The National Arab Youth Council (NAYC) is a youth-led initiative launched by the Canadian Arab Institute to amplify the voices, skills, and leadership of Arab-Canadian youth from coast to coast.

Rooted in a commitment to equity, civic engagement, and cultural pride, the Council brings together young leaders to design and lead projects that reflect their communities’ diverse experiences. The initiative is generously supported by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives (CSMARI) Program.

WHAT we have achieved

2024-2025 Cohort

Throughout the program, the NAYC delivered a series of impactful projects that fostered connection, leadership, and cross-cultural collaboration:

Arab Heritage Month Celebration

A community event that featured live art, storytelling, and a podcast recording with a prominent Arab-Canadian guest, highlighting resilience and cultural identity.

Distinguished Arabs Project

A storytelling initiative showcasing inspiring Arab-Canadians who are changing their communities. The first phase is complete, and we are expanding into a wider digital campaign.

Community Interviews

Youth-led interviews with community members that offered deep insights into Arab-Canadian life, identity, and intergenerational wisdom. These interviews also trained youth in digital media skills.

Networking Events

Local and national meetups connected young leaders and allies across cultures, building relationships and sparking ideas for new initiatives.

The annual highlights

200+ direct participants: youth who co-created, led, or fully attended our events and workshops.

500+ engagements through outreach, media, and digital campaigns.

Cross-cultural collaboration with groups such as:

  • Council of Agencies Serving South Asians (CASSA)

  • Yalla Let’s Talk

  • Roots Community Services

  • Hispanic Development Council

  • Chinese Canadian National Council – Toronto Chapter

WHAT HAS THE NAYC BEEN UP TO?

Know Your Rights: Palestinian Advocacy and Combatting Anti-Arab Suppression Panel

The National Arab Youth Council met with a panel of emerging lawyers and expert professionals to discuss the value of amplifying Palestinian voices, as well as the wide array of tools, knowledge, and rights we have when combatting anti-Arab censorship in Canada.

To see the outcome of this riveting conversation and learn how to protect yourself in this time of increasing anti-Arab hate, click here!

A Conversation with Ousama (SAMA)Al Khatib: Navigating Tokenism, Empowerment, and Collective Hope

Aia Baker, a member of the National Arab Youth Council (NAYC) speaks with Ousama about his experiences tackling tokenism, fostering genuine empowerment, and sustaining hope in the face of systemic challenges. Ousama reflects on the Youth in Design project, the importance of involvement and equitable partnerships, and how communities can push for meaningful change despite global injustices such as the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

To read the full interview, click here!

To download the shortened printout, click here!