Dear policymakers of Canada,

My name is Raeesa Hoque, a grade 12 student attending Collège Jeanne-Sauvé in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty 1 Territory. I am writing to express my worries and hopes for my generation's future. With the many challenges we face, I believe that the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) need to be further incorporated to create a safe and stable world for future generations.

An important step towards a sustainable future is providing quality education (SDG4) to our leaders of tomorrow. Curriculums should be revised so the SDGs are meaningfully incorporated at each grade level in each province in Canada. Additionally, there should be more focus on studying current world issues for high school students. This would allow them to learn the crucial skills to stay up to date with societal changes and current events.

To reduce inequalities (SDG 10), we must work on making education more inclusive for all learners. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and create a sustainable future for themselves. There should be more personalization and flexible learning in schools, and it should be equitably integrated in the northern and rural regions of Canada, supporting students who may have a lack of teaching resources.

In terms of responsible production and consumption (SDG 12), we must focus on supporting local and sustainable consumer habits. I suggest creating policies that support the idea of a circular economy, where we reuse, refurbish, and repurpose materials in industries. We can promote zero-waste initiatives like reselling or donating food leftovers, repurposing clothing, and implementing compost systems in schools and public institutions. Additionally, by collaborating with Indigenous elders whose sustainable practices have thrived for millennia, such as their sustainable hunting, usage, and respect towards the bison, we can reduce waste while also advancing toward reconciliation.

Continuous progress towards the SDGs is important. Change is imperfect and takes time. If we wait for the perfect moment or solution to arise, we will lose our chance to act. As a youth, I dream of a world where every child can experience the beauty of nature and grow up in an inclusive society. I hope to help create a world where everyone’s story can be told, heard, and valued. A world that thrives for generations to come.

Thank you for your time and consideration on this important matter.

Sincerely,

Raeesa Hoque

Dear Policymakers,

Growing up and to this day, I often wonder what it would take to create a world where everyone was able to thrive. Now, as President of the University of Manitoba Students' Union (UMSU), representing over 27,000 students, I see the answer more clearly. It takes education, equality and partnerships that unite us as humans.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) although ambitions are a roadmap to the world, we all deserve. Beginning with Goal 4, education is more than academic achievement, it is about preparing people for life. Yet too many young people graduate without basic financial literacy including not knowing how to pay taxes, manage debt or afford a mortgage. For women especially, this gap can perpetuate cycles of economic dependence and inequality. When we teach these skills, we empower people to navigate life’s challenges and create lasting change.

Goal 5, Gender Equality, which is not just an ideal, it is a necessity. Yet, as the Government of Canada highlighted in 2024, sexual violence is the only violent crime in the country not on the decline. We must act with urgency to address this crisis, investing in prevention, supporting survivors and fostering environments where women feel safe and empowered. Teaching financial literacy and providing mentorship opportunities are critical steps toward breaking cycles of harm and creating a future where we can thrive.

Lastly, young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, we are the changemakers of today. Through initiatives like the Canada Service Corps, I have seen the potential of youth-led solutions. But too often, our voices are excluded from the rooms where decisions are made. Policymakers must bring us to the table, not as token participants, but as equal partners. My involvement with the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation as a board member has allowed me to understand and play an active role in governance. By investing in youth-led projects and amplifying our ideas, we can create innovative solutions to challenges we face as a society.

As we approach the midpoint of the 2030 Agenda, I urge you to see the potential in education, gender equality, and partnerships. Together, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, has the tools and support they need to succeed.

Let us not settle for progress, let us aim for transformation.

Sincerely,

Divya Sharma