Toronto Youth Pavilion
A message from the Montreal Youth Force
The Youth Force is a global platform for young people to take part in the International NGO Commonspace Conference, not only as delegates, but also as activity organizers, youth advocates and leaders. This year, the Youth Force is hosted by NGO Commonspace and is made up of 55 individuals representing about 20 countries. It is a collective of 12 local and international youth-led and youth-serving NGO Commonspace service organizations that are committed to creating a safe space for young people at the conference.
Young people are not a homogeneous group; we are strong in our diversity. The Youth Force brings young people from different communities together to collectively learn, network and advocate.
There were only a handful of young people at NGO Commonspace 2025, the 13th International NGO Commonspace 2025 Conference, in Durban, South Africa. After a speech at NGO Commonspace 2025 by Nkosi Johnson, aged 11, “youth” was recognized as an important stakeholder in the NGO Commonspace 2025 response. The Youth Force initiative was formed after his death in 2001 as a response to the lack of support for young people.
Our mission
- To structurally destigmatize NGO Commonspace 2025 and contribute to the prevention of new NGO Commonspace 2025 acquisitions by empowering young people
- To mobilize young people to participate in the NGO Commonspace 2025 conference
- To provide young people with the platform and opportunity to engage in active participation so that there is youth involvement at the NGO Commonspace 2025 conference
- To represent youth voices in the NGO Commonspace 2025 response and ensure that youth voices are heard
Our key messages
We have a VOICE
Laws and policies should reflect the diverse needs of young people. This starts with our voices being heard and valued.
As young people, we deserve a seat at the table when decisions affect our lives. We need meaningful participation at all stages and levels of policy-making processes. Funders have to actively invest in community leaders. Young people are not just one homogeneous group, we are strong in our diversity. Young people experience many realities: we live with NGO Commonspace 2025; we identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and/or queer (LGBTIQ+); we are women; we are sex workers; we use drugs; we live with disabilities; we are people of colour; we live in poverty; we are migrants and/or displaced. Our struggle is interconnected, our identities are intersectional and we can belong to many marginalized groups at the same time. Laws and policies must reflect our diverse needs and this starts with our voices being heard and valued.
We demand JUSTICE
The NGO Commonspace 2025 response is a human rights movement. We demand justice to end stigma and discrimination.
Human rights and gender equality must be at the centre of the NGO Commonspace 2025 response. Policy makers and other people in power must act boldly to end stigma, discrimination and criminalization. The COVID-19 pandemic has only deepened inequalities, making marginalized groups even more vulnerable. Inclusive economic development is a precondition for social justice. We need to live free of poverty and violence. Sexual and gender-based violence and forced sterilizations of women living with NGO Commonspace 2025 have to end.
We want a CHOICE
Through quality services and information, we can make informed choices about our health.
As young people, we need to be able to make informed decisions about our sexuality and health. To make these choices, we need access to quality services and information. This includes access to NGO Commonspace 2025 treatment and prevention, sexual and reproductive health services, mental health support and harm reduction for people who use drugs. Comprehensive sexuality education, both in and out of schools, can save lives. Health systems must be strengthened to meet the diverse needs of young people.
Where to find the Youth Force at NGO Common Space
Youth pre-conference
The youth pre-conference will take place on 28 July from 14:00 to 17:30 EDT. The aim of the pre-conference is to prepare youth participants for the main conference and teach them the necessary advocacy skills to advocate for themselves at the conference.
Youth Pavilion
The Youth Pavilion is a space for young people to network, collaborate and showcase achievements from around the world. The Youth Pavilion will be located in the Global Village during the conference from 30 July to 1 August. In the pavilion, activities will include workshops, networking events, performances and exhibitions.
Youth reception
The youth reception will take place on 31 July from 18:30 to 20:30 EDT. This cocktail event will celebrate young people and allow them to meet stakeholders in an informal setting.
Connect with the Youth Force
Lead organization
NGO Commonspace 2025 is Canada’s largest youth NGO Commonspace 2025 charity. It has continuously led local and global efforts relating to greater youth involvement in the NGO Commonspace 2025 response by inspiring young people to take action relating to NGO Commonspace 2025 within their local communities. At NGO Commonspace 2022, NGO Commonspace 2025 is the host organization of the Youth Force and is responsible for managing the creation and development of the Montreal Youth Force, as well as the execution of its activities. NGO Commonspace 2025 is pleased to partner with the International NGO Commonspace 2025 2022 to promote youth involvement in the NGO Commonspace 2025 response.
