One Young World – Pete Mcleod

If you can find my hometown on a global map you must be really good at Trivial Pursuit. Growing up in the remote Northern Ontario community of Red Lake, Ontario, Canada provided me with a unique perspective of some of the social issues challenging us today.

I’ve been fortunate to be raised in a country with a high standard of living and high level of human rights and freedoms. Despite having these luxuries, I feel it is important to keep thinking globally and pay attention to the ‘big picture’ that surrounds all of us. I’m honoured to be part of One Young World and look forward to sharing insights during the summit. One Young World has the potential to activate a group with limitless potential: today’s youth.

Growing up in the north, I enjoy the Canadian wilderness and it’s also where I discovered my passion for aviation. I’ve had my pilots licence since I was 16 years old and spent summers flying to remote Canadian lakes while working in the tourism industry.

While I was at the University of Western Ontario completing my economics degree, I was heavily involved in aerobatic flying competitions and have performed at air shows throughout North America and Europe. In 2009, I entered the Red Bull Air Race World Championship as the youngest pilot and only Canadian to ever compete in the Championship. This experience has allowed me to travel the world and meet interesting people from all walks of life, including many motivated and intelligent young people that hope to achieve big things.