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< 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 Bright Kwame Fiaga Founder and President International Council for Immigration, Entrepreneurship and Employment (ICIEE) About Bright Bright Kwame FIAGA is the Founder and President of the International Council for Immigration, Entrepreneurship and Employment (CIIEE International), and President of the National Commission of Inquiry and Investigation of the Consumers League of Togo (LCT). Winner of the Pan-African Young Exceptional African Award, Bright is a dedicated entrepreneur and an active member of both Togolese and African civil society. He is deeply involved in advocacy and awareness-raising efforts with the African Consumer Organization (OAC), and is an alumnus of the Africa Youth and Governance Convergence (AYGC) in both 2019 and 2023. Bright believes that civil society is the best space for preparing the next generation of citizens to live impactful lives. Since 2018, he has served as the Peace and Security Officer of the AfriKa Youth Movement (AYM), Togo hub. With over twelve years of experience in entrepreneurship and business management, Bright provides professional advice and entrepreneurial training to youth and women in his community. Recognized for his commitment, in 2018 he was selected by the U.S. Embassy in Togo to participate in the country’s first high-level international conference on social enterprises. Bright is especially passionate about the issue of irregular migration. “The sea has made too many mothers cry in Africa and elsewhere,” he says. Since 2017, he has actively worked to discourage risky and illegal migration, raising awareness among young people about the dangers of irregular immigration and the benefits of safe, informed, and responsible pathways. In December 2023, he founded CIIEE International, through which he continues to champion youth entrepreneurship and legal migration strategies. In July 2024, he received an international honorary distinction for his work in Nairobi, Kenya.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Kirsten Larson PhD Researcher Irish Centre for Human Rights (ICHR), University of Galway About Kirsten Kirsten Larson is a second-year PhD researcher at the Irish Centre for Human Rights (ICHR), University of Galway. She previously served as a research assistant to Siobhán Mullally, the UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, especially women and children. Kirsten holds a BA in Human Rights and Social Justice with a minor in Law from Carleton University, Canada, and an LLM in International Human Rights from the ICHR. Her doctoral research focuses on child trafficking in the context of armed conflict, with a particular focus on Northeast Syria.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Joseph Fitkowski Project Alumnus International Youth Internship Program About Joseph Joseph Fitkowski is an alumnus of the 2024 International Youth Internship Program, and served in Nairobi, Kenya with Colleges and Institutes Canada. A graduate of Dalhousie University's Master of Arts in Political Science (2023) and Western University's Master of Arts in History (2020) programs, he has always been interested and fascinated by how governments, institutions, and individuals create and propagate narratives, and how policy, especially those in illiberal regimes or those facing democratic backsliding, is framed in historical contexts. He has recently relocated to St. John's, and is excited to return to the East Coast.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Shadi Mousavi About Shadi

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Judyannet Muchiri Policy and Research Officer Inter-Council Network About Judyannet Judyannet Muchiri (she/her) is a feminist scholar–activist with experience in Canada’s international cooperation sector and the non-profit sector in Kenya, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Cameroon, and Uganda working on, researching and writing on gender equality, digital advocacy and civic participation. Currently, she is completing a PhD in Sociology, overseeing policy work at the Inter-Council Network (ICN), and co-leading the Africa Community Engagement (ACE) Hub.

< Back Atlantic Council for International Cooperation celebrates funding for International Youth Internship Program Atlantic Council for International Cooperation Feb 7, 2024 At an event celebrating International Development Week 2024, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development announced $24.5 million in funding for the International Youth Internships Program (IYIP) across Canada, including $4.23 million for the RYSING (Resilient Youth, Supported Inclusion, Network Growth) project jointly implemented by the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation and the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University (MI). The program offers Canadian youth the opportunity to gain valuable international work experience and make meaningful contributions through four-month international internship placements. Between 2024 and 2029, ACIC and MI’s IYIP program will place 190 interns with 22 partner organisations in 15 countries throughout Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and Central America. Priority will be given to Racialized, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, and youth who have experienced barriers to employment due to COVID-19. Applications for the first IYIP cohort will open on February 12, 2024. Youth who are interested in acquiring new skills and gaining professional experience abroad or contributing their knowledge, skills and lived experiences to meaningful projects abroad are encouraged to apply. Minister Hussen, on announcing the program funding, said “Youth engagement matters. It creates meaningful opportunities for new generations to be agents of change in their communities. Canada is committed to mobilising and inspiring young people from diverse backgrounds to get involved in international development.” Learn more about ACIC’s IYIP program: https://www.acic-caci.org/internships Contact: Indigo Christ, ACIC IYIP Program Manager indigo@acic-caci.org Jennifer Sloot, ACIC Executive Director jennifer@acic-caci.org Previous Next