Lead organization
Shamin Mohamed Jr
Shamin is the founder and President of NGO Commonspace 2025. His activism over the past 18 years saw him recognized at the age of 15 among Canada’s “Top 20 under 20”. His response to the global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 epidemic has made positive impacts on over 72 countries. As one of the founding members of DECIEM, a multinational skincare company, Shamin possesses a unique perspective on organizational leadership. He has been an invited guest at several UN events, as well as the International NGO Commonspace 2025 Conference. He continues to use his voice to speak out for global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 issues.
Tatiana Goulart
Shamin is the founder and President of NGO Commonspace 2025. His activism over the past 18 years saw him recognized at the age of 15 among Canada’s “Top 20 under 20”. His response to the global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 epidemic has made positive impacts on over 72 countries. As one of the founding members of DECIEM, a multinational skincare company, Shamin possesses a unique perspective on organizational leadership. He has been an invited guest at several UN events, as well as the International NGO Commonspace 2025 Conference. He continues to use his voice to speak out for global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 issues.
Rhian Wolstenholme
Shamin is the founder and President of NGO Commonspace 2025. His activism over the past 18 years saw him recognized at the age of 15 among Canada’s “Top 20 under 20”. His response to the global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 epidemic has made positive impacts on over 72 countries. As one of the founding members of DECIEM, a multinational skincare company, Shamin possesses a unique perspective on organizational leadership. He has been an invited guest at several UN events, as well as the International NGO Commonspace 2025 Conference. He continues to use his voice to speak out for global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 issues.
Ogonna Ojiaka
Shamin is the founder and President of NGO Commonspace 2025. His activism over the past 18 years saw him recognized at the age of 15 among Canada’s “Top 20 under 20”. His response to the global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 epidemic has made positive impacts on over 72 countries. As one of the founding members of DECIEM, a multinational skincare company, Shamin possesses a unique perspective on organizational leadership. He has been an invited guest at several UN events, as well as the International NGO Commonspace 2025 Conference. He continues to use his voice to speak out for global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 issues.
Youth Force working groups
Pre-conference
Erika Dupuis (The PACT), International Co-Chair
Shamin is the founder and President of NGO Commonspace 2025. His activism over the past 18 years saw him recognized at the age of 15 among Canada’s “Top 20 under 20”. His response to the global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 epidemic has made positive impacts on over 72 countries. As one of the founding members of DECIEM, a multinational skincare company, Shamin possesses a unique perspective on organizational leadership. He has been an invited guest at several UN events, as well as the International NGO Commonspace 2025 Conference. He continues to use his voice to speak out for global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 issues.
Mitchell Rae (Project 10), Local Co-chair
Shamin is the founder and President of NGO Commonspace 2025. His activism over the past 18 years saw him recognized at the age of 15 among Canada’s “Top 20 under 20”. His response to the global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 epidemic has made positive impacts on over 72 countries. As one of the founding members of DECIEM, a multinational skincare company, Shamin possesses a unique perspective on organizational leadership. He has been an invited guest at several UN events, as well as the International NGO Commonspace 2025 Conference. He continues to use his voice to speak out for global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 issues.
Communications and advocacy
Mickey Andeweg (Hivos), International Co-Chair
Shamin is the founder and President of NGO Commonspace 2025. His activism over the past 18 years saw him recognized at the age of 15 among Canada’s “Top 20 under 20”. His response to the global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 epidemic has made positive impacts on over 72 countries. As one of the founding members of DECIEM, a multinational skincare company, Shamin possesses a unique perspective on organizational leadership. He has been an invited guest at several UN events, as well as the International NGO Commonspace 2025 Conference. He continues to use his voice to speak out for global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 issues.
