By Ana Sofia Lopez Lara, Youth Ambassador for Ontario; Djenabou Diallo, Youth Ambassador for Quebec; and Narcia Rokotomalala, Youth Ambassadors for francophone New Brunswick
Since 1991, the first week of February has been marked as International Development Week to celebrate and highlight Canada’s contributions to international development. This year, as part of the observance, we, Ana Sofia Lopez Lara, the Ottawa-based youth ambassador for Ontario, and Djenabou Diallo, the Gatineau-based youth ambassador for Quebec, represented Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada (DPCC) by leading a workshop entitled Building Bridges for Justice in a Globalized World at the University of Ottawa. More than just a university activity, this workshop was intended to be a space for collective reflection at a time when world events can seem overwhelming, violent and sometimes difficult to comprehend.
We chose to address these issues through an immersive activity inspired by the Cookie Mining game. The goal was to concretize realities that are often perceived as abstract: land appropriation, extractivism, profiteering, and their impacts on communities in the Global South. Through a simulation, we invited participants to build a “territory” and then experience what it means to see it damaged or confiscated in the name of development.
What makes this activity particularly memorable is its deeply personal dimension. In just a few minutes, power dynamics take shape and feelings of injustice, and sometimes even loss, emerge. Development then ceases to be a theoretical concept and becomes a lived experience. What particularly struck many of us was how quickly some people were willing to sacrifice others as soon as a “reward” came into play. The promise of a prize pushed participants to extract more, even when it meant harming a community that was not their own. This opened up an essential discussion: what does development really mean in 2026? Who benefits from it? And who pays the price?
The 14 students who participated were engaged, curious and active throughout the activity. Several participants highlighted the creative, innovative and accessible nature of the format, noting that the game facilitated the understanding of complex issues and encouraged more open dialogue. I, Djenabou, who was hosting my first event of this type, found the experience deeply motivating. It reinforced my desire to continue creating spaces where people can learn by thinking together.
I, Ana-Sofia, experienced the workshop as a moment of hope. That day, a storm passed through Ottawa before giving way to sunshine, an almost symbolic image. My intention in facilitating the workshop was simple: to offer hope rooted in reality that poses an essential question: what can I do, here and now? As I pointed out, development is complex and justice is not built instantly. But we are not powerless. We are called to be a light in the small portion of the world that is given to us, to use our talents, our voices, and our compassion now, not someday after we graduate or earn a degree.
Following the workshop, several students shared that it was one of the few spaces where they felt comfortable expressing themselves.
This is precisely why youth engagement within DPCC is essential. Young people need places where they can name injustice, feel it, question it and, despite everything, be invited to hope and act.
In Montreal, I, Narcia Rokotomalala, participated in two panels involving young people on February 4 and 5. Here is my experience:
Youth in action: critical analysis of the People’s Summit and COP 30
I attended a panel organized by the Quebec Association of International Cooperation Organizations (AQOCI; see website in French) featuring testimonials from young people who took part in COP30 and the People’s Summit, held in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025.
This activity aimed to highlight the place and role of young people in international participation spaces and their ability to influence climate justice dynamics.
Issues, activism and the influence of young people
Young people at COP30 raised several priority issues, including access to land, the protection of vulnerable peoples’ rights, and equitable access to natural resources. The inclusion of women in climate justice decision-making processes was also highlighted, particularly through the renewal of the Gender Action Plan, a strategic document aimed at integrating a gender perspective into all climate actions. As Canada is a signatory to this plan, young people emphasized our role in monitoring and mobilizing to ensure its implementation.
The panellists highlighted the power of young people within the COPs, namely relational and advocacy power based on networking, internationalism and the ability to directly engage with policymakers. These spaces allow for the establishment of dialogues that can lead to concrete initiatives that benefit communities, without waiting for direct government intervention.
Implications for youth programs and advocacy
Participating in this panel confirmed the relevance of DPCC’s youth program and its role in supporting young people in transforming their commitment into sustainable and impactful actions.
This activity also fueled my reflection on advocacy strategies by reminding me of the importance of local actions in influencing international diplomatic processes. It gave me a better understanding of the important role of DPCC as a facilitator of committed young people, capable of presenting collective demands for a more just united, and sustainable world.
Panel and networking: “Engaged Generation: Inspiring Journeys and the Next Generation in Action”
Accompanied by Lea Mannari, DPCC’s youth programs officer for 18- to 35-year-olds, I also attended a panel organized by SUCO (see website in French), an international cooperation organization based in Montreal and a member of AQOCI.
The panel began with a land acknowledgment, followed by testimonials from young people from diverse backgrounds who are engaged at different levels and in various fields, but united by a common desire to contribute to building a more united, equitable and sustainable world.
Young people who are more engaged and motivated
The discussions highlighted several key elements of youth engagement. Among the main motivations, panellists emphasized the desire to transform anxiety and distress in the face of current crises into concrete actions that bring about change. In many cases, youth engagement also stemmed from participating in major events, both personal and professional, that acted as triggers.
It was mentioned that today’s youth are particularly sensitive to social, environmental and political issues, particularly due to the influence of social media and increased access to information. Regardless of their field of study, youths of this generation demonstrate a heightened awareness of global realities. While the struggles remain similar to those of previous generations, the means of action and mobilization have evolved.
The panel also discussed the possibility of bridging the gap between volunteerism and a professional career, emphasizing that every involvement is an opportunity for learning and skills development. Civic engagement was thus presented as an important asset, both personally and professionally, that young people should not underestimate.
Networking and DPCC’s role
The event concluded with an informal networking activity that allowed participants to interact with different organizations and share their experiences. During these discussions, I noticed that, despite the diversity of their backgrounds, many young people share a deep desire to contribute to their community and bring about concrete change, without always knowing where to start. In this regard, DPCC’s youth program has proven to be a particularly relevant initiative for accompanying young people on their journey of engagement and supporting their mobilization.