International Year of Youth

During the question period, youth from Canada's Capital Region were not shy to share what needs to be done within their community in order to improve their quality of life within their Capital.

As part of her “Can We Talk” series, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, launched at Rideau Hall the United Nations International Year of Youth: Dialogue and Mutual Understanding with a Youth Dialogue on Tuesday, August 10, 2010.

Over 130 enthusiastic youth leaders, as well as local public officials and business leaders will join Her Excellency to discuss the importance of empowering youth. The aim is to encourage youth to contribute to a more inspiring, youth-friendly and inclusive National Capital Region.

Melissa Hammell from the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health perfomed an Aboriginal welcoming song in front of participants.

This event set the stage for five additional Governor General's Youth Dialogues to be held across the country in August and September 2010. The Governor General’s Youth Dialogues “Can We Talk” series focuses on galvanizing young Canadians in every part of the country to become catalysts of hope, creativity and social transformation. Her Excellency shares the ideas and perspectives presented during the dialogues with decision-makers.

The Youth Dialogue was presented in collaboration with the National Capital Commission (NCC)and the United Nations Association in Canada (UNA-Canada).

On December 18, 2009, a United Nations General Assembly resolution proclaimed the International Year of Youth: Dialogue and Mutual Understanding, to commence on August 12, 2010. The International Year is about advancing the full and effective participation of youth in all aspects of society—to better understand the needs and concerns of youth and to recognize the contributions that they can make to society.