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From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Wayn Hamilton Board Member Connecting to Africa About Wayn Wayn was born in what he calls the Republic of Beechville; a small Black community established in the late 1700s on the outskirts of metro Halifax. He attended Dalhousie University and received a Bachelor of Arts in African Studies and a Bachelor of Education with a major in Language Arts. Wayn also has a Master’s in Planning and Development from the University of Guelph’s School of Rural Planning and Development. Wayn has worked and lived in Nigeria, Ghana and Sierra Leone. His overseas assignments focused on organizational and strategic planning as well as program design and resource analysis. While working in West Africa he supported a variety of civil society groups involved in grass roots community development. In November 2005, Wayn was selected to develop a framework and strategic plan for the province of Nova Scotia to address longstanding issues in the Black communities. He created the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs (ANSA). He led ANSA’s ongoing work in the core business areas of government relations, negotiations, outreach, and communication. He guided the mandate and provided the leadership for community capacity development and relationship building between government and community. He was responsible for the overall planning, coordinating, managing operations and the legislative mandate of ANSA. He stayed on to work at ANSA until the fall of 2022 as the Executive Director. He plays with a percussion ensemble called Drummers From Home and is also a board member for Connecting to Africa (CTA). CTA is a non-profit, pan African group seeking to increase awareness, advocacy and action partnerships with African Nova Scotian organizations and like-minded groups in Africa. Over the years CTA has organized more than 8 Connecting to Africa Learning Projects to West Africa. His inspiration is Dr. Marie Hamilton (his Mom) and anyone with a genuine passion to make positive changes in their life…the life of their community and beyond.

Global Citizenship Certificate 2024 The first step in changing the world is understanding it. The Global Citizenship Certificate encourages youth to explore connections to their local and international communities and empowers young people to act as effective global citizens. Through virtual workshops, volunteer placement, advocacy projects, and connecting with other youth across the Atlantic, youth will learn and practice being effective global citizens. About Eligibility Criteria Application Process Important Dates About the Program ACIC's Global Citizenship Certificate program encourages youth to explore connections to their local and international communities and enables them to act as effective global citizens. Through virtual workshops, volunteer placement, advocacy projects, and connecting with other youth from across the Atlantic, youth will learn and practice being effective global citizens. The program takes place from February to April 2024. The time commitment required to complete the program is 12-15 hours over three months. The Global Citizenship Certificate consists of 4 modules (offered live virtually and recorded to accommodate schedules): 1. Sustainable Development Goals 2. Intersectionality 3. Indigenous Realities 4. Social Justice Education and Action Why apply: Learn  what it means to be an effective global citizen Connect  with peers who are passionate about social justice Use  your talents and passions to engage locally and globally Learn about opportunities, locally and internationally, that contribute to better communities Gain hours and a certificate to add to post-secondary applications and resumes Application Process Apply by February 11, 2024. Important Dates Application deadline is February 11, 2024 Certificate program runs between February and April 2024 Eligibility Criteria Who can participate: Be between the ages of 15-18 (at the time of application) Reside in Atlantic Canada (NS, NB, NFLD or PEI) Have an interest in global citizenship and developing leadership skills Be able to commit to participation between February and April 2023 Be willing to contribute 12-15 hours to the progam Application Details Apply by: February 11, 2024 Learn More

< Back This is a Title 01 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Previous Next

< Back This is a Title 02 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Previous Next

Global Citizenship Youth Conference 2025 Are you between the ages of 15 and 17 and interested in exploring global issues? Join us for the 2025 Global Citizenship Youth Conference! About Eligibility Criteria Application Process Important Dates About the Program The conference is an opportunity for youth to get informed, get inspired, and take action on local and global issues in a safe and welcoming space. Participants will meet and engage with a diverse group of youth from different communities and cultures across the four Atlantic provinces. Participants will: Connect with others who are committed to social justice and effective global citizenship Challenge systems and barriers that block change Create skills that foster personal and professional social change Identify actionable Change within their communities and circles The conference is free of charge, and food and accommodation are provided. ACIC will arrange and cover the expense of all travel for youth participants. The Global Citizenship Youth Conference invites youth (ages 15-17) to learn about, and take action on, global issues. Hosted by the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation, participants will spend three days (July 3-6, 2025) at the Tatamagouche Centre in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia. Through interactive activities, discussion, games, reflection, and more, the conference will explore topics such as peace and conflict, human rights, Indigenous realities, the Sustainable Development Goals, refugee experiences, poverty and food sovereignty, gender equity, environment, anti-racism, 2SLGBTQSIA+ realities, and more. We are also recruiting for a Digital Storyteller for the Conference! Applicants must be between the ages of 15-17 Applicants must be able to demonstrate their passion and experience in working with photos or video to share stories. Successful applicants will attend the conference like other conference participants but they will be responsible for capturing their conference experience and sharing it with the public, with the support of ACIC. All photographers and videographers will be credited when ACIC uses the content (photos and videos) for any communication. ACIC staff will train, give direction, and provide support to selected applicants. Travel, accommodation, and food will be provided for all selected applicants. Successful applicants will receive a 250$ honorarium for their participation in the program. If you are interested in this role during the conference, you can apply here! Application Process Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until all positions are filled. We will inform all applicants, successful or not. Deadline: May 15, 2025 Important Dates Apply by May 15, 2025 The 2024 Global Citizenship Youth Conference takes place from July 3 - 6, 2025 Eligibility Criteria To participate in the 2025 Global Citizenship Youth Conference, you must be: Be living in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island Age 15-17 Please note that while we would love to accept all applicants, due to the high interest in the conference we will not be able to. It is best to apply as soon as possible, as space is limited!Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until all positions are filled. We will inform all applicants, successful or not. Application Details Apply by: May 15, 2025 Learn More

