Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took part in a leadership discussion at the Women Deliver 2026 Conference in Melbourne on 28 April.
The session, titled Bridging the Leadership Era, was held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre as part of the four-day conference, which has drawn more than 6,500 advocates, political leaders, activists, funders, journalists and young people from across the world.
Trudeau appeared in conversation with his former chief of staff Katie Telford and Australian journalist Leigh Sales. The discussion focused on leadership, gender inclusion and the steps needed to create sustained change.
The session, hosted by Janice Paterson, also focused on the role of young people in shaping leadership. A key message from the discussion was that youth are already active participants in leadership.
“Being better is not good enough.”
Speakers pointed to the role young people have played in shaping policy, including climate action, inclusion and reproductive rights. The discussion highlighted how youth perspectives are increasingly influencing decision-making within government.
The conversation also reinforced a shift in how youth engagement is approached, with speakers noting that younger generations are contributing directly to policy and institutional thinking rather than being positioned on the sidelines.
The conference opened under the theme Change Calls Us Here, with organisers placing emphasis on truth-telling, local leadership and the need to move from discussion to accountability and action. It is the first time the event has been hosted in the Oceanic Pacific region.
Women Deliver CEO Maliha Khan told delegates that earlier gains had come with structural weaknesses.
“The system that housed our victories created a model of dependency, making millions reliant on donors and organisations headquartered thousands of miles away rather than building the conditions for States to be held accountable to the people. Much of the gender equality ecosystem became defanged politically, led by donor priorities, and kept power with former colonizing powers. When sustained opposition arrived, the institutional architecture fell apart.”
Khan said the conference was focused on the next phase of action.
“We have secured the impossible before, and we will do it again. We choose courage over caution, solidarity over spectacle, and joy over despair.”
UNFPA Executive Director Diene Keita said progress depends on collective effort and shared responsibility.
“Our shared future must be built on solidarity and shared purpose. So the people we serve, in every corner of the world, can thrive with choices and opportunity.”
Victorian Minister for Women and Girls Gabrielle Williams said hosting the conference placed the region at the centre of global discussions.
“Progress for women and girls isn’t guaranteed. It has to be fought for, built and protected. Bringing world leaders together like this is how we keep moving forward.”
She said the gathering also offered an opportunity for exchange between local and international participants.
“We have a lot to learn from leaders and advocates from around the world and a lot to share as well so we can get on with the job of delivering a better future for women and girls.”
The programme continues through to Thursday, with sessions covering public systems, gendered violence, climate justice, digital rights and leadership. The Melbourne Declaration for Gender Equality is expected to be formally launched at the close of the conference, outlining commitments on accountability and state responsibility.
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