Celebrating 15 Years of Global Impact
The year 2026 marks the 15th anniversary of the Alberta Top 30 Under 30 award and campaign. Over the last decade and a half, the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation (ACGC) has had the privilege of amplifying more than 450 inspiring young leaders and connecting with thousands of community-nominated change-makers. We remain deeply inspired by the power and dedication of these young Albertans who are actively working to dismantle systemic barriers and build a world that is more just, equitable, and sustainable for all.
This year’s theme, ‘Harnessing the Power of Connection to Create Lasting Change,’ reflects a fundamental truth in international development: sustainable progress cannot be achieved in isolation. We asked the Class of 2026 to reflect on how they prioritize collaboration and solidarity over individual effort. By centering the experiences and voices of those most impacted by global issues, these honourees demonstrate that meaningful change is driven by deep partnership and a commitment to collective action.
A Legacy of Solidarity
As we platform this year’s cohort, we also recognize the 14 years of advocacy that came before them. The issues highlighted by our alumni continue to influence the landscape of international cooperation and inform the climate in which the Class of 2026 operates today. By connecting the innovation of the present with the lessons of our past, we continue to foster a community of practice that is dedicated to addressing the world’s most pressing injustices through lasting, meaningful connection.
The 2026 Visual Identity: A Milestone in Connection
For the 15th anniversary of the Top 30 Under 30, the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation (ACGC) is proud to unveil a visual identity that mirrors the sophistication and scale of our global collective. This year’s campaign is the result of a strategic partnership with two visionary designers: Jimmy Ugray, who spearheaded the anniversary branding, and Mayada Rahal, who developed the innovative portrait system.
The Artists Behind the Vision
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Jimmy Ugray | Lead Branding & Logo Design: An Ojicree Artist based in Banff, Ugray’s work blends cultural depth with modern execution. Explore his portfolio and latest projects on Instagram
@leafandwonder -
Mayada Rahal | Portrait & Visual System Design: A multidisciplinary designer specializing in high-impact visual storytelling. View her full body of work at
mayada.myportfolio.com
“With the 15th anniversary theme of “Harnessing the Power of Connection to Create Lasting Change”, two overlapping ideas occurred to me: the bridging of distances, experiences, and language; and the boundlessness of human imagination to accomplish this. Since time immemorial, we’ve looked at the night sky and connected points of light that are impossibly far from one another to create familiar images, to make something vast a little more tangible. For the 15th Anniversary, alongside shimmering greens and pinks as a colour palette, I wanted to illustrate the night sky above Alberta to represent these bridges and connections. I think we all look at the night sky and feel a little small, but knowing everyone feels this way sort of brings us together, too.” ~ Jimmy Ugray
