most socially and just leaders of tomorrow, the delegates left the summit with their own practical initiatives. These included teaching young Australians financial literacy, integrating refugees, brokering more effective use of volunteer time, national campaigns to raise money for African child soldiers and greater political representation for young people.