The NSW Government established the World Youth Day Co-ordination Authority (WYDCA), under the World Youth Day Act 2006, to provide for the co-operation of other government agencies in the planning, co-ordination and delivery of government services in relation to World Youth Day 2008 and related events.

While the Catholic Church is the event host, it is WYDCA's responsibility to coordinate the efforts across government to ensure the required government services support both a successful event and minimise disruption to the ordinary functioning of Sydney during the six days of the event.