2026 Unexpected Voices Speech Competition - Finals and Awards Ceremony

UNEXPECTED VOICES SPEECH COMPETITION FINALS AND AWARDS CEREMONY

The Unexpected Voices Speech Competition is inspired by the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which outline a global agenda for a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world by 2030.

🌟 Join us for the highly anticipated 2026 Unexpected Voices Speech Competition Finals and Awards Ceremony in Toronto, hosted by Power of Words Academy in partnership with World Speech Day, with generous support from The Bishop Strachan School.

🗓️ Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026
📍 Location: The Bishop Strachan School (BSS), Toronto

This event is a powerful celebration of youth speeches and ideas, featuring student finalists from across Canada. Young speakers aged 7 to 16 will share their unique perspectives on urgent global challenges and propose creative solutions aligned with the UN SDGs.

🎙️ About World Speech Day
World Speech Day began as a visionary idea by Simon Gibson at the Athens Democracy Forum in 2015, and has since grown into a global platform for sharing ideas and inspiring change through speeches. In 2026, more than 100 nations will take part in World Speech Day events, highlighting the enduring power of spoken words to shape our societies.

🌍 World Speech Day 2026 Theme: “Speak as a World Citizen”
This theme encourages speakers to:

• Embrace global responsibility, advocating for peace, equality, and shared progress
• Honour unity and diversity, celebrating different cultures and perspectives while finding common ground
• Elevate unexpected voices, empowering students, community members, and “dreamers” to share messages that can change lives

🎉 Powered by Power of Words Academy and World Speech Day, this competition aims to:

• Amplify youth voices on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
• Raise awareness of global issues
• Strengthen students’ writing, public speaking, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills

Do not miss this opportunity to witness the voices of our future leaders and be part of a movement toward positive change. Reserve your tickets today and join us in celebrating the power of speeches to shape a better world.

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Host or Publisher World Speech Day Canada