“The future of humanity and of our planet lies in our hands. It lies also in the hands of today’s younger generation who will pass the torch to future generations.” – 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, paragraph 53
Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow – they are the changemakers of today.
As the world confronts complex global challenges, the voices, ideas, and energy of youth are more crucial than ever. Engaging young people in global development efforts is not only a matter of inclusion — it’s essential for ensuring solutions can thrive across generations.
Last month, Sophia Mirzayee, Youth and Educator Engagement Officer at AKFC, attended the Change Your World conference at York University in Toronto.
This one-day conference brought together over 800 students and teachers from across Ontario to discuss, collaborate, and learn about making sustainable and equitable change.
“A key focus of the conference was environmental protection and active citizenship. Being an active global citizen means caring for and safeguarding the environment. Advancing human prosperity is not separate from protecting the natural world; the two are deeply interconnected,” says Sophia.
“Young people are holders of knowledge, insight, and hope — they can exercise their agency to benefit people and the planet simultaneously. Through opportunities like the Change Your World conference, we can equip them with the tools and support to do so.”
Sophia led a workshop about global citizenship, drawing on AKFC’s “Inspiring Global Citizens” educator toolkit.
Students reflected on their personal experiences and the “spark stories” that ignite their passion for making a difference. They explored key SDG issues such as food insecurity, responsible consumption, inequality, sustainable communities, and wildlife protection. Through discussions and activities, they learned about various ways to take action, and presented their own solutions.
“It was really interesting to see the diversity of solutions students proposed. Even when working on the same issue, they approached it from entirely different angles, showcasing creativity and critical thinking,” says Sophia.
“What stood out was the thoughtful attention given to different levels of change – students proposed a blend of actions ranging from grassroots initiatives to institutional reforms and policy advocacy.”
For Sophia, working alongside youth is crucial to finding inclusive and equitable solutions, and reflecting a diverse range of perspectives and experiences.
One of the ways that AKFC centres youth perspectives is through the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). The YAC is a platform for participation, co-creation, and leadership — helping ensure that AKFC’s programs designed for youth are also shaped by youth.
So far, the YAC has provided insights on AKFC’s priority initiatives, communication approach, and outreach strategies. Some YAC members have also published articles on AKFC’s website, sharing their perspectives on topics like youth mental health.
“[Being part of the YAC] reminded me that when young people from diverse backgrounds come together, we’re not just participants, we become co-creators of meaningful, lasting change,” says Muzdha, a YAC member from Ontario.
“The YAC are passionate, capable, and unrelenting in their pursuit of a more equitable and sustainable world — they give me hope not just for the future, but for the present,” says Sophia.
“Through them, I have learned that the challenges our world faces stand little chance when we invest in our youth. Therefore, meaningful youth engagement is not optional; it is a prerequisite for lasting change within communities.”
AKFC is committed to inspiring, informing, and involving Canadians of all ages and backgrounds in international development. From the fully funded International Youth Fellowship Program to the annual World Partnership Walk campaigns, AKFC offers a range of opportunities for people to get involved.
