Learn about faith, justice, and education.

What does meaningful youth engagement look like? At the 2026 High-level Political Forum (HLPF) Official Side Event, Youth Voices for a Sustainable Future, young people shared their experiences and recommendations for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Mary Ward Centre participated as an event partner alongside international faith-based organizations and civil society groups committed to strengthening youth participation in global conversations.

In 2015, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, establishing 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable world. With only four years remaining until the 2030 deadline, global progress remains critically insufficient.

On this International Day of Education, proclaimed by the United Nations, we reaffirm that it is one of the most powerful tools to prevent injustice and protect human dignity. During Reading Week 2026, four inspiring University of Toronto student volunteers — Skyler, Ishita, Solbi & Jina — took initiative and asked their peers a critical question: What do University of Toronto students know about human trafficking?

Join a meaningful initiative focused on reducing homelessness and ensuring safe shelter. We seek a dedicated, socially conscious student to support communications and youth engagement, building popular support for CrisisInOurCity.ca. This role offers hands-on experience contributing to real impact. Note, this position is funded by the Toronto Community Counts Foundation.

Anticipating the birth of a new baby is an exciting experience that involves a busy time of preparation. We await with longing to hold a “bundle of joy and love” in our arms and in our heart.

My name is Eleyna and I am a 15 year old girl activist who wants to make a change in the world! Attending this year’s International Day of the Girl Speak Out at the UN headquarters was a lifetime experience. I came as a representative from Toronto, Canada, for the Loretto Sisters and the Mary Ward Centre, and as a planning member for the Working Group on Girls.

My time at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum was incredible! I had the privilege of personally representing the Mary Ward Center and our gender equality research when meeting with Ambassador Bob Rae. Similarly, I was able to connect with a range of individuals, from diplomats to NGO advocates.

Ultimately, my participation at the HLPF reaffirmed my commitment to advocacy. It strengthened my resolve to confront gendered expectations and to champion inclusive, compassionate spaces where every voice—especially those of women and girls—can be heard and valued.

The Mary Ward Centre organized two virtual side events during the HLPF in collaboration with the IBVM-Loreto Generalate NGO to the UN and many other organizations. Recordings of the events are available on The Mary Ward Centre YouTube page.

The Mary Ward Centre invites you to read our new report entitled "Breaking Barriers: The Urgent Need to Accelerate Gender Equality for Young Women and Girls". Learn about the challenges and opportunities experienced by young women and girls (aged 15 to 24) in Canada in relation to gender equality and access to decent work.

On Feb 25th, sixty students from TCDSB schools, Madonna and St. Patrick’s, as well as YCDSB Sacred Heart High School gathered at the Mary Wa

December 6th: The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

This year, I had the honor of being invited to the United Nations High-Level Political Forum by the Mary Ward Centre and the Sisters of St.

This event offered community-based perspectives on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 1: No Poverty. Through panel pre