The Women Deliver 2026 Conference in Melbourne has opened with the launch of the Adolescent Girls’ Manifesto, placing adolescent voices at the centre of discussions on gender equality, rights and global accountability.
The manifesto was released on April 27 as part of the Girls Deliver 2026 pre-conference, which brought together adolescent girls, policymakers, civil society groups and global organisations ahead of the main gathering. More than 6,500 advocates are expected to take part in the wider conference, which runs through April 30.
Written by adolescent girls aged 11 to 23, the document sets out a series of demands focused on safety, bodily autonomy, education, economic empowerment and climate justice. It affirms adolescent girls as rights-holders, leaders and decision-makers, and forms part of a broader global campaign focused on advancing their role in policy and development.
The launch was led by the Population Council’s GIRL Center in partnership with Women Deliver and more than 20 co-host organisations, alongside over 250 participants from across the adolescent girls’ ecosystem. Organisers said the pre-conference created space for young people to define priorities and present them directly to decision-makers.
A central message from the manifesto is a shift in how adolescent girls are viewed within global systems. “We refuse to be seen as passive beneficiaries instead of leaders. It’s time for a new narrative — one written by adolescent girls.”
The Melbourne conference marks the first time the global Women Deliver gathering has been hosted in the Oceanic Pacific region, with organisers highlighting the role of First Nations, Pacific and regional leadership in shaping the agenda
The statement was presented alongside artwork by Ruth Eskender, reinforcing the theme of girls as active agents shaping their own futures.
Discussions during the pre-conference covered a wide range of issues, including climate justice, access to technology, and the role of young people in advocacy and leadership. Participants worked through structured sessions to identify gaps in current systems and outline areas for action.
Organisations involved in the event said the conversations were grounded in lived experience and aimed at developing practical responses. Representatives from governments, United Nations agencies, civil society groups and donor organisations were present, responding to priorities raised during the sessions.
Kenya-based organisation KMET said the platform brought together girls and allies to reflect on progress and accelerate collective action. It described the discussions as focused on evidence-based approaches to advancing the rights and wellbeing of adolescent girls.
The pre-conference also forms part of a broader program of events taking place alongside WD2026, including sessions on sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender-based violence, and disability-inclusive policy. Further discussions are scheduled across the conference on topics such as abortion rights, global health systems and financing for gender equality.
The Melbourne conference marks the first time the global Women Deliver gathering has been hosted in the Oceanic Pacific region, with organisers highlighting the role of First Nations, Pacific and regional leadership in shaping the agenda.
Across the program, themes of accountability, funding and representation are expected to remain central, with participants examining how commitments translate into outcomes for women and girls.
The launch of the Adolescent Girls’ Manifesto sets an early marker for the conference, with its focus on youth leadership and direct participation likely to influence discussions in the days ahead.
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