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Janice Hamilton Executive Director Manitoba Council for International Cooperation About Janice Janice has been with the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation (MCIC) since 1987, serving in a variety of roles before becoming Executive Director in 2000. A committed leader in the international cooperation sector, Janice has served at the national level as a Director of Cooperation Canada for many years since 1996. She is also an active member of the Inter-Council Network of Provincial & Regional Councils for International Cooperation. Provincially, she has participated in several Roundtables and most recently was on the Curriculum Advisory Panel for Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning. Janice received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Manitoba) in 2022. Janice is passionate about Public Engagement. She is dedicated to creating meaningful and creative ways to involve more people in international cooperation and seeing the connections between global and local issues, with the goal of nurturing engaged, informed Global Citizens. She has participated in several committees, both nationally and provincially, regarding Public Engagement. MCIC has earned a reputation for delivering innovative and engaging programming in the formal education sector and the larger community. Outside of her professional work, Janice is a strong supporter of the arts. She is an enthusiastic patron of Winnipeg’s cultural scene and holds season tickets to the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.

Youth Advisory Council ACIC’s Youth Advisory Council will bring together 4 Atlantic Canadian youth, aged 19-25, to ensure youth voices are centered in our youth programming. ACIC has a deep commitment to providing youth programs which reflect the diversity of Atlantic Canadian youth and programs that create opportunities for youth to connect, learn, act, and reflect, on what it means to be active global citizens committed to social justice, community development, and effecting change, both locally and globally, in sustainable ways. About Eligibility Criteria Application Process Important Dates About the Program The Atlantic Council for International Cooperation has a deep commitment to providing youth programs which reflect the diversity of Atlantic Canadian youth and programs that create opportunities for youth to connect, learn, act, and reflect, on what it means to be active global citizens committed to social justice, community development, and effecting change, both locally and globally, in sustainable ways. ACIC is deeply committed to fostering youth leadership as a cornerstone of building just, equitable, and sustainable communities. Guided by our values of justice through participation, lived experience, and lifelong learning, we actively create space for youth to lead, advise, and co-create within our programs and strategic directions. Our commitment to decolonization, anti-racism, and intersectionality ensures that youth, particularly those from equity-deserving communities, are not only engaged but are essential voices in shaping inclusive, transformative action across the international cooperation sector. Through intentional mentorship, reciprocal learning, and resourced participation, we honour youth power as vital to ACIC’s present and future. To strengthen this commitment, ACIC’s Youth Advisory Council will bring together 4 Atlantic Canadian youth, aged 19-25, to ensure youth voices are centered in our youth programming. ACIC Youth Advisory Council members will: Learn about and support ACIC’s values and strategic plan Provide feedback on youth programming initiatives Guide ACIC on best practices and strategies for youth engagement and outreach Contribute to and benefit from mentor/mentee relationships Gain skills related leadership, strategic planning, proposal development, design and implementation of programs Commit 5-7 hours/month to Youth Advisory meetings, professional development sessions, independent work, meeting with ACIC staff, and possible event attendance Access the ACIC Symposium at no cost and Youth Advisory Council training from June 16 - 20 Application Process Applications close May 19th. Successful applicants will receive a $500 honorarium for the commitment. For more information contact Jackie at 902.431.2311 or jackie@acic-caci.org . Important Dates Applications close May 19th. ACIC Symposium 2025 - June 18-19, 2025. Eligibility Criteria Application Criteria: Be between the ages of 19-25 Be able to commit 5-7 hours/month from June 2025 to February 2026 Have experience working with youth who are younger and/or younger than themselves Be passionate about creating opportunities and spaces for youth to engage, learn, and act in meaningful way to their communities, both locally and globally Understand the importance of creating programs that are inclusive and that reflect the diversity of Atlantic Canadian youth Application Details Apply by: May 19, 2025 Learn More

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Adiza Abdul-Raifu About Adiza

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Eileen Alma Executive Director Coady Institute, St. Francis Xavier University About Eileen Eileen Alma is the Executive Director at Coady Institute, St. Francis Xavier University and held this position since June 1, 2022. She previously held the position of Director, International Centre for Women’s Leadership at Coady Institute, overseeing programming and partnerships on women’s leadership and gender equality nationally and internationally including initiatives for Indigenous women leaders and communities, and the development of the Circle of Abundance program initiative. Eileen has more than 30 years of interdisciplinary experience in international program development, management, research and practice. Prior to joining Coady Institute, Eileen worked with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) for twenty years, as Program Officer in Social and Economic Policy areas as well as with the Embassy of Ethiopia in Canada. Eileen currently serves on the Board of Directors for Cooperation Canada. She is also a facilitator with Hope for Mental Health NS. She has served on technical committees for ICARDA, CGIAR and review committees for SSHRC and the Canada Foundation for Innovation. Eileen holds a Master’s degree in Conflict Analysis and Management (ethno-political) and a Master’s Certificate in Project Management from Royal Roads University.