Youth Global Citizen Prize
2023 Youth Global Citizen Prize
Calling All Young Canadians
Share with us: What makes a Global Citizen for you?
The United Nations Association in Canada (UNA-Canada) is proud to announce its third call for submissions for the Youth Global Citizen Prize. An annual prize with a $2 000 award.
With this award, UNA-Canada honours staffer and delegation head Stéphanie Lacroix, with delegates Micah Messent, Danielle Moore and Angela Rehhorn – all fine young Canadians, who shared the excitement and optimism of working to improve our world by making their lives serve as an inspiration to their peers. They were lost in the tragic crash on March 10th , 2019 of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 en route to meetings of the UN Environmental Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya. These luminous people were compassionate leaders, dedicated to the conviction that they could build a better future for our country and the global community. They knew they could make the world a little better through their actions. They set an example! These remarkable and courageous young Canadians will be forever remembered.
APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED NOW.
2023 Youth Global Citizen Prize Winner
The United Nations Association in Canada (UNA-Canada) is pleased to announce the winner of its 2023 Youth Global Citizen Prize. UNA-Canada invited young Canadians between the ages of 18 and 30 to share their perspectives on what qualities, for them, makes a Global Citizen. The jury had an array of thoughtful, inspiring, and innovative submissions, in a spectrum of creative formats, for consideration.
The winner of the $2000 prize is Anthony Zhong for his video Reimagining Global Citizenship. Anthony is a medical student and public health researcher currently at Harvard University whose home is in Ottawa, Ontario. He is passionate about strengthening health systems and confronting transnational health risks through science and diplomacy.
Anthony is an active member of the Canadian Public Health Association and previously worked at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to inform federal science policy. He served as a delegate to the World Bank Group/International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings and further supports the country's delegations to the World Health Assembly and Pan American Health Organization Directing Council.
Anthony's creative video grapples with the contradictions embedded within the notion of "global citizenship" and invites the viewer to re-envision it in the face of pandemics and war.
“'Understanding our place in the world is a journey that takes many twists and turns. The Young Global Citizen Award recognizes exceptional youth who have taken the first step along their unique path and who are ready to share their experience with us all” – Jaime Webbe, UNA-Canada CEO.
With this award, UNA-Canada honours staffer and delegation head Stéphanie Lacroix, with delegates Micah Messent, Danielle Moore and Angela Rehhorn – all fine young Canadians, who shared the excitement and optimism of working to improve our world by making their lives serve as an inspiration to their peers. They were lost in the tragic crash on March 10th , 2019 of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 en route to meetings of the UN Environmental Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya. These luminous people were compassionate leaders, dedicated to the conviction that they could build a better future for our country and the global community. They knew they could make the world a little better through their actions. They set an example! These remarkable and courageous young Canadians will be forever remembered.
A call for submissions towards our 2024 Youth Global Citizen Prize will be available in late spring on our website (www.unac.org)
UNA-Canada asked young Canadians
"What do you think makes a Global Citizen?"
UNA-Canada invited young Canadians between the ages of 18 and 30 to share their perspectives on what qualities, for them, makes a Global Citizen. UNA-Canada received an abundance of thoughtful, inspiring, and innovative submissions, in a spectrum of creative formats, for jury consideration.
"Across the United Nations, youth are increasingly given a platform to engage and effect our common future. I truly believe that in addition to amplifying the voice of young Canadians we, at UNA-Canada, have the responsibility to give youth an opportunity to listen and learn from others. When you’re not nominated to speak on behalf of anyone, you’re obligated to listen on behalf of everyone". - Jaime Webbe, President & CEO of UNA-Canada
Previous Winners
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Monique Sereneo
2020 Youth Global Citizen Laureate
The winner of the $2000.00 prize is Monique Sereneo for her evocative video “We are all Stardust”. Originally from Winnipeg, Monique is currently living in Calgary where she works for the marketing and communications team at the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations, an organization focused on strengthening the non-profit sector through research, advocacy, and programming. She volunteers for YYC Growers + Distributors, the Calgary Migratory Species Response Team, and serves on the Board of Directors for Volunteer Airdrie.
“As someone who hopes to live a life aligned with the values of global citizenship, it's an honour to have my submission selected for the 2020 Youth Global Citizen Prize. I truly believe that global citizenship is a lifelong journey, and I hope my video helps to impart the idea that there is value in simply being able to recognize that a better world is possible and taking small, but definite steps to achieve it".
Nicole Pinto
Honourable Mention
Given the wealth of thought and perspectives among the submissions, the jury also opted to give an Honourable Mention to Nicole Pinto for her powerful poem “To be a Global Citizen”.
Originally from Ontario, Nicole is also in Calgary, as a Research Associate at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy.
“Contemplating the question ‘What makes a global citizen?’ has convinced me all the more that global citizenship is not earned, and is rather, a born right and responsibility. I have come to realize that humanity is vibrant and diverse, but that there is certainly more that brings us together than drives us apart. This shared bond is what makes us all global citizens”.
Laura Chapman
2022 Youth Global Citizen Laureate
The winner of the $2000.00 prize is Laura Chapman for her video Be Here, Now. A graduate of the University of British Columbia with a bachelor's degree in International Relations, Laura lived in three different countries while pursuing her studies, which cemented her love for the world around her and cultivating connections with the people in it. Her greatest passion is humanity. Through her work, she hopes to move toward a more tangible sense of togetherness.
“My video encapsulates my love for meditation and grounding: attributes I believe have allowed me to connect deeper with others”.
What makes a global citizen to you?
UNA-Canada accepts and reviews submissions from young Canadians for this new Prize. We are looking to recognize thoughtful, innovative and creative submissions as you seek to understand and engage on shared global issues. Initiatives can cover the spectrum of creative methods. Tell or show us your answer. The only rules?
• You must be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident of Canada, International Student or Refugee in Canada, between ages 18-30
• You must submit your ‘answer’ to UNA-Canada by midnight December 31, 2021
• Your submission can be an 800 word essay, a poem, a piece of art, a song, a dance (video) or other format of choice
• Your submission will become the property of UNA-Canada to display or share, with credit to you, of course
• All works submitted must be original and belong to the owner/creator who is submitting.