IMPAC5 Young Professionals Committee

The IMPAC5 Young Professionals Committee is comprised of 15 exceptional young professionals from around the world. This dynamic  group was chosen through a worldwide competitive selection process. They bring leadership experience, passion for ocean conservation, expertise in marine protection and a desire to help  change the world for the better.

Since August 2021, the Young Professionals Committee has met regularly to advise IMPAC5 leadership to:

• Ensure that all aspects of IMPAC5 incorporate youth perspectives
• Help shape and participate in the Congress program
• Build the legacy of the Congress by engaging young people beyond IMPAC5

Seven of the 15 Young Professionals Committee members are from Canada, including five Indigenous members from across the country. The remaining eight members come from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North and South America. Between committee members, they speak eight languages.

In November 2022, Ocean Wise and IMPAC5 opened a call for applications to form a cohort of  global youth, including Indigenous young people, to participate in the Coastal Connections program. The Coastal Connections youth enrichment program features three connections for 100 youth around the world focused on congress networking and intergenerational knowledge exchange including:

Connection #1: A series of three virtual sessions leading up to IMPAC5 that will introduce participants to their peers and provide an overview of IMPAC5’s history, goals and agenda.

Connection #2: A two-day, in-person, team-building and networking event to be held 31 January – 1 February at Camp Elphinstone near Gibsons, B.C.

Connection #3: An intergenerational knowledge exchange/mentoring program during IMPAC5 that includes a networking breakfast and an evening event.

Ocean Wise received $430,000 in funding from Fisheries and Oceans Canada to coordinate important Coastal Connections youth enrichment program. These activities will ensure the Voices of Young Professionals are included and amplified through the global seven day event.

January, 2023