Business Leaders Teach Success Skills to Youth from Around the World

International Junior Achievement Conference Brings Talented Youth Leaders to Canada

KINGSTON, ON, Aug. 11 /CNW/ - The Queen's University campus, though usually quieter during the summer months, has been transformed this week into a hub of activity, overrun with future business leaders from four continents.

The Queen's School of Business is hosting the 40th Next Generation Leaders (NGL) Forum, an event that has brought more than 130 students together with business leaders to explore real-time business challenges and learn valuable skills in a multinational team environment. The Next Generation Leaders Forum is recognized globally by JA Worldwide® as the premier international conference for Junior Achievement Youth. This week-long intensive conference brings Junior Achievers together who are award winners and participants from their local JA Company, Titan and Globe programs. These students are planning to embark on their post-secondary ambitions with specific interest in business-related careers.

"Queen's School of Business is proud to be working with JA Canada to inspire and challenge young people to succeed in the world of business," says David Saunders, Dean,Queen's School of Business. "As the future leaders of our country - and indeed every country around the world - understanding global business and the interconnectivity worldwide is essential."

This year's conference welcomes delegates from 12 countries: Bahamas, Canada, Cayman Islands, Hong Kong, India, Ireland and Northern Ireland, Jamaica, Norway, Romania, Senegal, and the United States. Delegates are presented with challenges to solve issues related to the future of business leadership through a series of interactive workshops, general meetings, presentations and recommendations, all with guidance from expert business advisors. The Forum began this past Saturday, and during the week delegates will strive for one of three team awards in the areas of Global Vision, Inspiration and Social Responsibility. The week will culminate with team presentations and recommendations from the perspective of our future global leaders.

"Junior Achievement is a one-of-a-kind program for the world's next generation of business leaders," said Jim Doherty, vice president and general manager, Central Sales Operations, Xerox Canada. "In its 40 year history, this has been a fantastic forum for business-minded youth to network at an international level, learn from experienced executives and professors, and practice their business acumen. Xerox is proud to be part of a program that inspires the future of global industry."

Amanda Lang, co-host of CBC's business show The Lang and O'Leary Exchange and senior business reporter for the CBC News, is just one of the many public figures who have lent their support to the event. A National Ambassador for Next Generation Leaders, Lang offers this advice to current business leaders who are looking ahead to the future.

"Talk to the next generation of leaders. Not only do they have the answers, they are the answer. They can take your business to the next level, they can take our economy to new heights. They're creating the future. I believe they are the future."

In today's complex and fast-moving economy, this meeting of international youth leaders gives us a head start on tomorrow. The JA experience is a unique blend of personal growth, practical experience and confidence building. The youth delegates will go back to their schools and communities with a new perspective on what is possible, having developed success skills that are essential to making their dreams a reality. The relationships and life skills they build last a lifetime as they progress into post-secondary education and the workforce.

Sponsors of the event include: Xerox Canada (Premier National Partner), Scotiabank Group (Premier International Partner), Queen's School of Business (Host Sponsor), Bell Canada, The Dove Self-Esteem Fund, and McDonald's Restaurants of Canada Ltd.

"Our premier corporate sponsors, Xerox and Scotiabank, and our host sponsor, Queen's School of Business, make the Next Generation Leaders Forum the business and entrepreneurial educational experience of a lifetime for Canadian and international Achievers," says Ross Maund, President & CEO, Junior Achievement of Canada. "We are excited to be shaping our future economic potential through the leadership of these young global citizens."

Photo and interview opportunities are available on Thursday August 12th , please call ahead to confirm schedules.

---

About JA Canada™ (Junior Achievement of Canada)

For over 50 years, Junior Achievement learning experiences have helped young Canadians discover financial literacy, entrepreneurial and work readiness skills so they can achieve their highest potential as citizens of our global community. Across Canada, Junior Achievement reaches over 210,000 students annually with 10,000 dedicated business mentors in over 400 communities delivering a suite of eight national programs. Since 1955, over 3 million Canadian youth have participated in our business learning experiences free-of-charge.

About JA Worldwide® (Junior Achievement Worldwide)

Junior Achievement is the world's largest organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Through a dedicated volunteer network, Junior Achievement provides in-school and after-school programs for students which focus on three key content areas: work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. Today, 126 individual area operations reach more than 4 million students in the United States, with an additional 5.7 million students served by operations in 122 other countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.ja.org.

About Queen's School of Business

Queen's School of Business is one of the world's premier business schools - renowned for exceptional programs, outstanding faculty and research, and the quality of its graduates. Canadian executives regard Queen's as Canada's most innovative business school, offering students academic excellence and a superior overall experience. Queen's School of Business - where Canada's first Commerce program was launched in 1919 - is located at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. The School also delivers programs at locations across Canada, as well as in the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates.

For further information: