WINNIPEG — Young Canadian Leaders for a Sustainable Future (YCLSF), a program run by the Winnipeg-based International Institute for Sustainable Development, was awarded the Huguette Labelle Award for Excellence in Youth Programming at an awards dinner on Thursday, November 15. The award was also received by IISD in 1998.

The 10th Annual Canadian Awards for International Cooperation were held in conjunction with International Development Days held in Winnipeg November 16-20. The events were co-sponsored by the Canadian Manufacturers Association (CMA) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

Since its inception in 1997, the YCLSF program has placed more than 100 young people from across Canada with organizations in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa. The program is intended for people aged 21 to 30 years with an interest or background in sustainable development.

"The program is creating a new generation of decision-makers who are well equipped and dedicated to leading Canada in its commitments toward global sustainability," said YCLSF Program Manager Carolee Buckler, who accepted the award on behalf of IISD. She stressed the importance of such programs in a world that is changing so dramatically.

"Recent world events have forced greater reflection about the essential role that young leaders play in fostering partnerships in the international arena. Now more than ever, we need to bridge cultural gaps in the global community, nurture the thoughts and ideas of young minds and develop capacity for a sustainable future. An opportunity such as this compels its participants to question their values and understand those of others."

Former interns were delighted that the program was recognized for the contribution it makes to building careers in sustainable development. "The program was invaluable to me in my pursuit of a career in development," said Jen Castleden, who, as an intern, worked for the United Nations Development Programme in Nairobi, Kenya. "The face-to-face contact and cross-cultural flow of ideas has allowed me to develop wonderful contacts, ideas and values."