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Eliza MacLauchlan Restorative Justice Facilitator Government of PEI About Eliza

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Sam Quansah Executive Director Algo Peers About Sam Samuel (Sam) Quansah is an educational innovator and youth development leader with years of experience designing inclusive learning programs and leading community-based initiatives across Ghana and Africa. As Founder and Executive Director of Algo Peers, he drives efforts to expand access to STEAM education by training educators and supporting schoolchildren through practical, community-centred solutions. Sam believes Africa’s youth—the youngest population in the world—are the continent’s greatest asset. He champions development models that centre local youth empowerment, education, and community ownership. Through programs like the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation’s (ACIC) International Youth Internship Program (IYIP) and PhotoVoice, he supports youth to take the lead in addressing local challenges. In just 10 days, Samuel’s team received 336 applications from youth in Ghana eager to join the PhotoVoice initiative, underscoring the growing demand among young people to drive change and community development within their contexts. Co-led by the Connecting to Africa initiative, these programs build meaningful bridges between young people in Ghana and Nova Scotia, Canada, fostering shared learning and global solidarity. One such youth leader, Matthew Thanks, uses short films to raise awareness around water pollution in Northern Ghana—illustrating how grassroots voices can inspire real change. This response reflects a critical truth: while youth are ready to lead, lasting impact depends on funding and partnerships that centre local solutions. To this end, Sam collaborates with school leaders, local governments, and global partners—including ACIC, Connecting to Africa, Global Affairs Canada, and the Ghana Education Service (Cape Coast)—to design a localized funding model that channels resources directly to underserved schools and communities. This approach enables context-specific, community-led solutions to thrive, shifting traditional donor models toward ones that put communities in control of their development. Samuel, a former Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, has mentored hundreds of African youth through the Google Africa Developer Scholarship Challenge, supporting the next generation of tech leaders across the continent. He is also a Mandela Washington Fellow recognized by the U.S. Department of State and completed Leadership for Civic Engagement training at the University of Delaware. Samuel combines this leadership experience with advanced studies as a Master of Business Creation (MBC) candidate at the University of Utah and an Ed.M. candidate at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, focusing on Global, International, and Comparative Education. Samuel’s mission is to co-create sustainable systems that empower African youth and educators to solve local problems on their terms, grounded in community context and led by local leadership. He firmly believes that meaningful development requires local ownership, strategic funding, and partnerships that prioritize and amplify community-driven solutions. By aligning resources with grassroots expertise, Samuel aims to shift traditional models toward ones where communities are the architects of their growth and progress, ensuring lasting impact and true empowerment.

< Back Atlantic Council for International Cooperation Celebrates and Welcomes Canada’s Recognition of the State of Palestine Atlantic Council for International Cooperation Sep 24, 2025 The Atlantic Council for International Cooperation (ACIC) celebrates and welcomes the Government of Canada’s historic decision, announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney on September 21, 2025, to recognize the State of Palestine. This recognition, made in coordination with the governments of the United Kingdom and Australia, reflects a long-overdue commitment to international law, human rights, and the dignity of the Palestinian people, and represents an important step toward lasting peace and justice in the region. In his statement, Prime Minister Carney affirmed that Canada’s recognition is firmly aligned with the principles of self-determination and fundamental human rights reflected in the United Nations Charter, and consistent with Canada’s longstanding policy of supporting a two-state solution. This coordinated recognition underscores the urgent need to preserve the possibility of a viable, sovereign, and democratic Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel. "This decision marks a significant milestone for Canada and for global solidarity," said Heather Dicks, ACIC Board Chair. "We celebrate and welcome this recognition, and we urge the Government of Canada to build on this momentum, leading by advocating for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, and guaranteeing effective humanitarian aid reaches those in need." ACIC calls on the Government of Canada to work with international partners to: Press for an immediate and permanent ceasefire; Guarantee unrestricted and effective humanitarian access to Gaza; Support international accountability mechanisms for violations of international humanitarian law; Advance peacebuilding initiatives that uphold dignity, security, and justice for all people in the region. As a coalition rooted in global solidarity, ACIC affirms that recognition of Palestinian statehood is a vital first step, but peace requires continued commitment to justice and human rights. Canada’s recognition, while historic, must be followed by concrete measures that ensure the protection of civilians, the delivery of effective humanitarian aid, and the realization of a just and sustainable peace. About ACIC The Atlantic Council for International Cooperation (ACIC) is a coalition of more than 50 organizations and individuals working in global cooperation and solidarity from across Atlantic Canada. ACIC supports its members in building more equitable, just, and sustainable communities at home and around the world. Contact: Mateo Gomez Angulo, ACIC Communications Officer communications@acic-caci.org Previous Next

