AKFC's Youth Advisory Committee at the Civic Space Summit

Last month, Aga Khan Foundation Canada took part in the inaugural Civic Space Summit, contributing to important conversations on the future of civic engagement and democratic participation.

Young leaders aren’t waiting to shape the future — they’re already doing it.

In collaboration with Apathy is Boring and Cooperation Canada’s Emerging Leaders Network, AKFC co-facilitated “Reimagine Intergenerational Power: Youth at the Frontlines of Change” at the inaugural Ottawa Civic Space Summit on April 23, 2026.

Members of AKFC’s Youth Advisory Committee — Aarishi Ali, Mishika Khurana, and Muzhda Akbari — along with Sophia Mirzayee, Education and Youth Engagement Officer at AKFC, helped lead the conversation.

Miti Akhani, Aarishi Ali, Mishika Khurana, Muzhda Akbari, and Sophia Mirzayee at the Civic Space Summit at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.

The session brought together people of all career stages for an intergenerational dialogue on civic space, democracy, and leadership.

Through small group discussions, attendees shared how young people are shaping civic life in Canada and globally — reflecting on lived experiences, emerging trends, and bold visions for the future.

Reflecting on the experience, Mishika Khurana shared:

Mishika Khurana speaking at the Civic Space Summit at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.

“Facilitating one of the roundtables at the Ottawa Civic Spaces Summit within the Reimagining Intergenerational Power: Youth at the Frontline of Change session was such an insightful experience. The discussion included participants from different stages of life, and it was really interesting to hear a range of perspectives.

One thing that stood out to me was how, even though everyone came from different work, educational, and life backgrounds, we all found ourselves in the same conversation about how we can better support youth.

I left the discussion reflecting a lot on how digital spaces, like social media, are being used, and how the lack of third spaces for youth can lead to apathy when it comes to important world issues.

I think it was really unique to be in an intergenerational space where people of all ages came together to talk about how we can support youth. It showed the importance of not just having siloed conversations with one generation and excluding or separating the others, but creating collective space for everyone to share, discuss and figure out solutions.”

Aarishi Ali added:

“It was an honour to facilitate an intergenerational dialogue on critical issues, including AI, women in political spaces, and equitable access to education. Rather than serving as barriers, the diversity of experiences and roles represented became a testament to the universality and continued urgency of these conversations. The session underscored the importance of creating spaces that bridge individuals and communities, fostering collective understanding and driving the systemic change needed to build a more inclusive future.”

By creating space for listening, learning, and connection, the session highlighted what’s possible when young changemakers help shape the systems and spaces that impact them.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to exchange ideas and build momentum for a more inclusive and participatory civic future, and to the summit organizers, Resilient Societies and Cooperation Canada, for their collaboration.