New York, USA
2022 COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN 66
The UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women. The CSW is instrumental in promoting women’s rights, documenting the reality of women’s lives throughout the world, and shaping global standards.
During the Commission’s annual two-week session, representatives of UN Member States, civil society organizations and UN entities discuss progress, gaps, and further actions in the implementation of the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, as well as emerging issues that affect gender equality and the empowerment of women.
As a functional commission of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), YDC brings Delegates from across Canada to engage in the CSW including through submitting written statements, oral interventions, or organizing side/parallel events. This opportunity enables YDC delegates to engage with stakeholders in Canada and abroad to inform their position and advocate for it domestically.
Maitland Shaheen-Akins, Head Delegate
Maitland Shaheen is a third-year law student at Queen’s University passionate about intersections of gender, public health, and justice. She is currently the Co-Chair of the Women’s Legal Education & Action Fund (LEAF)’s Kingston branch, and previously served as the Co-President of Queen’s Women and the Law.
Maitland has worked as a Research Assistant studying reproductive law and justice, and helped develop public legal education materials as an intern with the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic. During Spring of 2021, she was a member of the research team led by Women’s Shelters Canada that developed a framework for implementing a National Action Plan for Ending Gender-Based Violence.
Prior to law school, she obtained a Joint Honours B.A. in Communication and Political Science from the University of Ottawa, during which she gained four years of experience across government, public affairs, and international development. She was also a member of Plan International Canada’s Youth Speaker’s Bureau, where she represented Plan’s Because I am a Girl program at panel and media events.
Maitland is honoured to represent Young Diplomats of Canada as the Head Delegate to CSW66, and looks forward to participating in discussions and commitments to advance gender equality worldwide.
Sydney Whiting, Communications Coordinator
Sydney Whiting is a youth climate activist and community organizer based on the Canadian Prairies. She is excited to begin her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University of Lethbridge in the fall, exploring topics in Environment and Culture through her first-year specialization in Global Citizenship.
Sydney began her environmental journey by co-organizing the Lethbridge Climate Strike, bringing together hundreds of multi-generational activists demanding systemic climate action. This early experience sparked a passion; Sydney is now a Co-founder and Director with the Climate Hub of Southern Alberta (CHSA), a registered not-for-profit committed to climate research and community engagement. Through CHSA, she has championed projects which promote youth artistry, engagement in civic affairs, academic research, and media engagement as a published writer.
As a recent alumna of the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation Youth Hub, Sydney is committed to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals in the contexts of gender, climate, and international relations. She is thrilled to represent Canadian youth at CSW66 as the YDC Communications Coordinator, believing that this year’s focus on achieving gender equality in the context of the climate crisis is both a timely and empowering area of discussion.
Lucie Belzille, Engagement Coordinator
Lucie Belzile is a Master’s student at Leiden University where she studies international relations and diplomacy. She will be the Engagement Coordinator for YDC’s delegation to the CSW66. Her research interests include transitional justice, the reconstruction of post-conflict societies, and the role of international organizations within that process. Seeing as this year’s topic will be focusing on climate change, she will be keen to learn more about the co-constructive effects of global warming and conflict and how it impacts gender inequalities.
Lucie recently graduated with Distinction from a Bachelor of Arts with double majors in Political Science and History from McGill University. During her degree, she also studied abroad at Sciences Po — Paris. At McGill, she was notably an International Relations writer for the Journal of Political Studies and a teacher with Junior Peacemakers. Most importantly, Lucie has been involved on the Model UN circuit for the past five years. She has won multiple awards as a delegate, chaired several committees, been on the Secretariat, and was Secretary-General.
At CSW66, she aims to make significant contributions to the discourse on climate change and gender inequalities. With her team, she hopes to encourage young women to take leadership and find their place in the international arena.
Paige Percy, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator
Paige Percy (she/her) is from and currently based out of Toledo, Ontario. She is currently a Master of Arts in Environmental Policy student at the Memorial University of Newfoundland. Her current thesis research explores rural/urban public space activism, agrarian actors, and populism. More broadly, her research interests are gender, the environment, contextual community policy, and the conceptualization of policy topics. Prior to this, Paige completed her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Philosophy, and International Politics at Mount Allison University. Paige also studied abroad at the City University of Hong Kong.
Paige’s dedication and passion for policy has contributed to her working in political offices and campaigns, educational institutions, and most recently as a research analyst for a think tank. In addition to this, Paige is an extremely active community member and volunteer. Paige is an alumni of Leading Change Canada, YWCA’s National Young Women’s Leadership Program, the 2019 Daughters of the Vote Delegation, New Brunswick’s Cross-Cultural Youth Project, and Shake Up the Establishment’s Mover and Shakers Program. Currently, Paige is a youth speaker with Plan International Canada, a youth member of Alliance Canada Hong Kong, a SheConnects Mentor and an active member in the YWCA Community.