ACIC Symposia

ACIC organized two mini-symposia in lieu of one 2024 symposium. We connected with people in New Brunswick and PEI through single-day events touching on Storytelling, Equity, and Change, and the Cost of Living Crisis, respectively. The Gloaming: A Transformative Gathering for Storytelling, Equity, and Change March 18, 2025 | Saint John, NB “The Gloaming” brought together students, community members, Elders, and practitioners in dialogue about critical social issues, including global equity, social inclusion, and justice. Rooted in intergenerational exchange, this event brought us together to share knowledge, reflect on barriers to equity, and explore pathways forward. Conversation topics included: Global equity The backlash against DEI Community-driven solutions to social issues Confronting the Cost of Living Crisis: from PEI to the World November 15, 2024 | Charlottetown, PE Hosted as a partnership with the Cooper Institute, this mini-conference explored the local and global realities of the cost of living crisis, including the impact upon residents of PEI, with an emphasis on under-served communities, and the role that Canadian policies play in shaping the local and international economic landscape. Topics included: Global financialization of farmland as it relates to housing in PEI The effects of the cost of living crisis on under-served communities The economic factors contributing to the crisis, as well as potential solutions

The 2023 symposium explored the web of factors that shape our society and the role money and resources play in both creating disparities and elevating poverty in the world. Speakers and workshops focused on the contexts of climate change, power relations within international cooperation, gender, and decent work. Keynote address by Rabi Adamu Musa, founder of the Mcrissar Foundation spoke to the importance of menstrual health for women and girls in Nigeria and its long term impact on education and decent work. Panels and workshops included: Cost of Power and International Cooperation, Cost of Action and Climate Change, Decent Work and the Cost of Exploitation, The Power of Planning for Community Impact

This symposium brought focus to the UN International Year of Glass and the ongoing crises in Ukraine, Haiti, and Sudan. Participants learned how justice, equity and institutions are at the core of sustainable development and can both support and hinder peace-building efforts around the world. Keynote speaker, Irene Santiago, a venerated peace negotiator from the Philippines, spoke about the role development organizations play in restoring global peace and emphasized the role of women in peace and security. Panels and workshops included: Peace and Education, Peace and Justice, Peace and Environment, Peace and Institutions, Empowering Climate Change through Communications, Philanthropic Support for Grassroots Changemaking, Asset-based community-driven development in Cameroon

Emerging from the pandemic and looking to the future, the 2021 symposium drew on parallels between past crises to discuss opportunities, momentum and cooperation in this transitional time. Topics included: Creating Change: Overcoming Obstacles and Implementing Opportunities, The impacts of COVID on vulnerable communities and systems, The implications of COVID for the future

The 2020 symposium was the first to be held virtually in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through Dr. Ingrid Waldron’s keynote presentation on environmental racism, and three sessions breaking down how to create just climate action, participants stayed connected to each other, the world, and the future of international cooperation.

The 2019 symposium provided training through capacity building workshops around the theme of gender equality, ranging from Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy to Understanding Sex Work and Sex Workers’ Needs to supporting refugee women and girls in Canadian models of sponsorship and resettlement. Keynote: Sister Lissy Chacko of the Good Shepherd Sisters, Bangalore (MPEF)