Goals for Tomorrow 2026 in Canada | Call for Youth Presenters

Are you a young leader, innovator, artist, activist, entrepreneur, researcher, or community builder making a positive impact in your community? If so, the Goals for Tomorrow 2026 festival is looking for youth presenters from across Canada to share their ideas, projects, experiences, and creative work with a national audience.

Organized by Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC) and The Students Commission of Canada, Goals for Tomorrow is a youth-led virtual festival that celebrates leadership, innovation, global citizenship, international development, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

About Goals for Tomorrow 2026

Goals for Tomorrow: A Canadian Showcase of Youth Innovation will take place virtually on October 17, 2026, bringing together young people from across Canada to explore solutions to social, environmental, and economic challenges.

The festival provides a unique platform for youth to showcase their work, exchange ideas, and inspire others while contributing to meaningful conversations about creating a more sustainable and equitable future.

Why Should You Present?

Selected presenters will have the opportunity to:

* Showcase their work to a national audience
* Connect with youth changemakers from across Canada
* Develop public speaking and leadership skills
* Contribute to important conversations about social change
* Receive recognition for their participation
* Expand their professional and personal networks

This is an excellent opportunity for young people who are passionate about community impact, innovation, sustainability, and youth leadership.

Who Can Apply?

The call is open to young people across Canada who are making a difference in their communities through leadership, innovation, creativity, advocacy, entrepreneurship, research, or community engagement.

Whether you are leading a project, conducting research, creating art, launching a social enterprise, or advocating for change, Goals for Tomorrow welcomes your voice and perspective.

Presentation Formats

Applicants may submit proposals in one or more of the following formats:

* TED-style talks
* Interactive workshops
* Panel discussions
* Creative performances
* Poetry and spoken word presentations
* Photography showcases
* Visual arts exhibitions
* Film and video screenings
* Peer-learning sessions
* Social innovation case studies

The festival encourages diverse and creative approaches to sharing ideas and experiences.

Benefits of Participating

Presenters will gain valuable experience and visibility while engaging with a national network of youth leaders. Participation can help strengthen communication skills, build confidence, and create opportunities for collaboration with like-minded changemakers across Canada.

The event also offers a platform for youth to highlight innovative solutions that support the Sustainable Development Goals and advance positive change within their communities.

Application Deadline

Applications for the Goals for Tomorrow 2026 Call for Youth Presenters must be submitted by:

Deadline: August 26, 2026 (11:59 PM EDT)

Applicants are encouraged to apply early and prepare a compelling proposal that highlights their work, ideas, and impact.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can review the application guidelines and submit their proposals through the official Goals for Tomorrow application portal.

Before applying, be sure to review the presentation formats, eligibility requirements, and frequently asked questions provided by the organizers.

Conclusion

The Goals for Tomorrow 2026 festival is more than just a speaking opportunity—it is a platform for young Canadians to share their ideas, inspire action, and contribute to shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future. Whether you are an innovator, community leader, artist, entrepreneur, researcher, activist, or changemaker, this national virtual festival offers a unique space to amplify your voice and connect with like-minded youth from across the country.

By participating, presenters will gain valuable leadership and public speaking experience, expand their professional networks, and showcase projects that are creating positive social, environmental, and economic impact. The festival also provides an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions around global citizenship, international development, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

If you are passionate about creating change and have a story, idea, project, or initiative worth sharing, this is your chance to make an impact on a national stage. Submit your proposal before the August 26, 2026 deadline and become part of a growing movement of young leaders working to build a better tomorrow for all.

Discover more opportunities like this on the OFY Webpage.