On May 29, 2026, Young Citizens of the World's founder, Marc-André Tremblay, was invited to Rideau Hall in Ottawa by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Whit Fraser to attend a special reception recognizing individuals whose contributions helped advance the success of the Governor General's mandate. The official invitation recognized Marc-André's "contributions to the success of their mandate."
For everyone at Young Citizens of the World, this recognition belongs not only to our founder, but to the thousands of teachers, schools, students, volunteers, board members, interview guests, and supporters who have believed in our mission over the years.
Since its founding, Young Citizens of the World has connected more than 1.5 million students across 37 countries with inspiring leaders from every walk of life. Through more than 120 interviews, students have had the opportunity to ask questions directly to Nobel Prize winners, astronauts, Olympic champions, world-renowned musicians, authors, scientists, diplomats, entrepreneurs, and public servants.
The invitation to Rideau Hall recognized the impact that education, dialogue, and youth engagement can have in building a more compassionate and informed society. Throughout Governor General Mary Simon's mandate, Young Citizens of the World proudly supported many of the values she championed, including education, reconciliation, inclusion, mental health, and service to others.
During the reception, Marc-André had the privilege of meeting and speaking with many distinguished Canadians, including:
- Prime Minister Mark Carney
- Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
- Former Governor General Michaëlle Jean
- Former Prime Minister Joe Clark
- Governor General Mary Simon
- Mr. Whit Fraser
- Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
The event was also an opportunity to share the voices of students from around the world and to express gratitude for the many leaders who have encouraged young people to remain curious, compassionate, and engaged citizens.
Young Citizens of the World remains a completely volunteer-driven educational initiative. Every interview, classroom resource, translation, and international collaboration has been made possible through the dedication of educators and volunteers who believe that giving students direct access to remarkable people can inspire them to dream bigger and make a positive difference in their communities.
We are deeply grateful to Her Excellency Mary Simon and Mr. Whit Fraser for this extraordinary honour and for their unwavering commitment to Canada's youth.
As we look toward the future, this recognition strengthens our resolve to continue creating opportunities for students everywhere to ask meaningful questions, learn from exceptional role models, and become the compassionate leaders our world needs.
Together, we are building a more connected world—one conversation at a time.