OCIC Youth Policy-Makers Hub Application 2026-2027

Global Citizenship in Action: Civic Space, International Cooperation, and Youth Policy Engagement

The 2026 Youth Policy-Makers Hub (YPH) will explore how global citizenship is enacted through civic participation, inclusive policy processes, and international cooperation. The program will support youth to critically engage with the structures, actors, and institutions that shape public policy and global development.

Through engagement with policymakers, civil society leaders, international development practitioners including within OCIC member organizations, participants will explore ways civic space enables meaningful participation in decision-making at local, national, and global levels.

As a membership-based organization committed to international cooperation and active global citizenship, OCIC recognizes that strong civic space is essential for inclusive and sustainable development. It enables individuals, youth, and civil society organizations to participate in policy processes, contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2030, and influence collective action on global priorities, including climate action, gender equality, and sustainable development.

Through policy dialogues, experiential learning opportunities, leadership development, and participation in sector activities, YPH participants will strengthen their understanding of the relationship between global citizenship, civic space, international cooperation, and policy engagement while building the skills, networks, and confidence needed to contribute to meaningful social change.

Are you:

• Between the ages of 18–35 (by July 31, 2026) and living in Ontario?
• Passionate about gender equality, civic participation, inclusive policy processes, and international cooperation?
• Eager to grow your advocacy and policy engagement skills at local, national, or global levels?

If yes, we invite you to apply!

What You Can Expect as a YPH Member:

Building on the efforts of past YPH cohorts, this year’s program will provide opportunities to:

• Collaborate with diverse youth and civil society organizations (CSOs), including feminist, community-based, and global partners to strengthen understanding of global citizenship’s role in shaping international cooperation and policy processes.
• Deepen your understanding of civic space in enabling inclusive governance, climate action, gender equality, and emerging policy issues such as artificial intelligence.
• Learn about and engage with government and intergovernmental organizations and their global Initiatives (such as the Canada-Africa Strategy, Canada’s AI Strategy, and global civil space frameworks) through OCIC’s virtual ‘Policy Matters’ series 
• Knowledge exchange through virtual ‘Coffee Chats’, exploring how youth engage in policy processes at local, regional, national, and international levels 
• Strengthen your advocacy, policy analysis, leadership, and networking skills while building relationships across Canada’s international cooperation sector

YPH members are expected to contribute 2–5 hours per week by participating in:

• peer-to-peer knowledge exchange through ongoing virtual ‘Coffee Chats’ (starting October 2026)
• virtual ‘Policy Matters’ learning series (starting October 2026), with a focus on understanding civic action for global citizenship
• an in-person retreat in Toronto with a focus on skills-building in the area of policy advocacy (November  2026)
• virtual and in person sector events, policy dialogues, and delegations hosted by OCIC and its members, including events such as the Ottawa Civic Space Summit.
• engaging with OCIC members and partners working across international cooperation, humanitarian response, climate justice, gender equality, and global citizenship
• networking opportunities with policy-makers, OCIC members and sector leaders

About the Application Process:

Applications for the YPH from youth representing historically marginalized communities and those who are mis- or under-represented in policy and advocacy spaces will have priority, as well as those residing outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Comment postuler:

As an equity seeking organization, OCIC encourages individuals who represent the full diversity of communities in Canada, including complexities of intersecting identities such as ability, age, class, gender, race and sexual orientation, to apply. Please let us know if you have any needs for accommodation throughout the process by reaching out to [email protected].

Deadline: The application period to join OCIC’s Youth Policy-Makers Hub will close Friday, July 31 2026 at 5:00 pm EST.

Please note that applications will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of OCIC staff, Youth Policy Makers Hub alumni, and members of the Council. All applicants can expect to hear back from OCIC by Monday, August 31, 2026.

Is the YPH for you?

Visit the YPH page to see what the 2025-2026 cohort were up to.

For an accessible version of the application form, please click the following link:

OCIC Youth Policy-Makers Hub Application 2026-2027