“Standing in that 3×3 metre booth, sharing stories from communities in Nigeria, Uganda, and Canada reminded me why I do this work. WSSD2 affirmed that sustainable development is most powerful when young people are not only consulted, but entrusted as collaborators and leaders.”
The Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2) convenes governments, civil society, and youth leaders from around the world to advance global commitments to social inclusion, decent work, and equitable development under the UN framework. In November 2025, MPPGA student Esther C. K. Nnorom joined the official Canadian delegation alongside federal representatives, municipal leaders, and youth organizations to contribute to discussions on social protection, labour rights, and youth-centred policy.
What Led Me to This Experience:
My path to WSSD2 is rooted in my academic work at UBC’s Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs program and my long-standing commitment to youth empowerment through Kucheli Foundation and Help From Above Canada. The MPPGA program strengthened my ability to analyze global governance structures and design evidence-informed social policies, skills that proved invaluable in navigating high-level UN processes.
This Summit also built on earlier international engagements. Earlier in 2025, I also served as a Canadian delegate to the UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), where I participated in ministerial dialogues, thematic SDG sessions, and bilateral meetings that contributed to Canada’s multi-stakeholder reporting. As part of the Young Diplomats of Canada delegation, we prepared and submitted a final report outlining youth perspectives and recommendations. This report was formally shared with Employment and Social Development Canada’s Sustainable Development Goals Unit and the federal departments involved in the 2030 Agenda Implementation Plan, where it will inform Canada’s future participation in UN processes.
Together, these academic and international experiences provided a strong foundation for meaningful engagement at WSSD2, where discussions moved from reviewing SDG progress toward shaping a forward-looking political declaration.
Standout Moment: Showcasing My Work at the Exhibition Booth in WSSD2
One of the most transformative and personally meaningful moments was being selected by the UN Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY) to exhibit my work at the Children and Youth Inclusion Action Lab, Booth 26, during the WSSD2 at the Qatar National Convention Centre. MGCY accepted my proposal to showcase the combined impact of the Kucheli Foundation, Help From Above Canada, and my ongoing global development project through my new book, Where the Shoe Hurts. Being able to present these initiatives focusing on youth empowerment, community-led development, and evidence-based social impact to an international audience was extraordinary. The exhibition required in-person presence, preparation of all materials, and active engagement with delegates, diplomats, and young change makers from around the world.
Standing in that 3×3 metre booth, sharing stories from communities in Nigeria, Uganda, and Canada, reminded me why I do this work. Dozens of attendees approached to learn about grassroots leadership, youth capacity-building, and the power of community-driven solutions. Several conversations opened doors to potential future partnerships, especially with youth networks passionate about connecting policy innovation with grassroots impact.
For me, this moment encapsulated the spirit of WSSD2: global dialogue grounded in lived realities.
Other Memorable Moments at WSSD2
Canada’s official side event, Inclusive Policies, National Impact: Tackling Youth Unemployment in the Age of AI, was a highlight that resonated deeply with my policy interests. The panel brought together youth voices and multilateral leaders to examine the future of decent work amid rapid technological change issues closely tied to my professional experience in youth development through Kucheli Foundation and Help From Above Canada, as well as my broader policy interests within the MPPGA program.
Another meaningful aspect of WSSD2 was the opportunity to engage with fellow members of the Canadian delegation. Whether in side events, between sessions, or during evening gatherings, these conversations gave me a clearer sense of how different actors contribute to shaping Canada’s positions at global forums. The delegation’s diversity, spanning federal representatives, municipal leaders, youth organizations, and civil society partners, added depth to these interactions and created an environment rich with collaboration and learning.
Witnessing the adoption of the Summit’s political declaration was another powerful moment. It underscored the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing inequalities and reflected the collective urgency to build a more socially inclusive global future.
Connecting This Experience to My Academic and Career Goals
WSSD2 reinforced my long-term aspiration to work in international policy spaces, particularly those connected to inclusive development and social well-being. The Summit’s themes, ranging from social protection to inclusive development, aligned closely with the policy analysis, global systems thinking, and equity-focused training I have developed in the MPPGA. This foundation helped me understand the broader implications of global social development discussions at WSSD2.
It also strengthened my belief in bridging grassroots leadership with global policy-making, an approach that shapes Kucheli Foundation, Help From Above Canada, and Where the Shoe Hurts.
