Explore the Program 

15@15 winners travel to attend Halifax International Security Forum where they actively participate in all sessions and hold bilateral meetings with senior leaders from government, military, business and civil society. 

15@15: Youth Building Democracy was featured on CBC News: The National.

 

A program full of memorable moments!

🌎 Experiencing Global Leadership Firsthand

The winners meet with the Honourable David McGuinty, Canada’s Minister of National Defence.

At the NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) North American office in Halifax, Ms. Hanson, Regional Director for North America, and Major-General Peyton, Military Deputy Director, meet with the 15@15 winners and provide an engaging overview of NATO DIANA’s work and impact.

The winners meet with Andy Fillmore, Mayor of Halifax, to gain insights into leadership and the city's growth, governance, and community initiatives.

The winners meet with senior military officers from NATO and partner countries participating in HFX’s Peace With Women Fellowship.

The winners and their parents take a photo with Masih Alinejad (fourth from the left), an Iranian democracy and human rights activist.

The winners and their parents visit local business, Peace by Chocolate, where they engage with CEO Tareq Hadhad in an inspiring exchange.

The winners have a discussion with Vincent Chao (left), Taiwanese political leader, and Nathan Law (right), Hong Kong pro-democracy activist.

15@15 winners hold a bilateral meeting with United States Senators: Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Jim Risch of Idaho, Chris Coons of Delaware, and
Mike Rounds of South Dakota.

The winners meet with Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, for a conversation on international cooperation. 

15@15 winner, Sofia Sikharulidze, asks a question during a Halifax International Security Forum plenary session. Each winner attends the Forum as a full participant and actively participated in all sessions and events.

The winners meet with Ambassador Julie Smith, U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO (2021–2024).

The winners meet with Ambassador Kirsten Hillman, Canadian Ambassador to the United States, to discuss diplomacy and global engagement.

The winners learn from Steve Markle, Gemini Award–winning filmmaker and producer.

🔍 Exploring Halifax and Its Community

While taking part in a city tour, the winners explore Halifax’s Northwest Arm. 

The winners explore the Life Sciences Centre and the Oceanography facilities at Dalhousie University.

Mila Zidanc, Director of the Peace on Earth Society, gives a tour to the winners and their parents at Peace By Chocolate—an artisan chocolate business on the Halifax waterfront owned by Syrian refugees.

 The winners visit the Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity at Dalhousie University.

The winners and their parents visit the Council Chamber at Halifax City Hall.

15@15 winner, Nicolás Castillo, takes part in a 5K run alongside other Forum participants.

The winners learn about the victims of the Titanic who are buried in Halifax.

Peter Van Praagh, President of HFX , leads the winners and their parents on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Forum venue.

🏅 Celebrating 15@15 & Amplifying Youth Voices

The 2024 winners with Peter Van Praagh, President of HFX, at the 15@15 Certificate Presentation.

2025 Ukraine Winner Diana Gerasymenko interviewed by Heidi Petracek, Atlantic Correspondent, Global News National.

The 2025 winners’ videos are showcased to global leaders and senior policymakers at the Halifax International Security Forum.

A crewmember from CBC News: The National show films the 2023 winners looking out over the Halifax Waterfront.