From Orbit to AI: Student-Led Summit Tackles Global Perspectives

TORONTO, ON – February 20, 2026 – A unique convergence of space exploration and artificial intelligence is set to inspire the next generation of global leaders as the World Affairs Conference (WAC) prepares for its annual event on February 25. Hosted at Upper Canada College and co-organized with Branksome Hall, the conference will feature keynote addresses from legendary Canadian astronaut Colonel Chris Hadfield and AI industry vanguard Martin Kon. In a landmark move, North America's longest-running student-led conference will broadcast its proceedings live internationally for the first time, making its discussions on this year's theme, Power in Perspective, accessible to a worldwide audience of high school students, free of charge.

A Confluence of Expertise: Space and AI

The selection of Colonel Hadfield and Mr. Kon as keynote speakers is a deliberate choice, designed to challenge students to consider complex issues from vastly different, yet equally crucial, vantage points. Colonel Hadfield, the first Canadian to command the International Space Station (ISS), brings a perspective that is quite literally out of this world. His extensive career as an astronaut, engineer, and author is built upon a philosophy of preparation, teamwork, and seeing the bigger picture. During his time on the ISS, he became a global phenomenon by using social media to share the human experience of space, offering a real-time “global perspective” that captivated millions and underscored the interconnectedness of life on Earth. His insights on leadership and technological change, honed through decades of high-stakes missions, are expected to provide a powerful opening to the conference.

Complementing Hadfield’s cosmic view is the terrestrial, yet equally transformative, perspective of Martin Kon. As the President Emeritus and former COO of Cohere, a leading AI company valued at over $7 billion, Kon operates at the forefront of a technology reshaping society. An alumnus of Upper Canada College and a parent at Branksome Hall, his return to the conference is a homecoming. Before his pivotal role at Cohere, Kon served as the CFO of YouTube, where he guided the platform's global strategy, and held senior positions at Boston Consulting Group and Oliver Wyman. His career provides him with a deep understanding of the geopolitical and societal implications of technology. His keynote will focus on the rapid evolution of AI and its power to reframe global challenges, offering students a critical look into the future of technology, ethics, and international relations.

A Legacy of Youth-Led Global Dialogue

While the speakers are a major draw, the enduring story of the World Affairs Conference is one of student agency and intellectual curiosity. Founded in 1983, WAC stands as Canada's oldest and North America's largest student-run current events conference. For over four decades, it has been a platform for high school students to engage directly with the world's most pressing issues. The organization’s history is a testament to its sustained relevance, having reached over 10,000 students from more than 80 schools across 35 countries.

The conference's alumni speaker list reads like a who's who of contemporary thought leaders and change-makers. In previous years, students have had the opportunity to question and learn from figures such as NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, civil rights leader Martin Luther King III, AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton, and Canadian astronaut Dr. Roberta Bondar. This tradition of attracting high-caliber speakers has cemented WAC’s reputation as a serious forum for intellectual discourse, driven entirely by the ambition and organizational prowess of its student leaders.

The Next Generation Takes the Helm

This year's conference is steered by a dedicated team of student co-chairs from both Upper Canada College and Branksome Hall. Their vision for the Power in Perspective theme is clear: to empower their peers by exposing them to role models who are actively challenging the status quo. “This year’s theme, Power in Perspective, allows students the chance to connect with role models who continue to challenge the status quo in their communities and beyond,” noted Ruhani Mainra, WAC Co-Chair and a student at Branksome Hall.

This sentiment is echoed by her fellow organizers. Liyang Yin, a Co-Chair from Upper Canada College, said he “hopes that this year’s conference will inspire students to view existing challenges through novel lenses, allowing attendees to develop and pursue new, unexplored ideas.” The event features thirteen speakers in total, including humanitarians, environmentalists, and innovators, ensuring a rich and diverse set of viewpoints. For Karan Maheswari, also a Co-Chair from Upper Canada College, the goal is for students to “use this unique opportunity to engage directly with role models, world leaders and industry experts to shape the future of global affairs.” This focus on direct engagement and proactive thinking underscores the conference's core mission.

Expanding Horizons: Global Reach and Accessibility

Perhaps the most significant development for WAC in 2026 is its leap onto the global stage. By offering an international livestream, the conference is breaking down geographical barriers and dramatically expanding its potential impact. This move, combined with its long-standing policy of being free for all Grade 9-12 students, represents a powerful commitment to educational equity. In an era where access to information can be unevenly distributed, WAC is actively working to democratize the conversation on world affairs.

This new digital-first approach ensures that a student in a different province or another country has the same opportunity to hear from Colonel Hadfield or Martin Kon as a student sitting in the auditorium in Toronto. “We are truly honoured to host an incredible list of speakers,” said Alyssa Dhanji, Co-Chair from Branksome Hall, highlighting a lineup that she believes will underscore the goal of achieving “true international impact.” As the conference prepares to go live, it not only continues its four-decade legacy but also redefines it, leveraging technology to ensure that the power of perspective is shared as widely as possible.