Youth PoWR (Parliament of the World's Religions) brings together young adults aged 18-35 to have a voice and a vote in shaping our multicultural, multi-religious society. By meeting one another in a positive, friendly atmosphere, engaging in conversations and making shared commitments, Youth PoWR creates a positive experience of a multi-faith society, breaking down ethnic and religious stereotypes and building social cohesion.
The inaugural Youth PoWR was held in 2015. In this short time, Youth PoWR has become the largest interfaith event for youth in Australia. The latest initiative of Youth PoWR is the development of an interfaith charter, The Sydney Statement.
Youth PoWR is for youth, by youth, with youth. The planning, promoting and hosting of Youth PoWR is done by the Coordinating Committee, a multi-faith team of young adults from different religions. The members are volunteers. They are nominated by peak national and state religious bodies (such as the Buddhist Council of NSW, the Hindu Council of Australia, the Sikh Council of Australia, the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies) or by past and present team members. Ryan Epondulan, the Youth and Networking Coordinator of the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations (CCCMR), is Chair of the Coordinating Committee. Rev Dr Patrick McInerney, Director of CCCMR, is mentor of the Coordinating Committee. CCCMR provides the administrative backup for Youth PoWR.