Youth Ambassadors for Development The Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development Program (AYAD) was launched in 1998 by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer, to strengthen mutual understanding between Australia and the countries of the Asia Pacific and make a positive contribution to development. The program places skilled young Australians, aged 18-30, on short-term assignments of between 3-12 months, in developing countries throughout the Asia Pacific region. The program offers young people a wonderful opportunity to contribute to development while at the same time learning about other cultures. This web page provides information on the Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development Program aidassistancebilateralcooperationcountriesdevelopingdevelopmenteconomicseducationalhealthinternationalmultilateraly in Politicalwith (ayad)ambassadorsaustraliancountriesdevelopingdevelopmentforpoliticalvolunteersyouth Note: The Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development (AYAD) program places skilled young Australian volunteers, aged 18-30, on short-term assignments in developing countries throughout Asia and the Pacific.