Kofi Annan, Stephen Lewis and David Suzuki in Montreal Thursday

For many people, the university experience is all about taking massive bong hits, compiling one-night stand statistics and drinking wine out of Coke cans. However, for some pupils of higher learning, post-secondary education can be a time to acquire a greater knowledge of the outside world and learn skills that outrank any midterm.

One such place where this awareness is brewing is Youth Action Montreal. Founded in 2006 by two Concordia students, the not-for-profit organization encourages college and university students to get involved in community development with its simple mantra: local action, global results. The organization hosts an annual conference that brings together student-led initiatives and charismatic speakers, with past guests including David Suzuki and Al Gore. 

This month, Youth Action Montreal is preparing a rather epic event entitled “Living Your Legacy: A Youth Summit on Community Engagement”, with Suzuki returning as a keynote speaker alongside seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan and co-founder of AIDS Free World Stephen Lewis. Annan is also a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Suzuki an inductee of the Order of Canada and Lewis a recipient of the Health and Human Rights Award from Columbia University. Just a few of the accolades bestowed upon three men who’ve been working tirelessly for decades. Now, they’ll share their wisdom with a generation of activists who are just beginning to work towards change. And some might argue that’s even more important than frosh nights and Phi Beta Kappa toga parties.

Living Your Legacy: A Youth Summit on Community Engagement
April 28
Palais des congrès | 1001, place Jean-Paul Riopelle
youthactionmontreal.org