By Lovelie Licette, Youth Representative in Edmundston, N.B.
As part of its engagement and awareness-raising activities, the Youth Leader Program (ages 18–35) of Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada organized an event entitled “Youth in Action in Solidarity: Discovering Southern Communities and Implementing Sustainable Solutions,” on April 11, 2026, at the Mgr. W.J. Conway Public Library in Edmundston, N.B.
The event aimed to provide young adults and anyone interested a space for reflection and discussion on issues of international solidarity. Through videos and visual testimonies, participants gained a better understanding of the realities faced by different communities in the Global South. The topics covered highlighted several major challenges facing these populations, including poverty, the effects of pollution, and difficulties stemming from a lack of resources and institutional support.
This content helped raise awareness and encouraged critical reflection on global inequalities. The discussions that followed the screenings were particularly rich and dynamic. Participants showed great interest in the topics presented and shared their impressions. This interaction helped create an atmosphere of openness, dialogue, and collective engagement.
The event was a resounding success and took place in a friendly and inspiring atmosphere. It served not only to inform but also to rally participants around the values of social justice, solidarity and civic responsibility.
It is important to note that the youth group behind this initiative was founded in January 2026. This gathering was thus its very first official activity. This first step marks a promising start for the group, which hopes to continue its commitment by organizing other awareness-raising and action-oriented activities in the coming months.
By fostering an understanding of global realities and encouraging youth involvement, such initiatives help build a community that is more aware, united and committed to a more just and sustainable world.