ACGC’s 7th Annual Top 30 Under 30 Magazine showcased 30 outstanding young leaders, selected through a nomination process for their meaningful contributions to local and global communities. In addition to printing the magazine, ACGC expanded its digital presence by hosting the publication as an online PDF, resulting in a 50% increase in online reads.
The magazine garnered significant attention, receiving coverage from 16 media outlets, including radio, print, and online platforms. Complementing this visibility, the accompanying social media campaign reached 57,000 Albertans. The cover, designed by Amanda Ozga, featured a modern interpretation of the hopeful symbol of “fingers crossed.” Her design infused the image with a sense of collective strength and unity, highlighting the agency and impact of the youth featured in the Top 30. The launch event held on February 2 drew an impressive audience of over 100 attendees. After the release, participants and the community experienced an increased interest in global issues and international development as a direct result of attending.
ACIC centred its International Development Week efforts on a coordinated, region-wide partnership with public libraries, creating curated IDW reading lists and displays that highlighted women’s and girls’ global empowerment in alignment with the theme “Together for Gender Equality.” These reading lists, featured in 10 public libraries that year, became a cornerstone of ACIC’s IDW programming and have since evolved into an annual resource shared with libraries across the Atlantic region. Alongside the library initiative, ACIC supported a total of 41 events with members, partners, and youth ambassadors, strengthening connections and deepening global citizenship throughout the Atlantic provinces.
IDW Libraries Reading Lists
Launch of the comic book "The Women of Sheba"
A happy hour event at the Yemeni restaurant Mazbi in Montreal to present the graphic novel and meet its author, D. Mathieu Cassendo. The graphic novel focuses on violence against women in situations of war or conflict. To illustrate this theme, AQOCI chose Yemen in order to document the violence experienced by Yemeni women and to highlight their courage and determination.
Leading for the Future: Gender Equality and Climate Change
BCCIC’s Flagship IDW was a panel presentation with a round table component. Speakers on the panel included representation from the Pacific Water Research Centre; the Institute of Resources, Environment and Sustainability; the Institute for Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice; and Ocean Hyland, an Indigenous artist and environmental activist. The audience was invited to participate by discussing and contributing questions to further the conversation on the topic of gender equality, climate change, and connected issues. The event attracted a lot of attention, 200 people showed up for the event in person and it was also live streamed on Facebook for over an additional 200 views.
Voices for Change
Voices for Change brings together Manitoba youth to create a spoken word poem about issues connected to the Sustainable Development Goals. Youth worked through a collaborative workshop to write and perform an original poem titled What We Teach, which was professionally recorded. The poem weaves together stories of intimate partner violence, child marriage, and harassment from around the world, showing that gender discrimination knows no boundaries and that action is needed. The performance debuted during International Development Week in Winnipeg and was shared at Global Affairs Canada’s signature International Development Week event in Ottawa.
Reverse Millennial Town Hall
NCGC supported the Yukon’s Youth of Today Society in hosting a Reverse Millennial Townhall, with prominent young voices sharing their perspectives on key issues and an audience of elected leaders attending as keynote listeners and posing questions. During the event, the youth and Elders held a number of circle discussions ranging from youth leadership to drug use; from critical thinking to gender inclusion; to the spirit and Intent of reconciliation and self-determination.
Transformations Photojournalism Exhibit Launch
The Transformations exhibit opened its doors at the Lawrence House Centre for the Arts in Sarnia, inviting visitors into stories of food sovereignty, community health, and global partnership. Featuring changemakers in Ontario whose work inspires Canadians to join the movement for the people, planet and prosperity, the exhibit blended photojournalism with both virtual and physical elements. The exhibit launch also became a gathering place during Sarnia’s First Friday where community members, artists, organizations, and leaders came together to reflect, connect, and imagine change. It was an evening that really captured the power of shared space and shared stories.
Global Citizen Arts Festival
The Global Citizen Arts Festival created a welcoming space for community members to connect, reflect, and feel inspired through art. Guided by the In It Together theme, the festival highlighted the shared responsibility we hold toward one another, our communities, and our planet. By showcasing creative expressions and stories rooted in dignity, justice, and peace, the event celebrated the outstanding impact of Saskatchewan people working toward a more just and sustainable world. The festival fostered connection, sparked dialogue, and reinforced the power of collective action in advancing global citizenship and sustainable development.
