Who We Are

OEDD prepares underrepresented youth, particularly Black youth aged 6–35, for careers in diplomacy, governance, cybersecurity, and global affairs through hands-on programs and mentorship. We emphasize equity, cultural responsiveness, and creating pipelines to high-impact opportunities, with over 500 participants served and 85% reporting new opportunities post-graduation

Preparing Leaders for Global Impact

We equip underrepresented leaders to navigate diplomacy and international systems with confidence. Through mentorship, real-world placements, and guided learning, they gain the skills and relationships to make meaningful impact.

Alumni now working in policy, NGOs, and global business.

Upcoming Important Dates

Mark your calendar for these key events
June 24, 2026

ONLINE: Youth Secretariat Consultation & United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent Debrief

Join us online for a comprehensive debrief of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, followed by the Youth Secretariat Consultation. This session brings together young leaders to discuss key outcomes and shape OEDD's national agenda.
Register Now
July 5, 2026

Moncton, NB — Youth Secretariat Consultation

📍 Location: Moncton, NB Join us in Moncton for a regional youth consultation. Connect with young leaders and community voices to advance dialogue on economic development and diplomacy in Atlantic Canada.
Register Now
July 7, 2026

Charlottetown, PEI — Youth Secretariat Consultation

📍 Location: Charlottetown, PEI Join us in Charlottetown for a regional youth consultation. Connect with young leaders and community voices to advance dialogue on economic development and diplomacy in Atlantic Canada.
Register Now
July 9, 2026

St. John's, NL — Youth Secretariat Consultation

📍 Location: St. John's, NL Join us in St. John's for a regional youth consultation. Connect with young leaders and community voices to advance dialogue on economic development and diplomacy in Atlantic Canada.
Register Now
July 11, 2026

Halifax, NS — Youth Secretariat Consultation

📍 Location: Halifax, NS Join us in Halifax for a regional youth consultation. Connect with young leaders and community voices to advance dialogue on economic development and diplomacy in Atlantic Canada.
Register Now
August 30–31, 2026

🗓 Save the Date: The Windsor Convening 2026

📍 Location: Windsor, Ontario From Underground Railroad to Global Recognition. A landmark two-day convening bringing together government leaders, diplomats, academics, historians, youth advocates, and community voices to celebrate Black heritage, cultural memory, and Windsor-Essex's historic role as a final destination of the Underground Railroad — held in recognition of the UN International Day for People of African Descent.

Additional Events

More upcoming opportunities to connect
July 25, 2026

Yellowknife, NWT — Youth Secretariat Consultation

📍 Location: Yellowknife, NWT Join us in Yellowknife for a regional youth consultation. Connect with young leaders and community voices to advance dialogue on economic development and diplomacy in Northern Canada.
Register Now
August 30–31, 2026

📋 Save the Date: The Windsor Convening 2026

📍 Location: Windsor, Ontario From Underground Railroad to Global Recognition. A landmark two-day convening bringing together government leaders, diplomats, academics, historians, youth advocates, and community voices to celebrate Black heritage, cultural memory, and Windsor-Essex's historic role as a final destination of the Underground Railroad — held in recognition of the UN International Day for People of African Descent.

OEDD Interventions at the 5th Session of the UN Permanent Forum for People of African Descent

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  • Ruth McDonald - PFPAD5 Intervention

    Ruth McDonald - PFPAD5 Intervention

    Ruth McDonald, a delegate with the Organisation for Economic Development and Diplomacy, delivers an eye opening intervention at PFPAD5 on discrimination in education  — urging States to prioritize discrimination free...

    Ruth McDonald - PFPAD5 Intervention

    Ruth McDonald, a delegate with the Organisation for Economic Development and Diplomacy, delivers an eye opening intervention at PFPAD5 on discrimination in education  — urging States to prioritize discrimination free...

  • Rianne Matthias - PFPAD5 Intervention

    Rianne Matthias - PFPAD5 Intervention

    Rianne Matthias, a delegate with the Organisation for Economic Development and Diplomacy, delivers a powerful intervention at PFPAD5 on the intersecting experiences of young people of African descent who are...

    Rianne Matthias - PFPAD5 Intervention

    Rianne Matthias, a delegate with the Organisation for Economic Development and Diplomacy, delivers a powerful intervention at PFPAD5 on the intersecting experiences of young people of African descent who are...

  • Vibya Natana - Youth of African descent: Rights-holders and agents of change - PFPAD5 Panel

    Vibya Natana - Youth of African descent: Rights...

    OEDD delegate Vibya Natana challenges institutions at PFPAD5: youth of African descent are not waiting to be found — they are already organizing, building, and leading. The question is not...

    Vibya Natana - Youth of African descent: Rights...

    OEDD delegate Vibya Natana challenges institutions at PFPAD5: youth of African descent are not waiting to be found — they are already organizing, building, and leading. The question is not...

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Our Programs

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Impact Snapshot

  • Who we serve

    Black youth and young professionals aged 6–35 across Canada and internationally.

  • Our reach

    Over 500 participants engaged in leadership, diplomacy, and cybersecurity programs.

  • Proven impact

    85% of graduates report securing new opportunities within 12 months of program completion.

  • Our commitment

    Equity, cultural responsiveness, and creating pipelines to underrepresented careers.

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Our Supporters

Join The Mission

  • Volunteer

    Share your time and skills with young people who are building futures in leadership, diplomacy, and technology.

    Become a Volunteer 

  • Partner

    Let's work together. By sharing skills and reources, organizations and institutions can help scale impact.

    Explore Partnership 

  • Mentor

    Guide a young person through career decisions, confidence-building, and leadership growth.

    Become a Mentor 

News & Media