Cape Town, South Africa
2025 G20 Youth Summit
The Summit will bring together youth delegates from all G20 member countries and observers to negotiate, collaborate, and develop a youth communiqué that will be presented to the G20 Presidency.
The Summit will take place in-person in the summer. The five themes that will be addressed during the conference include: 1) the fight against hunger, poverty and inequality; 2) Climate change, energy transition and sustainable development; 3) Global governance reform 4) Inclusion and diversity 5) Innovation and the future of work.
This year’s Y20 delegation is an accomplished group of young Canadians from across the country. Delegates will aim to push for policies that address the thematic questions of this year's Y20 Summit while ensuring that the voices of Canada’s youth are represented on the global stage.The Summit will bring together youth delegates from all G20 member countries and observers to negotiate, collaborate, and develop a youth communiqué that will be presented to the G20 Presidency.
Suyesha Dutta, Head Delegate
Suyesha Dutta is a former Research Scholar at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, where she researched South Asia’s economic, political, and social landscapes, with a particular focus on India’s role in geopolitics, security, defence, and the Indo-Pacific. Her work bridged academic research and policy discourse, shaping insights on Canada-Asia relations.
She holds an MSc in Modern South Asian Studies from the University of Oxford, where she researched ethnoreligious conflicts and nationalism in India, and served as President of the Oxford South Asian Society. She also earned a BA in History and Modern European Studies (Double Major) from the University of British Columbia (UBC), where she was President of the UBC History Students Association and a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Central, Eastern and Northern European Studies.
With expertise in security and nuclear deterrence, she has worked as a Research Assistant at UBC’s School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. Passionate about global affairs, social impact, and policy research, she actively contributes to academic and policy discussions while fostering cross-cultural dialogue through her work and public speaking engagements.
Justin Lagan, Communications Coordinator
Justin Langan, a 26-year-old Métis leader from the rural community Swan River, Manitoba, is dedicated to empowering Indigenous youth and fostering community development. A graduate of the University of Manitoba with a degree in Political Studies and Philosophy, Justin founded O’KANATA, a federally incorporated non-profit led by Indigenous youth, providing educational, cultural, and career opportunities. His impactful leadership earned O’KANATA international recognition, including the 2024 Small Business Champions Award.
Justin’s work includes launching the Indigenous Film Archive and an Indigenous youth-centric podcast, as well as founding Heartwarmers, a business contributing to community initiatives. He has received numerous accolades, including the Indspire Métis Youth Award and CBC’s Future 40 Under 40. Currently, a 2024-2025 Parliamentary Intern, Justin is preparing to pursue graduate school to advocate for Indigenous and human rights globally.
Marcos Avina, Engagement Coordinator
Marcos Avina is a Public Policy and Global Affairs candidate at the University of British Columbia, specializing in environmental policy, resources, and sustainability. Raised in Vancouver, he grew up surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, which shaped his deep appreciation for the natural world and his mission to advocate for it.
Marcos brings extensive hands-on experience in environmental conservation, research, and community engagement. A passionate advocate for global change at the individual level, Marcos believes that privilege comes with a moral responsibility to act. He has been actively involved in grassroots climate action, leading youth-driven initiatives and organizing community-based environmental projects. His commitment to agency is reflected in his journey of converting a short school bus into tiny home on wheels, allowing him to travel across North America, immerse himself in nature, and engage with diverse communities along the way.
As a Canadian delegate to the Y20 Summit in South Africa, Marcos brings a unique combination of policy expertise, hands-on experience, and grassroots advocacy. He is committed to ensuring that bold community-driven solutions shape the future of climate policy—not as an afterthought, but as a driving force in international decision-making.
Ashwini Selvakumaran, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator
Ashwini Selvakumaran (she/her) is a seasoned community organizer and fierce advocate for social justice. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Peace, Conflict, and Justice Studies from the University of Toronto and a Master of Environment and Sustainability from Western University. Proudly holding a Malaysian-Indian heritage, Ashwini is committed to validating diasporic identities and honouring her roots. In 2021, Ashwini founded the not-for-profit organization Brown Citizen Circle (BCC), mobilizing South Asian youth in civic engagement across Canada by strengthening their presence in decision-making spaces. Through BCC, she has engaged over 10,000 youth nationwide, fostering cultural pride and driving targeted campaigns and impactful partnerships with local communities.
Ashwini’s activism is driven by a passion for equity, and community empowerment. Since 2019, she has chaired the Halton Newcomer Youth Steering Committee and served on the Iroquoia Bruce Trail Board, fostering youth leadership and environmental stewardship. In 2023, she represented youth as a delegate for the Canadian Voice of Women for Peace at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women(CSW) in New York.Currently, Ashwini is a Policy Advisor at the Ontario Ministry of Energy, advancing energy efficiency with an equity-focused lens.