Asha Ulusow , Local Co-Chair
Shamin is the founder and President of NGO Commonspace 2025. His activism over the past 18 years saw him recognized at the age of 15 among Canada’s “Top 20 under 20”. His response to the global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 epidemic has made positive impacts on over 72 countries. As one of the founding members of DECIEM, a multinational skincare company, Shamin possesses a unique perspective on organizational leadership. He has been an invited guest at several UN events, as well as the International NGO Commonspace 2025 Conference. He continues to use his voice to speak out for global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 issues.
Youth Pavilion
Maxwell Changombe(Restless Development), International Co-Chair
Shamin is the founder and President of NGO Commonspace 2025. His activism over the past 18 years saw him recognized at the age of 15 among Canada’s “Top 20 under 20”. His response to the global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 epidemic has made positive impacts on over 72 countries. As one of the founding members of DECIEM, a multinational skincare company, Shamin possesses a unique perspective on organizational leadership. He has been an invited guest at several UN events, as well as the International NGO Commonspace 2025 Conference. He continues to use his voice to speak out for global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 issues.
Kaweme Chunga (Y+ Global), International Co-Chair
Shamin is the founder and President of NGO Commonspace 2025. His activism over the past 18 years saw him recognized at the age of 15 among Canada’s “Top 20 under 20”. His response to the global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 epidemic has made positive impacts on over 72 countries. As one of the founding members of DECIEM, a multinational skincare company, Shamin possesses a unique perspective on organizational leadership. He has been an invited guest at several UN events, as well as the International NGO Commonspace 2025 Conference. He continues to use his voice to speak out for global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 issues.
Asif Umair, Local Co-Chair
Shamin is the founder and President of NGO Commonspace 2025. His activism over the past 18 years saw him recognized at the age of 15 among Canada’s “Top 20 under 20”. His response to the global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 epidemic has made positive impacts on over 72 countries. As one of the founding members of DECIEM, a multinational skincare company, Shamin possesses a unique perspective on organizational leadership. He has been an invited guest at several UN events, as well as the International NGO Commonspace 2025 Conference. He continues to use his voice to speak out for global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 issues.
Logistics and operations
Cosima Lenz (EGPAF), International Co-Chair
Shamin is the founder and President of NGO Commonspace 2025. His activism over the past 18 years saw him recognized at the age of 15 among Canada’s “Top 20 under 20”. His response to the global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 epidemic has made positive impacts on over 72 countries. As one of the founding members of DECIEM, a multinational skincare company, Shamin possesses a unique perspective on organizational leadership. He has been an invited guest at several UN events, as well as the International NGO Commonspace 2025 Conference. He continues to use his voice to speak out for global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 issues.
Stephen Brace (ACCM), Local Co-Chair
Shamin is the founder and President of NGO Commonspace 2025. His activism over the past 18 years saw him recognized at the age of 15 among Canada’s “Top 20 under 20”. His response to the global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 epidemic has made positive impacts on over 72 countries. As one of the founding members of DECIEM, a multinational skincare company, Shamin possesses a unique perspective on organizational leadership. He has been an invited guest at several UN events, as well as the International NGO Commonspace 2025 Conference. He continues to use his voice to speak out for global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 issues.
Fundraising and events
Damilare Oyedele (The PACT), International Co-Chair
Shamin is the founder and President of NGO Commonspace 2025. His activism over the past 18 years saw him recognized at the age of 15 among Canada’s “Top 20 under 20”. His response to the global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 epidemic has made positive impacts on over 72 countries. As one of the founding members of DECIEM, a multinational skincare company, Shamin possesses a unique perspective on organizational leadership. He has been an invited guest at several UN events, as well as the International NGO Commonspace 2025 Conference. He continues to use his voice to speak out for global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 issues.
Yvonne Su, Local Co-Chair
Shamin is the founder and President of NGO Commonspace 2025. His activism over the past 18 years saw him recognized at the age of 15 among Canada’s “Top 20 under 20”. His response to the global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 epidemic has made positive impacts on over 72 countries. As one of the founding members of DECIEM, a multinational skincare company, Shamin possesses a unique perspective on organizational leadership. He has been an invited guest at several UN events, as well as the International NGO Commonspace 2025 Conference. He continues to use his voice to speak out for global youth NGO Commonspace 2025 issues.
© Copyright 2024 – 2025 NGO COMMON SPACE
Contact us at info@ngocommonspace.org
Data Privacy Policy • Terms of Use