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Andrew Smith Director General, Pan-African Affairs Global Affairs Canada About Drew Andrew (Drew) Smith is the Director General, Pan-African Affairs at Global Affairs Canada. Drew has over 30 years of experience in the field of international development and international relations, this includes policy development, programming and field operations. Drew co-led the design and launch of Canada’s $1.6 billion International Assistance Innovation Program. He has worked as Canada’s Head of Cooperation in Vietnam and has managed development assistance programs throughout the Asia Pacific region. Prior to becoming the Director General for Pan-African Affairs, Drew was the Director General for International Assistance Policy from 2019 to 2024, where he led Canada’s engagement on development issues at the G7, G20 and the OECD, and oversaw Canada’s contribution to Sustainable Development Goals finance discussions at the UN. Drew has served as Canada’s G7 Senior Development Official and is a member of the UN Secretary-General's Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals. Drew holds a PhD in political science and international relations from the Australian National University.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Paul Farran Director of Policy and Advocacy Cooperation Canada About Paul Paul Farran is the Director of Policy and Advocacy at Cooperation Canada, where he leads efforts to advance an impactful international cooperation agenda. He has deep experience in government, NGOs, multilateral organizations, and academia—driving impact on political, development, and humanitarian fronts. He’s worked in crisis and development contexts across Africa and Asia, bringing both global insight and field-tested expertise. A natural collaborator, Paul works to unite diverse stakeholders to solve complex, high-stakes challenges. His core experience span diplomatic engagement, partnership building, strategic planning, and program execution. He’s developed hands on experience in advancing peacebuilding, climate action, and development effectiveness, while advising high level leaders.

ICN Youth Delegation 2024 The Inter-Council Network is proud to work with youth from across Canada in order to ensure that their voices have the opportunity to be heard at the Sixty-Eighth Session of the Commission of the Status of Women (CSW68). About Eligibility Criteria Application Process Important Dates About the Program The active involvement of youth in international forums is key to building a brighter future. Youth bring their fresh perspectives and innovative thinking, which inspire collaboration and drive change. Their long-term commitment ensures the sustainability of these goals, while their adaptability and resilience help us navigate the complex challenges of our time. By empowering and including young people, we unlock the full potential of the SDGs, bringing us closer to a more equitable, environmentally responsible, and prosperous world for all. About the UN Commission on the Status of Women The UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women. The CSW is instrumental in promoting women’s rights, documenting the reality of women’s lives throughout the world, and shaping global standards. During the Commission’s annual two-week session, representatives of UN Member States, civil society organizations and UN entities discuss progress, gaps, and further actions in the implementation of the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action , as well as emerging issues that affect gender equality and the empowerment of women. As a functional commission of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), YDC brings Delegates from across Canada to engage in the CSW including through submitting written statements, oral interventions, or organizing side/parallel events. This opportunity enables YDC delegates to engage with stakeholders in Canada and abroad to inform their position and advocate for it domestically. The active involvement of youth in international forums is key to building a brighter future. Youth bring their fresh perspectives and innovative thinking, which inspire collaboration and drive change. Their long-term commitment ensures the sustainability of these goals, while their adaptability and resilience help us navigate the complex challenges of our time. By empowering and including young people, we unlock the full potential of the SDGs, bringing us closer to a more equitable, environmentally responsible, and prosperous world for all. The sixty-eight session of the Commission on the Status of Women will take place from 11 to 22 March 2024 , and its priority theme is: Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective . Application Process If you have any questions, please contact us at info@icn-rcc.ca Important Dates Eligibility Criteria This program is available for youth (18-30) from across Canada. Application Details Learn More

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Gabrielle Bardall Assistant Professor of Politics Canada Research Chair in Women, Democracy, and Power in the Francophonie, Université Sainte-Anne About Gabrielle Gabrielle Bardall is assistant professor of politics and candidate for a Canada Research Chair in Women, Democracy, and Power in the Francophonie at Université Sainte-Anne in Nova Scotia. She is a visiting professor at the University of Ottawa and a fellow and adjunct professor at the Centre for the Study of Security and Development at Dalhousie University. She has worked on democracy support initiatives in over 60 countries around the world for various UN agencies, bilateral foreign affairs and international non-profit organizations, and as founder and director of the Herizon Democracy consulting group. She specializes in gender, security, and democratization issues, particularly women's political rights in post-conflict and authoritarian states. A former Vice-President of the Parliamentary Centre, she recently worked for Canada's Ambassador for Women, Peace, and Security as Senior Policy Advisor at Global Affairs Canada. Professor Bardall is a graduate of McGill University, Sciences Po Paris, and the University of Montreal. She was awarded the Congressional Fellowship by the American Political Science Association and the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Doctoral Scholarship for her work in the field of gender-based political violence.