Think Global Link Local 2026

Welcome to the 12th Anniversary of Think Global Link Local!

We’re excited to have you join us for this inspiring event, hosted by the United Nations Association in Canada, Vancouver (UNAC-Vancouver), in collaboration with the Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) Students.

TGLL is an opportunity to link young people interested in professional opportunities in Canadian and international public service-oriented work (e.g. the UN, humanitarian aid, human rights, refugee support etc.) with present or former practitioners so they can learn of the opportunities open to them.

The TGLL keynote speaker this year is Ms. Jessie Sunner, the BC Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.

Join us to discover new perspectives, build valuable connections, and explore innovative ideas with like-minded individuals from Metro Vancouver and Lower Mainland.

About Think Global, Link Local (TGLL):
Think Global, Link Local has been recognized by UNESCO’s IFIP (International Forum of Inclusion Practitioners) with a Global Inclusion Award in 2024. Since its inception in 2013, TGLL has grown into a key networking platform, bringing together up to 130 recent graduates from colleges and universities across Metro Vancouver to engage with up to 15. Canadian non-profit organizations focused on Canadian and international social impact initiatives. Each year, we feature keynote speakers who are prominent social activists, adding even more depth and insight to this inspiring event.

Event Goals:
TGLL has two key objectives:

1. Provide Vancouver’s youth with opportunities to learn from the experiences of leaders in the non-profit sector, public sector, and former UN staff.
2. Help young professionals discover career paths within non-profit organizations, including those with a global focus like the United Nations.

Through networking and personal stories, TGLL helps attendees understand the variety of career options available, both in Canada and internationally.

Exclusive Opportunity: Win a Coffee and Dialogue Session!
One of the highlights of the TGLL event is our exclusive raffle prize: a follow-up coffee and dialogue session with members of the UNAC-Vancouver Executive Board, who have had impactful careers with the United Nations and other socially active organizations. Winners will have the unique opportunity to engage in an intimate conversation, learning directly from the experiences of these leaders.

Event Details:

• Breakfast Buffet: A breakfast buffet will be provided for all ticket holders. Registration and networking breakfast will begin at 8:00 a.m. The event begins at 9 a.m.
• Limited Early Bird Tickets: Early bird registration opens on January 15th. Don’t miss your chance to secure a spot at a discounted rate! The Early Bird Eventbrite registration price is $25.

Register Now!
Seats are limited, so grab your early bird ticket today and be part of this exciting event!

For more information about UNAC Vancouver and TGLL, please visit:

• www.unacvancouver.org
• www.global2local.ca

For all questions regarding ticketing, please contact aW5mbyB8IHVuYWN2YW5jb3V2ZXIgISBvcmc=.

2026 Keynote Speaker: Jessie Sunner

BC Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills | Human Right Lawyer

Jessie Sunner's Bio:

Jessie Sunner was first elected as the MLA for Surrey-Newton in 2024.

Jessie was appointed BC Minister of Post Secondary Education and Future Skills in July 2025. She previously served as Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives.

Prior to being elected to the legislature, Jessie was a human rights lawyer and trade unionist for the Hospital Employees’ Union. She has been a strong advocate in the Surrey community for years, serving as Vice President of the Surrey Women’s Centre and Vice Chair of the Surrey Police Board. Jessie has also served on the boards of the South Asian Bar Association, BC College of Social Workers, and the United Nations Association in Canada.

Jessie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from Simon Fraser University and a Law Degree from the University of Calgary.

She was raised in Surrey and continues to live there with her husband and their dog, Simba.

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