Youth Secretariat

The OEDD Youth Secretariat is a national and international leadership hub connecting young people of African descent across Canada and the diaspora to influence policy, innovation, and sustainable development.

We equip youth to shape decisions at home and on the global stage.

Register for a Regional Consultation

Youth Secretariat Regional Consultations — 2026 Schedule

January 16, 2026

Saskatchewan (In Person)

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January 17th 2026

Edmonton, Alberta (In Person)

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January 19th, 2026

Vancouver, British Colombia (In Person)

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  • Amazing Youth Leadership Pipeline

     The Secretariat identifies, mobilizes, and supports emerging leaders (ages 15–35) to contribute directly to government consultations, UN mechanisms, and national policy dialogues.

    This work expands OEDD’s mission of shaping equitable development and diplomacy through youth-driven solutions.

  • Connected Across Canada & the Diaspora

    From Windsor to Nova Scotia, Alberta to Newfoundland, we are engaging Black youth communities to map lived experiences, identify priorities, and build a national policy agenda grounded in the UNDPAD and SDGs.

    This network feeds directly into OEDD’s global advocacy infrastructure.

  • Actionable Policy Impact

    Through structured consultations, SDG scorecards, and youth-led taskforces, the Secretariat tracks how recommendations move from conversation → policy → implementation.

    This ensures youth voices are not symbolic — they are measurable and influential.

  • Youth-Led, Evidence-Based, Globally Informed

    The Secretariat builds pathways from education to employment, community to policy, and local challenges to global advocacy. We prepare the next generation of leaders to navigate complex diplomatic, legislative, and economic landscapes.

  • Building a Policy Force for the African Diaspora

    By activating youth across Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America, and beyond, the Secretariat strengthens OEDD’s continental and global work on justice, development, and recognition.

Join the Youth Secretariat Consultations

Be part of shaping national youth priorities and global recommendations.

Your voice contributes to policy briefs, UN submissions, and long-term development strategies.