Youth perspectives are pivotal to achieving global development. Their voices connect us to the challenges and opportunities that define our collective future. As part of International Development Week (IDW) 2025 and this year’s theme, #GoForTheGoals, we are inviting youth to express their hopes and actionable ideas through a letter-writing initiative. These letters, directed to policymakers, will reflect their vision for achieving the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and offer innovative solutions for a better world.
International Development Week (IDW) is an annual initiative that takes place during the first full week of February. Since 1991, IDW has brought together civil society organizations, schools, businesses, government agencies, and the general public to highlight Canadian contributions to international development initiatives from coast to coast to coast and overseas.
This year’s International Development Week (#IDW2025) will take place from February 2 to 8 and will be celebrated by the Inter-Council Network, Global Affairs Canada, Canadian development organizations and Canadians with events and activities across the country.
Submission Guidelines:
- Letters should:
- Be no more than 390 words.
- Be personally written (not AI-generated).
- Clearly align with one or more of the 17 SDGs.
- Be directed toward policymakers, offering actionable ideas and hopes for advancing SDGs.
- Applicants are asked to include a high-quality headshot along with their submission, if applicable.
- By submitting, applicants agree that their letter and headshot may be used for promotional, marketing, and publication purposes associated with the initiative.