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Paving the Way for our Future: Introducing Concordia Future

Speaker:

Telma Ortiz, Associate Manager of External Relations and Strategy, Concordia

“It is incumbent upon each and every one of us to empower youth voices and convert the fear that many of the younger generation feel into hope and optimism. To give this generation the real opportunity to be a part of the solutions to many of the problems that we and the generations before us are responsible for. To be the change makers of today without waiting for tomorrow.” Telma Ortiz

Key takeaways:

  • Importance of youth engagement: The Concordia Future initiative emphasizes the need for young people to be actively involved in shaping their future and address global issues through engagement, dialogue, action, and education. 
  • Focus on critical issues: The initiative prioritizes mental health, climate crisis, and digital safety as key areas of concern for the younger generation.
  • Role of partnerships: Public-private partnerships are vital for empowering youth and ensuring their voices are heard in important discussions and decision-making processes. Collaboration between governments, NGOs, and businesses can amplify the impact of youth-led initiatives.
  • Inclusion: Fostering inclusion and cultural diplomacy is a means to bring people together and improve relations across different cultures, fostering a more connected global community.
  • Educational access: Access to education is critical for empowering young citizens to participate in society and contribute to local and national economies.

Action items:

  • Enhance youth participation: Governments, NGOs, and businesses should create platforms and opportunities for youth, involving youth participation in policy-making and community development initiatives..
  • Address key issues: Implement programs and educational initiatives focused on mental health support, climate action, and digital safety to address the pressing concerns of young people.
  • Foster public-private partnerships: Encourage collaboration between public and private sectors to support those projects and initiatives that address the issues the youth community faces. Likewise, developing funding mechanisms and resources to sustain these partnerships and ensure long-term impact.
  • Promote inclusion and cultural diplomacy: Promote and support the bringing together of youth representatives from different cultural backgrounds to foster connections, understanding and cooperation.

  • Expand educational opportunities: Increase access to quality education for all young people. As well as, investing in digital learning tools and resources to bridge the education gap and ensure inclusive learning environments.

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