International Canadian Youth Delegate Programme
The International Canadian Youth Delegate Programme is designed to empower young Canadians who are eager to engage with and contribute to UN meetings, specifically focusing on negotiations related to climate change, biodiversity, and gender issues. Through this program, participants will gain privileged access to UN processes, both during their pre-departure training sessions in Canada and while participating in crucial global events, meetings, and discussions around the world. Encouraging youth involvement in the United Nations' work leads to improved policymaking and more inclusive responses to the challenges facing young people today.
Commemoration Fund
The launch of this program is dedicated to commemorating the lives of Stéphanie Lacroix, Micah Messent, Danielle Moore, and Angela Rehhorn. On March 10th, 2019, UNA-Canada tragically lost these four exceptional young colleagues in the Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 crash en route to Nairobi, Kenya. Stéphanie Lacroix, a passionate UNA-Canada staffer and delegation leader, along with Micah Messent, Danielle Moore, and Angela Rehhorn, were on their way to represent Canada at the UN Environment Assembly, carrying with them hope for a brighter future they aimed to help build.
These individuals were remarkable young Canadians who inspired their families and friends with their unwavering optimism, dedication, and commitment. Our departed colleagues were compassionate leaders, driven by the belief that they could shape a better future for our country and the global community. They believed in their ability to make the world a better place through their actions, and their memory continues to inspire us as they contribute to improving our world from within our hearts.
Stéphanie, Micah, Danielle, and Angela, you will forever remain in our hearts.
The Significance of Global Exposure
International diplomatic experience fosters the growth and refinement of personal and professional skills among Canadian youth, while cultivating a deep appreciation for international development and diplomacy. This exposure to global affairs not only enriches their individual capabilities but also encourages greater civic and community engagement, particularly among underrepresented youth groups. By sharing their valuable experiences and knowledge gained from active participation in UN meetings, these young Canadians contribute to a more inclusive and informed society.
Through International Canadian Youth Delegate programme, youth will:
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Network with Global Leaders
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Collaborate with our Partner Organizations: United Nations Environment Programme, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, UN Women, and UN-Habitat
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Participate in key global events, meetings, and discussions around the globe.
Eligibility
To apply, applicants must be:
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Between the ages of 18-29 (inclusive)
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Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or refugees
Current Opportunities
High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF)
We are looking for Youth Delegates to represent UNA-Canada at the 2025 High-Level Political Forum. The conference will take place from July 14-18, 2025, at United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
Programme Overview
The HLPF serves as the UN’s central platform for reviewing the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The HLPF brings together world leaders, youth advocates, innovators, and civil society members to assess global progress and drive forward inclusive, sustainable solutions.
This year's conference will serve as a pivotal opportunity to reflect on commitments made during the SDG Summit and strengthen momentum toward achieving the Goals by the 2030 deadline.
Join Us
Join our delegation as we travel to New York City from July 14 - July 18... the costs of flights and accommodations are fully covered!
Deadline: April 18, 2025 by 11:59PM EST
Past Opportunities
There are no current opportunities.
Please check back soon, as we regularly update this page with calls for applicants!
Commission on the Status of Women
We are looking for Youth Delegates to represent UNA-Canada at the 69th edition of the Commission on the Status of Women. The conference will take place from March 10 to March 21, 2025, at United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
Programme Overview
This prestigious event brings together global leaders, advocates, and changemakers to assess the progress made toward gender equality and the empowerment of women, as outlined in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the 23rd Special Session of the General Assembly. Our Youth Delegates will have front row seat to these discussions, and the chance to share their views as the leaders of tomorrow.
Join Us
Join our delegation as we travel to New York City... the costs of flights and accommodations are fully covered!
Deadline: January 5, 2025 by 11:59PM EST
World Food Forum flagship event
We are looking for 5 youth delegates to represent UNA-Canada at the World Food Forum (WFF)'s 2024 flagship event - The primary forum to shape global agrifood systems and ensure a positive food future for the planet, helping us to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Programme Overview
Almost 740 million people worldwide suffered from hunger in 2022, all while compounding climate crises have thrown many agrifood systems across the planet into disarray. Still, we produce more than enough food to feed the entire earth's population. These crises - and paradoxes - demand international cooperation and action, which is exactly what the WFF has set out to do. Their October event is the primary gathering to tackle the challenges facing global agriculture.
Join Us
We invite you to join our delegation as we travel to Rome, Italy, to the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The costs of flights and accommodations are fully covered!
Deadline: July 31, 2024 by 11:59PM EST
COP16
We are looking for Youth Delegates to represent UNA-Canada at COP16, the 16th meeting of the Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. This year's conference takes place from October 21 - November 21, 2024, in Cali, Colombia.
Programme Overview
The conference offers a critical check-in to understand the efforts that nations have made to safeguard their land, water, and air, and involves the development of a monitoring framework to ensure that these conferences' aspirations are transformed into actions. Our Youth Delegates will have front row seat to these discussions, and the chance to share their views as the leaders of tomorrow.
Join Us
Join our delegation as we travel to Cali, Colombia. The costs of flights and accommodations are fully covered!
Deadline: August 12, 2024 by 11:59PM EST
High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development
We are looking for two youth delegates to represent UNA-Canada at UN Headquarters in New York during the first week of the forum, from July 8 - 12.
Programme Overview
The High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) is the highest-level platform for international coordination to ensure that we achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Simply put, this Forum is the most important follow-up mechanism we have to ensure that we are on track to protect the planet for future generations by addressing issues like poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation.
Join Us
We invite you to be part of this vital forum. The costs of flights and accommodations are fully covered! Apply now to learn about and contribute to one of the primary UN initiatives.
Deadline: Tuesday, June 18, 2024 by 11:59PM EST
UN Environment Assembly 6th
In memory of Stéphanie Lacroix, Micah Messent, Danielle Moore, and Angela Rehhorn, we are honored to launch the International Canadian Youth Delegate Programme. These dedicated individuals lost their lives in 2019 while on their way to the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya. This programme is dedicated to continuing their passionate work in environmental advocacy.
Programme Overview
The International Canadian Youth Delegate Programme empowers young Canadians to address major global environmental issues at the 6th UN Environment Assembly. As a delegate, you will:
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Engage in high-level discussions on climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
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Collaborate with international stakeholders.
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Influence policy for global environmental future.
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Continue the legacy of our dedicated colleagues.
The WFF Theme 2023: Agrifood systems transformation accelerates climate action.
The agrifood systems that encompass the journey of food from farm to table and beyond touch every aspect of our lives and reach every corner of the planet. Yet instead of harnessing their immense potential for positive impact, we are letting agrifood systems wreak havoc on our climate and environment.
For the first time this year, UNA-Canada selected delegates to attend the WFF in-person in Rome, Italy, October 16-20, as a part of the International Canadian Youth Delegate Programme. With over 5,000 in-person attendees and 20,000 virtual participants, the WFF drew a diverse audience to engage in dialogue and collaborate on some of the most pressing issues of our time.
The International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum successfully convened on 2 and 3 November 2023 at the Hofburg International Centre in Vienna, Austria.
This prestigious two-day event marked a pivotal moment in global climate action and sustainable development. Occurring just weeks before the United Nations Climate Conference COP 28, the Forum brought together senior decision-makers, international experts, and various stakeholders. It offered valuable insights and practical solutions, contributing significantly to the dialogue and preparations for the global summit.
The discussions and outcomes from the Forum are expected to have a lasting impact on future climate initiatives.
