United For Change

A powerful three-day virtual event bringing together experts, advocates, and community voices from across Canada and beyond.

Connecting Diversity, Equity, and the SDGs

United for Change was a powerful three-day virtual event that brought together experts, advocates, and community voices from across Canada and beyond. The event explored the critical intersections of climate action, social equity, and sustainability, with the overarching goal of advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through engaging panels, workshops, and dialogues, participants gained insights, exchanged ideas, and collaborated on actionable solutions to drive forward a just and sustainable future.

What Attendees Experienced

Over the course of three impactful days, participants explored diverse themes through discussions and interactive sessions led by thought leaders and practitioners. With a focus on climate justice, equitable community pathways, and youth leadership, the event offered a platform for transformative learning and meaningful connections. Networking opportunities allowed participants to share perspectives, build partnerships, and work collectively toward change.

Who Attended

The event welcomed community advocates, climate leaders, policy experts, youth activists, and others committed to equity, sustainability, and social change. United for Change was designed to elevate diverse voices and experiences, helping shape important dialogues and inspire collective action.

Agenda Highlights & Themes

Made possible through the support of the Government of Canada, United for Change emphasized the importance of diversity, equity, and sustainable action for all. The event was free and open to all who were eager to drive change toward a more inclusive and resilient world.

Theme: Delving into how climate resilience can be integrated into social impact services and centering Indigenous knowledge in environmental action.

Day 1 of United for Change highlighted the deep interconnection between climate justice and equity, featuring a panel discussion on climate resilience in social programs, workshops on centering Black voices and migrant workers’ rights, and presentations on Indigenous storytelling, art, clean energy, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Insights from diverse voices, including environmental engineers, emergency planners, and frontline advocates, emphasized community-led climate adaptation, the structural inequities faced by marginalized populations, and the need for cross-sectoral coalitions. Key takeaways included the importance of Indigenous knowledge, holistic and intersectional approaches to resilience, and the necessity of equitable participation in climate action. Outcomes from the day included over 90% of participants reporting increased understanding of inclusive climate resilience, new connections with organizations such as TRCA and UNESCO’s Inclusive Policy Lab, and clear opportunities for Skills for Change to deepen its role in policy advocacy, community engagement, and capacity-building for underserved communities facing the brunt of climate impacts.

  • Opening Remarks (9:15 am – 10:00 am)
    Kickstart the day with opening comments setting the tone for insightful discussions on climate justice and equity.
  • Panel: Integrating Climate Resilience into Social Impact Programs and Services (10:00 am – 11:30 am)
    A comprehensive panel focusing on how climate resilience can be embedded into social services, including support for immigrants, housing, and Indigenous communities.
  • Presentations (11:45 am – 1:00 pm)
    • Bringing Black Voices to the Front of Climate Action and Building Community Resilience
    • Reflections on Changes to Settlement Experiences Through the Years
    • The Interconnections of Sustainability, Reconciliation, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Afternoon Presentations (2:00 pm – 3:15 pm)
    • Settlement Service Response to Support Newcomers and Refugees Impacted by Environmental Crises
    • Exploring the Intersections of Climate Change and the Role of Art
    • Migrant Workers and the Farm Ecosystem in Canada

The first day will conclude with a Daily Closing Session (3:15 pm – 3:30 pm) summarizing key insights and takeaways.

Theme: Exploring representation in sustainability, green job opportunities for underserved communities, and the role of diverse voices in environmental justice.

Day 2 of United for Change focused on the systemic challenges and opportunities in creating equitable access to careers and leadership within the sustainability sector. The sessions featured speakers from organizations like Diversity in Sustainability, the David Suzuki Foundation, GTAA, and grassroots initiatives who shared their lived experiences and strategic insights. Discussions emphasized barriers faced by Black, Indigenous, and racialized individuals in entering and thriving in sustainability-related fields—from limited access to networks and mentorship, to credentialing systems and exclusion from decision-making spaces. The day also explored how organizations can embed DEI principles into their environmental work, the role of micro-credentials, the value of wraparound supports for youth, and the urgent need for participatory, community-led programming. A powerful thread throughout the day was the call to reimagine environmental leadership by centering intersectionality, equity, and social justice.

  • Opening Remarks (9:00 am – 9:30 am)
    A welcome session to set the context for the day’s focus on local sustainability and pathways for equitable development.
  • Panel: The Value of and Need for Diverse Representation in the Sustainability Sector (9:30 am – 11:00 am)
    Delve into how diverse voices and representation are essential for inclusive strategies in sustainability.
  • Presentations (11:15 am – 12:30 pm)
    • Green Jobs and Economic Opportunities for Underserved Groups: A Bridge2Work Program Model
    • Fostering the Next Generation of Green Leaders
    • Advancing Racial and Gender Equity in Climate Action
  • Workshops & Presentations (1:30 pm – 3:00 pm)
    • Navigating Mental Health and Environmental Stressors
    • Youth Climate Action Initiative: A Program for Youth Engagement in Community Climate Resilience
    • Eco-Fair: An interactive session showcasing community-led sustainability initiatives.
  • Collaborative Calls to Action (3:00 pm – 4:45 pm)
    Interactive sessions that bring participants together to discuss actionable solutions and collective strategies.
  • Networking Reception (4:30 pm – 5:30 pm)
    Conclude the day with opportunities for attendees to connect, share insights, and build partnerships.

Theme: Empowering young changemakers to lead in climate action, addressing mental health in environmental contexts, and fostering youth engagement in sustainable careers.

The final day of United for Change centered youth voices and intergenerational leadership in the climate movement, with a focus on sustainability careers, Indigenous knowledge systems, and human-centered approaches to climate resilience. The day featured a panel of speakers from the grassroots, SME, and environmental sectors who shared insights on workplace sustainability practices, youth engagement, and equitable workforce strategies. Discussions highlighted the increasing relevance of human sustainability, work-life balance, skill-based hiring, and climate literacy. Youth-focused calls to action emphasized the need for stronger civic engagement, access to green career pathways, and practical skills development—particularly for high school and post-secondary students. Indigenous knowledge keeper Eve delivered a powerful reflection on land stewardship, free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC), and the spiritual responsibilities to future generations. The day closed with collective reflections on allyship, decolonization, and how to move beyond land acknowledgments to build genuine, respectful relationships with Indigenous communities.

  • Opening Remarks (11:00 am – 11:15 am)
    A brief welcome setting the tone for a day focused on youth-driven sustainability initiatives and leadership.
  • Panel: Navigating the Green Economy – Pathways to Youth Careers in Sustainability (11:15 am – 12:30 pm)
    A panel discussion exploring career opportunities for youth in the emerging green economy.

Presentations & Workshops (1:30 pm – 2:45 pm)

  • Presentation: Indigenous Wisdom for Climate Action: Bridging Tradition and Innovation
    • Workshop: Managing Burnout in the Climate Space: Finding Balance for Youth Leaders
    • Workshop: Climate Conversations: Mastering Communication for Impact
  • Networking Activity (3:00 pm – 3:45 pm)
    An interactive session for participants to build connections and share experiences.
    • Collaborative Calls to Action (3:45 pm – 4:30 pm)
      Discussions aimed at actionable strategies for youth involvement in sustainability.
  • Closing (4:30 pm – 5:00 pm)
    Concluding remarks and reflections for the day.
funded by govenerment of canada logo

This event is made possible by the Government of Canada.

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