By Samuel Medernach, youth ambassador for western Canada; Shanice Pinto and Oscar Baron Ruiz, youth representatives from Edmonton; and Mary Asumpter, youth representative from Dartmouth.
Young people are present and involved at Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada. The proof? Several of our youth representatives and a youth ambassadors attended the G7 Jubilee People’s Forum, held from June 12 to 14. They were keen to share their learning and experiences.
Sam, a very active youth ambassador
The People’s Forum focused on the idea of Jubilee and the Turn Debt into Hope campaign, providing many different perspectives, approaches and insights into issues plaguing the globe. Deep dives into economic and ecological debt as well as how international finance systems are set up to benefit the global north while disregarding or even actively degrading the global south provided a strong basis for understanding the campaign and the need for international financial reform, especially of debt systems, as well as the need to acknowledge the ecological debt owed to the Global South.
I found especially great value in getting to listen to the perspectives of the global partners in attendance, to local Indigenous perspectives, and to Cardinal Pedro Barreto. Meeting the cardinal in person and hearing his address, concerns and calls to action was moving as a Catholic and as a citizen of the Global North. I remember his mention of the smoke in Calgary and that the climate impacts are now affecting the global north, and his hope that this would urge the Global North into immediate action. Listening to the stories of Tareek and Salome1, and to those of the many Indigenous leaders who presented at the forum, were also very transformative experiences. It is one thing to learn that there is wrong in our world, but it is another thing entirely to feel it. For me, this feeling that comes from first-hand accounts and stories is what has been truly transformational in my journey and my calling to stand up for what’s right and what’s needed.
The final aspect of the forum that I’ll mention is the amazing fellowship that the event fostered. During meals, group discussions and though other opportunities, I was able to meet a large array of like-minded, justice-oriented individuals across the country and beyond. I feel enriched by the information I took from the forum, the experiences I had, and the connections I made. I look forward to taking all of this inspiration and education home with me and using it to Turn Debt into Hope!
Shanice, an inspired youth representative
Seeing people from different backgrounds and faiths come together to understand and rally against unjust debt was truly inspiring. Over the three days of the forum, we stood in solidarity—listening, learning and trying to grasp the deep injustices that communities in the Global South and Indigenous peoples have faced for generations and continue to endure today.
The presentations and workshops I attended throughout the forum deepened my understanding of the debt crisis and how it can be viewed through the lens of Jubilee. Through activities like making piñatas and signs for the rally, I also had the chance to connect with other passionate young adults. I truly appreciated the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with people from across Canada who are deeply committed to making a positive difference.
The forum helped me reflect on the world we live in now and envision the more just and compassionate world we can strive to build together.
Mary, a motivated youth representative
We gathered to join our voices for the Indigenous community and countries in the Global South so we could reach the ears of world political leaders gathering at the G7 Summit and demand a more sustainable future for all. A world where economic and ecological justice and decolonization are the norm, not the exception.
On the first day of the event, the young adults had a meeting before the official start of the program. It was a great opportunity to meet other young adults from other places who share the vision of the Jubilee and are ready to add their voices to advocate for change.
The four-day program was very impactful. The first day, listening to and dinning with people from different faith groups gave me a feeling of belonging and oneness. It emphasized the objective of the Jubilee that we are all people, and we should all be treated with ecological dignity and equality. The second day was enriched with presentations that explained the impact of environmental degradation and pollution, especially in countries in the Global South, the health effects and the cry of the people.
I attended a workshop on Jubilee and Financial Debt, and I was able to understand the history of jubilee in depth, the positive impact it brought some years ago, and the hope for something similar and more to be achieved. This workshop was very educative as it explained the role world political leaders continuously play in environmental degradation and economic exploitation along with organizations such as the IMF and the World Bank.
Another interesting workshop I attended was Global-Indigenous Conversation. This workshop was an opportunity to understand experiences and perspectives from all different parts of the world about Jubilee, justice and land and its care. Finally, a workshop on Gamifying Diverse Futures for Social Change and Jubilee triggered my mind on the future and how changing times can impact critical thinking about the future.
On the last day of the forum, I was thrilled to participate in a street theatre skit; I played the role of the IMF. It was a complete display of the role world leaders play, which ended in smashing debt and equal distribution of resources.
In all these experiences and workshops, I felt a deep reawakening in my faith because this was the coming together of different religions, blending for the good of all. Unity is strength, and we are all embarking on a journey which starts with Christ and ends with Him.
I can best understand and carry on the message to others and hope that the change we seek is achieved.
Oscar, a passionate youth representative
The most amazing thing I experienced this weekend was witnessing the work of God through our collective actions. I felt deeply blessed to be part of what, for the first time in my life, felt like a truly ecumenical gathering. Regardless of our faith backgrounds, we were united in one purpose: the pursuit of social justice. It was profoundly moving to see this shared commitment in action, especially when framed by our awareness of the privileges we have by living in Canada—and the responsibility that comes with them to act in solidarity with the Global South.
I was amazed by how aligned we all were, inspired not only by our faith in God, but also by the hope that we can change things. Our shared conviction was clear: that countries in the Global South deserve the same opportunities we have here in the Global North. Forgiving unjust debts isn’t just a generous act—it’s necessary for the survival of humanity.
As a Catholic, I was especially blessed to witness the leadership and presence of Cardinal Pedro Barreto throughout the forum. Seeing a Church leader speak so passionately in this space filled me with hope and pride.
The workshops were among the most powerful parts of the forum. I was moved by the diversity of leaders from the Global South, especially the words of Tarek Al-Zoughbi from Palestine. He has a gift for reaching people’s hearts and helped open my eyes to how silence in the face of injustice is not an option. The workshops also shed light on injustices happening here in Canada. I was shocked to learn that some children of immigrant families in Alberta—who have been unable to regularize their status due to unfair work conditions—are being denied access to education. I never imagined this could happen in Canada. It was a powerful reminder that many people come here fleeing difficult circumstances only to encounter new forms of injustice.
Of course, the rally on Sunday was incredible. Seeing so many people come together and raise their voices for justice, addressing the most powerful nations on the planet was unforgettable. Later that day, we drove to Canmore to speak at Our Lady of the Rockies, a Catholic shrine. After Mass, so many people came up to sign the petition and thanked us for being there. It truly reignited our desire to spread the word about this campaign and the urgent impact it has on our partners in the Global South.
- KAIROS partners Tarek Al-Zoughbi of Wi’am: The Palestinian Conflict Transformation Centre in the West Bank and Salome Owuonda of the Africa Centre for Sustainable and Inclusive Development in Kenya spoke about the impacts of economic and ecological debt on their own countries and across the Global South. ↩︎