I had the honour of being selected as one of three delegates representing UNA-Canada at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) this July, serving as the Lead Strategist for Economic Justice and Cultural Preservation. It was both a surreal experience and the greatest honour of my advocacy journey to date. There was an overwhelming amount to absorb, from the formal UN sessions and side events to the informal, powerful conversations with fellow attendees from around the world.
Before the Forum officially opened, I attended a series of side events hosted by the Major Group, including one focused on children and youth and another featuring all major stakeholder groups. These sessions set the tone for the week, providing valuable insight into the current climate at the UN, where institutional reform and questions of sovereignty are shaping member state priorities. Understanding the critical role of multilateralism helped me navigate the conversations that followed. From the opening ceremonies to thematic meetings on the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs), I was struck by the UN’s unwavering commitment to building a better world.
I particularly appreciated discussions around mobilizing private sector partnerships to accelerate progress on the SDGs. As shared during the Finance Mobilization segment, engaging the private sector early is essential to meaningful collaboration and it was encouraging to see that willingness echoed by multiple stakeholders.
One of the most memorable youth-focused events I attended was hosted by the Global Call, which facilitated a compelling conversation around the idea of a “Youth Veto” and a global youth body to advocate for youth rights. The dialogue was energetic and inspiring, especially when one prompt asked: “What would you give up for global youth mobilization? “That question has stayed with me ever since.
A major highlight of the week was the SDG 5 session on gender equality. I was so eager I saved my seat 40 minutes before the session began. It was energizing to see civil society organizations like She Loves Tech working to improve access to AI and technology across the Global South. At the same time, hearing member states report on their progress was both empowering and sobering – revealing just how much work still lies ahead.
Another standout moment was attending the Local2030 event, which spotlighted localized strategies and innovations for achieving the SDGs. As a strong believer in community-led change, I found it deeply affirming to hear how places like Maui, Hawaii are embedding sustainability into everyday life, often grounded in Indigenous values. This session was a powerful reminder that meaningful impact doesn’t always begin at the national or global level, it often starts at home.
Ultimately, the week was nothing short of a dream realized. To be in those rooms – listening to global changemakers share their challenges, successes, and collective hopes – was incredibly moving. I leave with renewed clarity on what’s possible when we act collectively and believe in something better. I’m taking home new connections, tools for advocacy, and a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the complex issues that shape our world.
As I return to my work with the Punjabi Women’s Network, legal advocacy, and community- based research, I’m carrying these lessons forward. The emphasis on intergenerational equity, cross-sector collaboration, and culturally grounded solutions resonated deeply with me. I’m excited to apply these insights to advance culturally responsive programming, support grassroots leadership, and explore how legal and business tools can be harnessed for social change. Whether it’s building stronger ecosystems for Punjabi women or mobilizing data for advocacy, this experience reaffirmed the power of community, culture, and coalition-building in shaping a more just future.
Until Next Time.
