We are pleased to announce that Focal Zone has been selected to showcase in the AFS 29th Youth Assembly’s Action & Impact Hub, for the UN SDG16 category.

Since its creation, Focal Zone has advocated for Strong Institutions (SDG16), particularly through targets 16.6, 16.7, 16.8 and 16.b. Our vision was to create a culture of stewardship that encourages civic engagement and social impact. Moreover, thanks to our expanding bank of mentors, Focal Zone is covering few other SDG Goals.

The Youth Assembly brings together the world’s foremost young leaders and changemakers. The Youth Assembly delegates come from over 100 countries and possess strong leadership potential as well as keen interest in global issues.

This 29th session of the AFS Youth Assembly, entitled “Forge our Shared Future”, will be held at Convene on August 16-18, 2024 in New York City.

We are pleased to announce that Ghassan Baroudi, founder and mentor at Focal Zone, has joined the ranks of Montréal Climate Coalition (MCC).

As Climate change is increasingly impacting our day-to-day (as well as future generations’) life, acting responsibly should be everyone’s job. That is, by taking sustainable and responsible measures, at varied levels, implementing adequate ecological and energy transition.

Montréal Climate Coalition is a non-profit organization, with the mission of, “informing and connecting citizens, political decision-makers, and other energy-transition actors as to practices and policies that will guarantee the achievement of carbon neutrality.”

The Coalition’s members and partners activities and projects involved in climate actions, in order to make Montreal a carbon-neutral, greener and healthier city.

On December 5th, in the context of the International Volunteers Day, St John Ambulance Australia (NSW) Paddington Division held their 2022 end of year awards. Many awards and recognitions were received for long service, Covid 19 response and other clinical and disaster response work.

In recognition to his hard work and dedication, and in continuity with his record of achievements, Rahim Zaidi was honored to receive the Bronze Commendation for his contribution to the St John State Incident Management Team during the peak of 2021 NSW Floods. Moreover, he was honored to receive the St John National COVID-19 Badge and certificate for the volunteer work during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

We are glad to announce that Ghassan Baroudi, founder and member of Focal Zone, has lately joined the West Island Crisis Center (WICC) board of directors.

The nomination has been announced during the organization's annual general assembly that took place on June 8th.

Founded in 1987, the West Island Crisis Center is a non-profit, community-based organization that serves part of the IUHSSC (Integrated University Health and Social Services Center) Montreal West Island territory.

In line with the organization's mission and goals, Ghassan believes in the importance of two-way communication and active listening for patients and decision-makers alike.

We are very proud to announce that Fatemeh Erfanian, our colleagues and dedicated mentor at Focal Zone, is joining the Board of Directors at Project Management Institute in Montreal (PMI-Montreal).

Fatemeh has been actively involved within PMI-Montreal for the last eight years. She have had several involvements, such as leader of planning and control Community of Practice, lecturer, mentor and member of the Elixir jury. “After these rich experiences, I am ready and equipped to join the Board”, Ms. Erfanian stated in her candidacy announcement.

With the aim of encouraging civic engagement and bidirectional communication, Focal Zone was a result of joined-up efforts.

First launched in winter 2022, Focal Zone is attracting, since day one, stimulated citizens and activists, but also inspiring models and mentors.

Launching the platform represents a first official milestone, while more achievements, yet to come, bringing further expertise and alliances.