Young Leaders to Convene in Cornwall for 5th Annual Climate Action Summit

Cornwall, Ontario – Youth from across the greater Frontenac Arch Biosphere region will gather at the Benson Centre on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, for the fi fth annual Youth Climate Action Summit (YCAS). Hosted by the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network (FABN), City of Cornwall in partnership with its Youth for Climate Action Working Group and The River Institute, the Summit empowers youth with the tools, connections, and inspiration to lead meaningful climate action in their communities.

The event will bring together youth (aged 14-18) to share ideas, build skills, and strengthen their capacity to lead meaningful climate action in their communities. It’s a unique opportunity for youth to connect with both leaders and mentors in the environmental sector as well as other youth advocating for climate action.

The day will open with a keynote address from Dr. Ojistoh Horn, a Mohawk / Haudenosaunee woman and family physician from Kahnawake and Akwesasne, who works with her community through all stages of life. Dr. Horn will speak on “Local Action for the Health of the Planet,” grounding the Summit in both Indigenous knowledge and practical solutions. Following the keynote, youth will participate in a working lunch catered by Cornerstone Organics, a local fi rst-generation family farm who will share tips on sustainable growing as part of a workshop later in the day.

In the afternoon, youth will choose two out of 18 workshops to attend, on topics including: a youth climate café circle, growing fruits and nuts from seed, active transportation, water quality monitoring, and a behind the scenes tour of the local water purifi cation plant. Several workshops will be held in both English and French. New this year will be a panel discussion on entrepreneurship featuring three local businesses ready to speak to their experience of creating their dream jobs.

The Summit features a collaborative session where students begin developing Climate Action Plans (CAPs) for their schools or communities. To support implementation, youth attendees can apply for up to $500 in seed funding to bring their projects to life. The YCAS model was fi rst developed in 2009 by The Wild Center in the Adirondacks. FABN is proud to adapt this model locally, with continued support from The Wild Center team.

The City of Cornwall is a progressive Ontario city on the St. Lawrence River, blending its long history as one of Canada’s oldest settlements with a modern economy and a focus on vibrant, inclusive community services. Known for its diverse cultural heritage, including French, English, and Akwesasne infl uences, it offers high quality of life with access to numerous parks, recreational facilities, and a commitment to sustainability.