OWIT-Toronto was pleased to sponsor Youth for Canadian Trade Diversification (YCTD)’s first event of 2026, Empowering Youth, Diversifying Trade. YCTD was founded by Julie Nguyen, Chair of Canada-ASEAN Initiatives at York University and Director of the Canada-Vietnam Trade Council. This organization seeks to empower the next generation to shape Canada’s global trade future, connecting young professionals with expertise in foreign markets to Canadian businesses and stakeholders.

The session included two panels: the first on youth’s role in trade diversification featuring YCTD Youth Representatives moderator Connie Legaspi, The Philippines; Adriana Meriam Elsabel, Indonesia; and Chamilka Wijesinghe, VP, YCTD; and one on support for Canadian trade diversification, moderated by OWIT-Toronto Co-President and featuring Vanessa Donia, Trade Commissioner at the Ontario Regional Office of Global Affairs Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service, Mauricio Ospina, International Market Consultant and Founder of the Canadian Hispanic Business Alliance, and Dr. Olutoyin Oyelade, Founding Partner at Invcap Corporation and President & CEO of Casa Foundation.

Canada’s evolving trade diversification strategy is looking towards emerging markets as key growth areas, leveraging trade agreements, sector-specific developments and geopolitical shifts to expand opportunities. With 15 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in force, Canada has built a strong framework to enhance market access and support businesses abroad. Diversification is increasingly viewed as not only an economic objective but also a strategic imperative to reduce overdependence on single markets and strengthen Canada’s long-term resilience and global positioning.

Since the members of YCTD know so much about other markets, understand the local cultures and have innovative ideas, they can make a great contribution to Canada’s goal of doubling non-US exports by 2035.

Here are some key takeaways from the panels:

• Trade is primarily about human connections.
• Canada should use the talents of YCTD at this critical time of building new global relationships and reinforcing existing ones.
• Latin America is a priority region in the global energy transition, with critical mineral reserves driving demand for infrastructure development and mining modernization alongside cybersecurity capabilities.
• Africa’s youthful demographics and increasing regulatory reforms position it as a high-growth market with expanding opportunities across energy, mining, agriculture, and technology, with deepening potential for strategic partnerships.
• The growing participation of women in leadership and entrepreneurship are reshaping regional trade dynamics, with partnership-based models key to scaling exports by women-led firms.
• Government-supported trade missions, embassy programs, and sector-specific delegations support businesses in reducing market entry risks and building relationships in new markets.