A local youth activist is hoping to share the voices of youth from across the globe at the upcoming G7 Summit in Kananaskis.
Grade 11 student Nolan Asplund took to social media in the spring to gather input from youth locally and internationally on a range of topics and issues they want world leaders to address.
From the feedback collected, Asplund developed a presentation to deliver at the G7 Summit, which included housing, inflation, infrastructure, youth programs, environmental issues, climate change, and how to work towards a sustainable future for everyone.
A common topic that kept coming up was polarization and the political divide.
“World leaders are among the most influential people in the world, and if leaders are actively spreading messages of hate, it's only going to become more normalized,” Asplund said. “Addressing that and then ending that is incredibly important. If there is hate we're not going to get anything done.”
Asplund was inspired to launch the initiative as he is passionate about ensuring youth have a voice, ensuring their voices are heard, and that youth are entering a society and an economy where they can thrive.
“It's incredibly important to me because as a youth I’m nervous about what the future is going to hold politically and economically. We're living in such unprecedented times and everyone is vulnerable,” he said. “World leaders are at the forefront of changing that. It's incredibly important to see the change in ending polarization, more climate action, and addressing climate change.”
Asplund recently met with Okotoks Mayor Tanya Thorn to discuss the initiative and is hopeful to meet with local MLAs and MPs to gain their perspectives and guidance.
If Asplund is not able to present at the G7 Summit, he is hopeful to have the opportunity at next year's event.
“Even though that may seem like a long time away, it gives us more time to gather perspectives and strengthen our arguments and overall wants,” he said. “I can guarantee they will change a lot throughout this next year.”