The Voices of the Future Conference is the culmination of the Women in Strategic Policy program (WISP), co-led by The Australian National University’s Strategic and Defence Studies Centre and Girls Run the World.

Young people’s, and particularly young women’s, voices are systematically underrepresented across the strategic and defence space - both in Australia and around the world. WISP aims to increase the number of young women contributing to Australian strategic and defence policy discourse to address this challenge.

The Conference program will showcase the work and expertise of WISP alumni, including launching the second volume in the Voices of the Future series.

We invite you to join us to engage with their work, consider their recommendations, and take active steps to integrate young Australians into the national security conversation - not just as the leaders of tomorrow, but as contributors today.

Agenda
10.30-6.00pm, Mon, 13 April - Main conference
TBC, Tue, 14 April - Alumni masterclasses

About the Women in Strategic Policy program

Supported by a Strategic Policy Grant from the Department of Defence, the Australian National University’s Strategic and Defence Studies Centre and Girls Run the World created the Women in Strategic Policy program (WISP). Across a series of five workshops in 2024 and 2025, WISP has trained over 130 young women (aged 18-35) to publish in and contribute to Australia’s strategic debate. These alumni have been supported to write opinion articles, publish policy papers, and share their expertise at conferences in Australia and abroad.

Additional information
Registration is required for this event. If you require accessibility accommodations or a visitor Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan please email Email the Bell School marketing team. Accessible parking spaces (PDF) are available around campus should you require them.