By Tricia Gueulette
Every year on August 12th, the world comes together to celebrate International Youth Day, a United Nations initiative. It’s a day dedicated to shining a light on critical issues affecting young people globally and recognizing their immense potential as vital partners in shaping our shared future. More than just an observance, it’s a powerful affirmation of the role young people play in driving positive change and tackling complex challenges worldwide.
This Year’s Theme: “Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation Through Technology and Partnerships”
The 2025 theme, “Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation Through Technology and Partnerships,” underscores a crucial shift: young people aren’t just passive recipients of policies; they’re active agents of progress and innovation. With their innate digital fluency and pioneering spirit, they are at the forefront of global collaboration. From climate change and poverty to health crises, peace and security, and economic inequality, young innovators and leaders are leveraging digital tools and platforms to connect and collaborate across borders. Their active engagement in international cooperation and diverse partnerships is fundamental to building a more connected, collaborative, and sustainable world for everyone.
What This Means for Victoria’s Youth
The global focus on youth engagement resonates strongly here in the Capital Regional District, offering exciting opportunities for our local community. As Victoria’s youth engage with international issues, it naturally elevates awareness within our broader community about interconnected global challenges and the critical importance of international cooperation. Young people from Victoria’s diverse backgrounds can bring unique and valuable perspectives to global discussions, fostering richer conversations and promoting more inclusive solutions. Collaborating on global projects can cultivate a shared sense of purpose and connection among Victoria’s youth, thereby strengthening local networks and community spirit. A city that provides meaningful opportunities for youth to engage globally becomes more attractive to young people seeking dynamic and impactful experiences, helping to retain bright minds within Victoria. Moreover, Victoria’s proactive youth engagement in multilateral cooperation through technology and partnerships can bolster the city’s reputation as a forward-thinking and globally conscious community.
Opportunities for Engagement in Victoria
Several organizations in and around Victoria are already providing excellent avenues for youth to get involved in international and local cooperation:
- British Columbia Council for International Cooperation (BCCIC): This key organization actively engages British Columbians, particularly youth, in international development and global issues, frequently offering events, training, and networking opportunities with civil society organizations.
- International Institute for Child Rights and Development (IICRD) at Royal Roads University: While focused on child rights, IICRD often involves empowering young people and communities internationally, providing valuable learning and engagement opportunities.
- CISV Victoria: As a local chapter of a global organization, CISV promotes peace education through intercultural friendship, cooperation, and understanding with programs for children and youth.
- Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA Victoria): ICA Victoria offers a range of youth and family services, including programs for newcomer youth that foster community building and engagement, often connecting youth with diverse cultural backgrounds.
- City of Victoria Youth Council: This council empowers young people to act as leaders in their community, influencing local policy and ensuring youth perspectives are heard by City Council—an excellent starting point for developing skills applicable to broader cooperation.
- University of Victoria and Royal Roads University: Both institutions frequently host events, lectures, and academic programs related to international relations, sustainable development, and global affairs, offering valuable resources for youth interested in these areas. The Canadian International Council (CIC) Victoria Branch also partners with UVic and Royal Roads for international affairs events.
- Plan International Canada: This national organization offers various youth programs and advocacy campaigns focused on global issues such as children’s rights, gender equality, and climate action, providing opportunities for Canadian youth to engage with global decision-makers.
- VIDEA: A Victoria-based organization, VIDEA is dedicated to ending global poverty and building a more just and equitable world. They focus on decolonization, social justice, human rights, climate justice, and gender justice, specifically working to create environments where youth and communities have access to education, skills, and support to take leadership in developing sustainable solutions.
International Youth Day serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role young people play in shaping our world. Here in the Capital Regional District, the opportunities for our youth to engage globally are abundant, promising a more connected, collaborative, and prosperous future for all.
Ensuring Youth Have a Voice in the Capital Regional District
Despite these opportunities, there’s significant evidence suggesting that youth are leaving Southern Vancouver Island (and BC in general) due to the high cost of living, particularly housing. In the Capital Region, jobs that pay a high enough wage for a young person to thrive are few and far between. I am currently experiencing this with my own children who are looking for opportunities to thrive, and who are having a real struggle finding it here. While some sectors in BC (like tech and healthcare) offer higher wages, the general wage landscape for youth hasn’t kept pace with the rapidly increasing cost of living. For instance, the “living wage” for Greater Victoria (the hourly amount two parents with two children need to earn to meet basic expenses) was $25.40/hour in 2023, increasing to $26.78 in 2024. This is significantly higher than BC’s minimum wage of $17.40.
This means that even full-time work at minimum wage, or even somewhat above it, is not enough to live comfortably, especially for a single person or a family. One report states that a person making minimum wage in Victoria must spend 40% of their monthly income on rent, and 50% of those aged 18 to 34 are considering leaving BC due to housing affordability.
Thriving Locally: Addressing Affordability and Economic Opportunities
Victoria can best empower its youth to both thrive locally and engage globally by tackling the root causes of youth outmigration while simultaneously boosting opportunities for global connection and skill development. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; it demands a multi-faceted approach from government, educational institutions, community organizations, and the private sector.
For young people to build a future in Victoria, we need to create an environment where they can afford to live and find meaningful work. Regarding affordable housing solutions, we must accelerate the construction of diverse, affordable housing, prioritizing purpose-built rental housing, co-operative models, and innovative solutions that cater to young people’s incomes, including everything from studios to shared living arrangements and family-friendly units. It’s also crucial to incentivize developers to build affordable housing through density bonuses or expedited permitting, and to continuously advocate for increased provincial and federal funding for affordable housing initiatives. Beacon is currently exploring innovating housing models that could help young people stay in Greater Victoria while fostering vibrant, connected communities. You can read more about this here.
In terms of Job Creation and Living Wages, we should support economic development, encouraging industries with higher-paying jobs to open their businesses here, encouraging growth in sectors like tech, clean energy, and specialized healthcare that can offer wages closer to a living wage. Promoting skilled trades and apprenticeships is vital; investing in training programs will equip youth with in-demand skills for well-paying local jobs. Expanding co-op and internship programs will create more paid, relevant work experience for youth in Victoria, connecting them directly with local employers.
For accessible and affordable education/training, it’s important to ensure post-secondary education remains accessible. Stable or reduced tuition fees and expanded bursary and scholarship programs specifically for Victoria’s youth are important. Fostering stronger ties between educational institutions and local businesses will ensure curriculum aligns with current and future job market demands. Finally, supporting youth entrepreneurship by providing resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities can empower young people to start their own businesses right here in Victoria.
International Youth Day serves as a powerful annual reminder of the indispensable role young people play in shaping our collective future. For the Capital Regional District, this means not only celebrating the vibrant potential of our local youth to engage in global cooperation through technology and partnerships, but also critically addressing the pressing issues of affordability and economic opportunity that directly impact their ability to thrive here. By fostering an environment where young people can afford to live, find meaningful work, and actively participate in both local and global initiatives, Victoria can truly empower its youth, ensuring they remain a vital force in building a more connected, collaborative, and sustainable world for everyone.