UNICEF Canada’s Youth Advocacy Summit Celebrates the Power of Youth Leadership

A 15-year-old climate change activist. A 19-year-old girl who launched a coding program for girls left behind in Afghanistan. A young registered nurse passionate about helping immigrants navigate the healthcare system. A youth from Northern Ontario dedicated to staying in his hometown and advocating for community-based mental health services. These are just a handful of the more than 70 incredible advocates who participated in UNICEF Canada's Youth Advocacy Summit in Ottawa on November 20th, 2024.

November 20, recognized globally as World Children's Day and in Canada as National Child Day, marks the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child- the landmark treaty that underscores a universal commitment to safeguarding children's rights, a commitment the Summit seeks to spotlight and strengthen.

"It feels great to come together with likeminded youth to create a space where we can discuss issues and create solutions to them," says Zaran, a youth advocate with UNICEF Canada.

"One key message I would share with world leaders would be to think outside the box. When I say think outside the box, I mean thinking from the perspective of youth, such as myself," he adds.

"I believe young people are the future. We are innovators and we are advocates," added Tanasha, a youth advocacy program participant.

Over the course of the day, young advocates delivered bold, actionable visions for a more equitable Canada by engaging directly with leaders like the Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development; the Honourable Greg Fergus, Speaker of the House of Commons; Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, Bob Rae; and award-winning journalist and Chief Political Correspondent at the CBC Rosemary Barton.

Together, these young leaders made their case with urgency, insight and lived experience on important issues like education, healthcare, mental health and racism and discrimination, calling for:

• A federal education framework where students learn about both domestic and international issues and feel empowered to advocate for equity and justice on a global scale.
• Better treatment, technologies and funding to ensure that all children and youth with diabetes receive high-quality, age-appropriate care.
• Immediate access to mental health support, regardless of background or condition.
• Decisive action to confront the structures and systems that perpetuate racism and discrimination.

Their solutions and calls to action are all captured in the 2024 Reimagine Playbook. Written by over 30 youth advocates and released at the Summit, this incredible resource outlines actionable solutions for advancing children's rights and well-being across Canada focusing on these issues.

The Summit reaffirmed a simple yet powerful truth: young people are not just leaders of tomorrow; they are leaders today. Their voices and actions are pivotal in shaping a future that upholds the rights of every child.

Missed the event? You can watch the entire Youth Advocacy Summit event here