Generation SDG is the fourth Summit hosted by Waterloo Global Science Initiative (WGSI). WGSI brings together brilliant minds and unheard voices from different disciplines, generations, and geographies to address the pressing challenges of tomorrow — today. 

The cornerstone conversation is our Summit Series hosted in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada  every two years. We believe in the importance of creating a level playing field where people can think outside the box.

That’s why our Summit Series is not a traditional conference. Summit attendees include Canada’s sharpest leaders, ideators, and emerging minds — through the space we create, we elevate the expertise, lived experiences, and ideas of this unlikely group of collaborators.

Generation SDG will focus on bringing together a multi-disciplinary, multi-sectoral and multi-generational group of people working on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in Canada to build a robust ecosystem for implementation at home and abroad. Our goal is to develop a cohesive Canadian narrative and clear pathways for collaboration that will help catalyse the implementation of the SDGs in Canada.

A key part of WGSI's Summit structure is ensuring that 50% of the room (about 20 people) are young leaders between the ages of 18 and 30. To facilitate this, WGSI finances and coordinates all pre-approved air and ground travel, accommodations, and meals for participants during the Summit. 

CONDITIONS OF ELIGIBILITY

• aged 18 to 30 as of February 18, 2018
• current resident of Canada
• verbal and written English language proficiency 
• able to attend the Summit from April 22-25, 2018

DEADLINES

• Applications must be received by midnight EST on February 11, 2018.
• Two (2) recommendation letters must be received by midnight EST on February 18, 2018.

SELECTION PROCESS

We encourage applicants from all areas of sustainable development covered by the UN Sustainable Development Goals including but not limited to health, education, gender equity, water rights and quality, energy, decent and work and economic growth, reducing inequalities, Indigenous rights, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, peace and justice.

Approximately 20 successful applications will be selected by WGSI staff. All applicants will receive a response from WGSI by February 28, 2018. 

The selection process will aim for:

• balanced gender representation
• balanced geographic representation

The selection process will take into account the following criteria:

• demonstrated passion for sustainable development issues in Canada
• critical thinking capabilities
• comfort working in a collaborative environment
   

NOTES ON THE ONLINE APPLICATION PROCESS

1. You will not be able to save your application through the online form. We recommend you prepare and save your application in a word processor. The application questions are available for download in .doc and .txt file formats
   
   
2. Once you have completed the online application form, click the “submit” button. You will be prompted to review and validate your application. Click “back” to edit your application or “validate and submit” to submit.
    
3. Following submission of your application you will receive an automated confirmation email.
    
4. Once you have submitted your application, an email will be sent automatically to each of your two (2) referees. Referees will be instructed to download the reference letter template from wgsi.org/recommendation and to use the automatically provided link to submit their letter of recommendation directly to your online application file by midnight EST on February 18, 2018.
    
5. Once a referee uploads their letter, you will receive an automatic email notification. If you have not received an automatic email notification for each of your referees by February 14, 2018, we suggest you remind your referees to submit their letters of recommendation as they will not receive a reminder email from our system.

UNABLE TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION ONLINE?

WGSI strongly prefers that applications are submitted through the online application process. However, should you be unable to submit your application through this form, you may submit by email or post. Please note that for both of these options you are responsible for contacting your two (2) referees.

Submit your application and CV via email to info@wgsi.org or post (address below) by midnight EST on February 11, 2018.

The application questions are available for download above. Ensure that you adhere to character limits as beyond the allotted characters answers will not be considered.  Please rename your application file using the following convention: "ApplicantLastName-ApplicantFistName-Generation SDG Application." PDF format preferred.

You will receive an email from WGSI confirming receipt of your application.

It will be your responsibility to instruct your referees to download the reference letter template from wgsi.org/recommendation and to submit their letters via email to info@wgsi.org  or post (address below) by midnight EST on February 18, 2018. You will receive an email from WGSI confirming receipt of your reference letters.

Generation SDG Applications
c/o Waterloo Global Science Initiative
31 Caroline St. N.
Waterloo, Ontario
N2L 2Y5
CANADA

Questions? Please carefully review the details provided here to ensure you have not missed an answer that is already provided. If you still need help, please email your inquiry to info@wgsi.org

Please note that email will be monitored during WGSI’s regular business hours – Monday-Friday between 9am and 5pm EST.

Thank you for taking the time to thoroughly read the above material, please proceed to the online application.