Geneva, Switzerland
2024 World Trade Organization
The Public Forum is the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) largest outreach event, providing a unique platform for stakeholders from around the world to discuss the latest developments in global trade and to propose ways of enhancing the multilateral trading system. Held annually, the event attracts representatives from civil society, academia, business, government, international organizations, and the media.
At the WTO Public Forum, YDC Delegates listen to, learn from, and interact with experts from around the world to strengthen their networks and gain deeper knowledge about the WTO’s mandate as well as international trade and finance. Delegates attend Summit sessions and participate in meetings with stakeholders on the ground during the Summit.
Elie Kallab, Head Delegate
Elie, an Ottawa resident, discovered his passion for policy development early in his academic journey. Currently pursuing a PhD in Political Science at the University of Ottawa, Elie channels his expertise into impactful roles both locally and internationally. Elie serves as the Director of Policy to the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), bringing strategic insights and innovative solutions to economic development. Additionally, as a senior advisor for the Local Pathways Fellowship at the United Nations Development Solutions Network Youth, Elie contributes to global sustainability initiatives on sustainable cities.
He holds a Master’s degree in Political Sciences from Sciences Po Aix in France and an Executive Master’s in Conflict Management and Humanitarian Action from the University of Siena in Italy. His international experience extends to Australia, where he worked in International Education. Elie has a range of publications including a book titled "Effective Forms of Environmental Diplomacy" published by Routledge.
Elie has organized large-scale conferences and served as the Representative Liaison Officer for UN Youth Australia. He represented the Local Pathways Fellowship program at the Vatican Youth Symposium in 2019.
Crystal Starr Pesim Lewis, Communications Coordinator
Carina Torre is a passionate student and researcher at McGill University, where she is pursuing a degree in Political Science and History. Her aspirations to play a role in creating a better future have led her in many directions - among these, she has led coding programs aimed at inspiring young women to pursue STEM, assisted with afterschool programs for disabled youth, and advocating for wildlife protection as the youngest-ever board member on Humane Canada's board of directors. Carina is passionate about working to reduce issues related to gender-based violence. As a researcher in McGill's Faculty of Education, she has explored arts-based educational methods for addressing gender-based violence. She currently works helping to address and prevent domestic and sexual violence in the McGill community through her position at her school's Office for Sexual Violence Response, Support, and Education.
As a Métis woman with ties to Treaty 6 in Saskatchewan, she is passionate about pouring into Indigenous communities. She has assisted with the implementation of McGill’s Indigenous student researcher summer program, served as a mentor to Indigenous youth in CEGEP, and participated in projects aimed at improving the experiences of Indigenous students in the postsecondary setting.
Émile Cloutier, Delegate
Fasciné par les relations internationales et le droit international, Émile a découvert sa passion lorsqu'il était au secondaire. Cette révélation l’a conduit à poursuivre des études en affaires publiques et relations internationales à l'Université Laval. Actuellement en seconde année, il s'investit pleinement dans sa formation académique et dans la vie étudiante. Membre actif de son association étudiante, il joue en rôle clé en organisant les finances et des événements étudiants.
Il a aussi participé à plusieurs simulations diplomatiques, lui permettant de développer des compétences essentielles en diplomatie, en négociation et en résolution de conflits. Sa rigueur académique et son implication proactive dans des activités parascolaires illustrent son ambition de devenir un acteur influent dans le domaine des relations internationales canadiennes.
Angelica Kalubiaka, Delegate
Angelica Kalubiaka is a Senior Briefing Advisor and Team Leader at Global Affairs Canada, from Ottawa (Ontario). Her upbringing as the daughter of immigrants shaped her outlook on the importance of diplomatic issues and civic engagement. Angelica graduated with honors from the University of Ottawa, in the Biopharmaceutical sciences program. She partook in influencing legislation, as the President of her riding’s youth council, representing over 24,000 youth to the Government of Canada.
Her passion for international issues grew following a unique legislative study tour in Belgium, England and Wales, where she met and engaged with ambassadors and parliamentarians from across Europe. Angelica is a Parliamentary Internship Program (PIP) alumnus, and worked for MPs of both the federal Governing party and the Official Opposition. Shen then entered the public service to work in parliamentary diplomacy and foreign affairs.
As a former National Leader of the GCWCC, she shaped the priorities of Canada’s largest workplace charitable campaign. In her spare time, Angelica is an active WEF Global Shaper, and serves her community as the President of the PIP Alumni board. At the WTO Public Forum, Angelica is dedicated to representing Canadian youth, while promoting international cooperation, economic fairness, and inclusive trade practices.
Joshua Finkelstein, Delegate
Josh Finkelstein is currently studying for a Masters of Agricultural Economics at the University of Reading. He is completing a dissertation analyzing the interaction between food price levels and the public’s perception of inflation. Previously, Josh worked at a banking technology startup in Toronto. Starting out in his role when the company had fewer than ten employees, he took on various operational and managerial positions across three years of rapid growth.
Earlier, Josh worked for a Canadian Member of Parliament, during both a federal election and in Parliament. Josh is particularly passionate about agrifood policy and trade. He is currently a member of a food-systems study exchange with other students across the UK, and earlier volunteered in an aquaponics laboratory at Queen’s University – where he completed an undergraduate degree in math and biology. Josh is excited to bring his systems-oriented perspective to the YDC-WTO delegation, and to learn from the experience and expertise of others from Canada and around the world.
Sahib Kaur Dhaliwal, Delegate
From Abbotsford, British Columbia, Sahib Kaur holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Economics and Public Policy from the University of Ottawa. She expanded on the knowledge gained through course research through applied activities, including a national monetary policy competition and Model United Nations conferences. Through her role in planning International Development Week conferences and leading the Sikh Student Association at the University of Ottawa, Sahib strove to collaborate with students to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and advocate on social justice issues nationally and internationally.
Participating in the House of Commons Page Program allowed Sahib to understand the complex impact of legislation and, in turn, the importance of parliamentary procedure. Her assistant position at the Bank of Canada exposed her to the ongoing evolution of its legislated function to safeguard the stability of Canada’s financial system. Participating in the Parliamentary Internship Programme, Sahib expanded her perspective on public policy by contributing to both the government and opposition sides of the House. Visiting legislatures globally, Sahib was able to apply a comparative lens to political governance structures. Sahib Kaur is excited to represent Canadian youth at the World Trade Organization’s Public Forum.