UNA-Canada BYP | Summer 2026

United Nations Association in Canada – Building Young Professionals Experiential Weekend Summer 2026

The United Nations Association in Canada (UNA–Canada) collaborated with COIE to bring their Building Young Professionals (BYP) experiential weekend to Centennial College between July 10–12, 2026. Sponsored by the RBC Foundation, the program brought together aspiring and budding sustainability professionals for three days of experiential learning. Approximately 40 national delegates attended the on-campus program and stayed at Centennial Place Residence Hall, including 8 Centennial College students and alumni. They explored careers in sustainability through two specialized learning streams: Communication & Digital Engagement and Data Management Tools for Sustainable Buildings & Renewable Energy.

The weekend program also featured a public Green Talent Expo & Networking Event, which welcomed more than 150 attendees, including students and alumni, faculty and staff, startup founders, employers, industry experts, community partners, and sustainability professionals. The event provided valuable opportunities for career exploration, professional networking, and meaningful connections between emerging talent and Canada’s sustainability and innovation ecosystem.

“One of the most valuable parts of the weekend was learning alongside people from completely different backgrounds. Hearing diverse perspectives on sustainability broadened my thinking and made the experience truly inspiring.”

– Mingrui Wei (Centennial Innovates research student, current Centennial College student)

Program Highlights

1. The UNA–Canada BYP Experiential Weekend featured two parallel learning streams, allowing participants to develop specialized knowledge while collaborating across interdisciplinary teams.

Stream 1: Communication & Digital Engagement. Participants explored strategies for effective communication, public engagement, digital storytelling, and stakeholder outreach. Through interactive workshops and team activities, students strengthened their skills in communicating sustainability initiatives, engaging diverse audiences, and leveraging digital platforms for impact.

Stream 2: Data Management & Digital Tools. This stream focused on data management, digital technologies, and practical tools that support sustainability and innovation initiatives. Participants gained hands-on experience using data-driven approaches to analyze information, support decision-making, and develop solutions for real-world challenges.

The two learning streams were facilitated by Ridham Chadha (Sustainability Project Coordinator, INVIRO Engineered Systems Ltd.) and Juan Pablo Betancourt Mora (Claims Adjuster, Desjardins Insurance), who delivered engaging, hands-on workshops and guided participants through interactive learning activities. Their expertise, mentorship, and practical instruction helped students develop valuable skills while applying their knowledge to real-world sustainability challenges.

2. Centennial Innovation Showcase & Centennial College Sustainability A-block building Tour

Jonathan Hack, Dean of Centennial Innovates, welcomed participants by sharing his career journey and encouraging students to pursue careers in innovation and sustainability. He also introduced Centennial Innovates, highlighting COIE’s work under the SDG Innovation Lab initiative and its commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-sector collaboration.

Following the presentation, Samantha Corway, Sustainability Manager at Centennial College, led a guided tour of the A Block building, showcasing the College’s sustainable building design, green infrastructure, and environmental initiatives in action.

3. Public Networking & Industry Engagement featured the weekend’s largest public event, including a panel discussion, recognition and certificate presentations, the Green Jobs Fair, industry networking, and speed networking.

Panelists:

• Aki Temiseva, President and CEO, UNA-Canda 
• Huma Pabani, Head of Sustainability, TD Insurance
• Denise Miller, Project Manager & Founder, Revitalizing Our Sustenance Project (ROSP)
• Max Rakov, Principal, Education & Academic Innovation, American Marketing Association (AMA), Toronto
• Bita Pejam, Director of Corporate Strategy, Enedm Inc. 

Another highlight of the weekend was welcoming Toronto City Councillor Neethan Shan, who joined the event to learn more about the United Nations Association in Canada (UNA-Canada) and its impact. During his welcome remarks, he highlighted the importance of empowering young Canadians to become changemakers through leadership, sustainability, and community engagement, recognizing the value of initiatives that inspire the next generation of leaders.

The event also created meaningful opportunities for students to build professional networks, explore career pathways through more than 12 exhibitor booths, and engage directly with employers, entrepreneurs, and innovation ecosystem partners. Through roundtable discussions and guided conversations with professionals across diverse industries, participants gained practical career insights, mentorship, and valuable industry connections.

4. Final Presentations

“Winning felt great. But the people I met, the lessons I learned, and the confidence I gained meant just as much. Not a bad way to make my first LinkedIn post.”

– Sajia Abdur Rahman (Winning team member, undergraduate student at Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador)

The final presentations showcased innovative thinking, strong teamwork, and the practical application of the knowledge gained throughout the weekend. A total of 7 teams, each consisting of approximately 5–6 participants, presented creative solutions to real-world sustainability challenges. Group 3: Strengthening Food Systems in Northern Canada was named the winning team for its proposal to establish a circular food lab in Mayo, Yukon. The project aims to strengthen local food security through sustainable food production, waste reduction, and community collaboration. Winning team members are: 

• Sajid Abdur Rahman (Undergraduate Student, Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador)
• Srijain (Sree-Jane) Shrestha (Working Professional, Fredericton, New Brunswick)
• Florentina Rusli (Undergraduate Student, Simon Fraser University)
• Nicolus Garcia (Founder, ITC Branding)
• Alex Ihama (Summer Intern, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador)
• Nabwami Josephine (Grad Student, University of British Columbia)
• Berenice Kyliane Sonwa Momo (Recent Graduate, Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology)
• Precious Ngbeonyejugboh (Administrative Assistant, Government of Manitoba)

Overall Impact

The UNA–BYP Experiential Weekend successfully connected students with industry, government, academic, and community partners while providing meaningful experiential learning opportunities. For COIE, the partnership:

• Increased Centennial College’s visibility within a national youth innovation network.
• Provided valuable networking opportunities for Centennial students.
• Strengthened relationships with UNA–Canada and ecosystem partners.
• Demonstrated COIE’s leadership in entrepreneurship, innovation, and experiential education.
• Created momentum for future collaborative programming and partnership opportunities.

Thank you to our valued partners and supporters

Centennial College Event Centre, Faculty of Global Business and Creative Industries, Centennial Place, Centennial College’s AV Team, Alumni Office, Sustainability Team, and Centennial Innovates for making this program possible. We also extend our sincere appreciation to all facilitators, speakers, mentors, volunteers, employers, ecosystem partners, and everyone who contributed to this experiential learning experience.

Photo Credits: Photographer Behrooz Seyfi & UNA-BYP 2026 Cohort