COMING JANUARY 2024

Urban Work Summit Vancouver | January 2024

Join us as we assemble a think and do tank for/by youth championed by RBC Future Launch and the Government of Canada.

Application has been extended until December 10th, 2023! For those residing outside of Vancouver, travel, accommodation, and meals are provided. For those who live in Vancouver, travel stipends and meals are included

RBC Future Launch logo in white
Government of Canada logo
Youths presenting at a pitch off event for Future City Builders

Overview

What?

A summit on the future of work in Canadian cities, designed and delivered by young workers, powered by the 2023 Urban Work Index (UWI) – a project championed by RBC Future Launch.

Where?

Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia

When?

January 29-February 1, 2024

Who?

Youth delegates residing in Canada who are under 30 years of age are eligible to join. Sixty delegates will be chosen following our 30+30 model – half of our delegates hail from Vancouver and the other half come from 30 Canadian cities.

Why?

Youth are the centre of New Work, yet they’re rarely given the keys to unlock and drive the future of work, especially in cities. This summit brings together Cities and Youth to navigate the future of work in a post-pandemic environment and create a localized and youth-centered action plan.

The Delegates

The delegates will be 60 young leaders and innovators representing various and multiple sectors and industries, age groups between 18-29, and of different identities.  We will find people that represent through professional, academic, or interests the 10 UWI topics. 

Vancouver Summit Agenda

Summit Day-to-Day Themes

Welcome Night: INSPIRE

  • Before arriving in Vancouver delegates will be engaged in prep work on topics based on their interests, connecting with each other in advance of the Summit.
  • West Coast Welcome and Kickoff Party – Delegates from across Canada will gather in Downtown Vancouver for special introductory evening to Vancouver’s unique arts, culture, and food scene.
A group of youths in Calgary participating in Future City Builders.

Summit Day 1: EXPLORE

A: Where we are AT?  / B: Where do we want to BE?

 

  • The day starts with external expert “provocateurs” to stimulate the conversation.
  • Delegates will analyze data analytics and insights to reflect on the current state of work.
  • Delegates will construct future scenarios on the trajectory of urban work over the next 10 years.
  • We will be reviewing the existing data and knowledge to explore what the delegates believe to be the challenges, stresses, and shocks.
  • This culminates in a creative and interactive way, where we will start mapping out several possible scenarios for the future work in cities.

Summit Day 2: CREATE

C: What can we CREATE?

 

  • This is where they turn their ideas into actionable programs and policy recommendations to help cities prepare for and excel at the future of work.
  • Delegates will explore the potential of innovation, by digging deeper into possible ideas and actions.
  • Delegates will look at making cities attractive for workers and employers specific to the urban context.
Youths working together on a project for Future City Builders.

Summit Day 3: PITCH

D: How do we DELIVER? / Dragon’s Den Pitch Event

 

  • The delegates refine their new concepts in teams leading up to a pitch competition in front of expert judges.
  • The top place prizes include seed funding, expert mentorship sessions, or in-kind donations to help get the winning pitches off the ground.
  • All delegates will gather for a Grande Finale Dinner with 150 special guests to celebrate the outcomes of the Summit.
A youth presenting at a pitch-off event in Hamilton.

National Partners

RBC Future Launch logo
Government of Canada logo

Vancouver Partners

CityHive logo
Hudson Pacific Properties logo
Interested in becoming a partner? Let’s talk!

Who is eligible for the Youth Delegation Program?

This program is open to all young people aged 18 to 29 years old who reside in a Canadian city.

Do I need to be a Canadian citizen?

You do not need to be a Canadian citizen.

Do I need to be enrolled as a student and/or employed?

No. All young people within the age range, regardless of student or employment status, are eligible to apply.

I can’t attend the summit from January 29 to February 1. Can I still be a delegate?

No. You must be able to attend the full summit in order to be eligible for the program.

Will there be a stipend/travel support to attend the summit?

The 30 delegates coming from outside Vancouver will receive a round-trip ticket to and from the summit, accommodation, and meals. For delegates coming from Vancouver,  $300 stipend will be offered to cover transportation and meals.

What is required of a Youth Delegate?

As a delegate, we require you to first attend and participate in 1-2 pre-conference sessions online and undertake a few hours of preparation before the summit.

A team of us have an idea to improve the youthfulness of our city as part of a team effort. Can we all apply?

The application is on an individual basis. If you have a team idea, please select one representative to apply for the summit. We will not take multiple people from the same pre-existing project.

What is the timeline for the application process?

We will accept applications until December 10. Selected applicants will be notified by December 15.

I have another question that isn’t answered here.

Feel free to write to us at info@youthfulcities.com for further clarification.