Melbourne’s Muslim youth are growing up in a rapidly changing environment, navigating questions of faith, identity, belonging, ambition and their place in Australian society. For many, the challenge is not a lack of connection to Islam, but finding the confidence to live their faith openly while pursuing education, careers, leadership and meaningful social contribution.
It is against this backdrop that iCAN Victoria will be holding their Melbourne Youth Conference on Saturday 12 September 2026 at RMIT University’s Storey Hall, themed ‘Muslim Youth Today: Challenges. Responsibilities. Impact’.
The program has been designed as an event for the whole family, with adults and youth able to engage in keynote talks, panel discussions, audience Q&A, and a practical self-defence session. Kids aged 6-12 will have a dedicated program featuring martial arts, footy, a movie screening, and a range of games and activities throughout the day. Child-minding services will also be available for children aged 3-5, making it easier for parents with younger children to take part in the program.
The conference comes at a time when Australian Muslim youth are seeking spaces where they can discuss their experiences and connect their faith with the realities of modern life.
According to iCAN VIC President Fareez Ahmed, “The Melbourne conference aims to take this conversation further by challenging young Muslims to move from hesitation to confidence, and from observation to action, through its three keynote themes: Challenges, Responsibilities and Impact.”
The first, ‘Against the Tides: Define Yourself, Don’t be Defined,’ will explore identity, social pressures and the internal barriers that prevent young Muslims from confidently embodying their faith.
The second, ‘Taking the Helm: Leadership as an Islamic Responsibility,’ will examine leadership and advocacy, encouraging youth to recognise influence not simply as an opportunity but as an amanah and responsibility.
The final keynote, ‘Beyond the Seven Seas: One Ummah, Stronger Impact,’ will focus on unity, community building and the contribution Muslims make to Australian society through excellence, service and collaboration.
Alongside the keynote sessions, the interactive panel, titled ‘Raising the Sails – Keep Moving Forward’, will bring lived experiences into the conversation, exploring resilience, faith, professional life and the practical challenges of being Muslim in Australia.
Importantly, the aim of this conference is that attendees leave with new connections, renewed confidence, and a stronger sense of how they can contribute. Bringing young people together creates relationships that outlive the event, opening doors to collaboration, volunteering, leadership and community involvement.
Through the ongoing work of iCAN Youth Boys (IYB) and Youth Girls (IYG), the vision is to continue creating spaces where young Muslims can learn, connect, serve and grow.
This conference is part of a broader effort to invest in Melbourne’s Muslim youth and encourage them to recognise the roles they can play in their communities. The central message is simple: we are not just inheriting the future, we are responsible for shaping it.
Register now to join in on the day.
tinyurl.com/mycmelb26
