As Atlantic Canadians, we have a unique opportunity during this federal election to advocate for Canada's continued leadership in international development. In a time of global uncertainty, our region's commitment to global health, economic growth, and humanitarian aid is more important than ever. Let's remind our candidates that Atlantic Canadians care about making a positive impact globally and call on our next government to champion these efforts. Standing Up for Global Cooperation Election 2025 As Atlantic Canadians, we have an important opportunity during this federal election to raise our voices on issues that matter to our region—like Canada’s continued leadership in international development. In a time of global uncertainty, our region's long-standing commitment to global health, economic growth, and humanitarian aid remains as important as ever. By supporting these initiatives, we not only contribute to a better world, but also strengthen our own communities through increased trade, security, and international partnerships. Let’s remind our candidates that Atlantic Canadians care deeply about making a positive global impact, and call on our next government to champion these efforts. Together, we can ensure that a better future starts with us. Call to Action: Join us in ensuring that Atlantic Canada continues to make a positive difference in the world. During this election, let candidates know that you support international development initiatives. Together, we can build a brighter future for all. The Atlantic Council for International Cooperation (ACIC) encourages all Atlantic Canadians to raise their voices in support of protecting Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding from potential cuts. By reaching out to candidates running in your riding and using our pre-built letter tool, you can easily express your commitment to global cooperation and aid. Additionally, we invite you to explore the resources available on our website to learn more about Canada's ODA funding and its impact. Not sure who's running in your riding? Find your candidates here. Resources & Action Cooperation Canada - Canadian International Assistance Fact Sheet The 2025 Canadian International Assistance fact sheet answers frequently asked questions concerning Canadian ODA. Learn More Cooperation Canada - Election 2025: An Open Letter to Leaders Cooperation Canada has sent an open letter to all party leaders emphasizing our members’ commitment to working with them and urging them to propose a clear and strategic vision for Canada’s global engagement. Read Here Results Canada - #ABetterWorld Campaign The 2025 federal election is in full swing. Now is the time for all our voices to be heard – whether you can vote or not – and to tell our local candidates that we want Canada’s next government to have a strong role in tackling the most pressing global challenges. A better world starts with Canada – with your voice. Learn More

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.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Join us in Halifax, June 18-19, 2025, for two days of transformative discussions, collaboration, and action. Celebrating 50 years of solidarity & global cooperation, this year’s symposium will bring together changemakers to reimagine international development. June 18 + 19, 2025 Halifax, NS & Virtually Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary's University Symposium PhotoVoices Across the globe, powerful and well-resourced countries are pulling back on their commitments to Overseas Development Assistance (ODA). These decisions create real uncertainty for communities and organizations working to advance global solidarity. At a time when foreign aid remains essential to addressing urgent global challenges, this retreat signals the need for renewed dialogue, collaboration, and action. As ACIC marks its 50th anniversary, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment. The landscape of international cooperation is shifting rapidly. Political polarization, funding cuts, and changing global power dynamics are testing the foundations of solidarity and development work. These shifts call for new approaches that centre justice, equity, and local leadership. This year’s Symposium invites us to reflect, reconnect, and reimagine the future of global cooperation. Together, we’ll ask: What role does foreign aid continue to play in building more equitable, connected communities? How can we sustain and diversify resources in the face of political and economic uncertainty? What does it take to build partnerships rooted in long-term, community-led solutions? How can we learn from past movements and transitions to navigate today’s challenges with clarity and purpose? The Symposium will bring together current and past ACIC members—those who have helped build just, equitable communities across the globe—alongside civil society leaders, policymakers, private sector stakeholders, and youth. Together, we will examine how international cooperation has evolved over the decades, and how we can move forward with hope, purpose, and a shared commitment to equity and justice. Education remains central to this conversation, both as a catalyst for peace and security and as a tool for equipping communities with the knowledge to engage in global development efforts. From grassroots activism to institutional advocacy, from Southern-led partnerships to shifts in donor landscapes, this Symposium will highlight pathways to action, ensuring that hope remains the foundation for international cooperation in the decades ahead. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to global solidarity and the transformative power of partnership. In times of uncertainty, we look back to move forward, learning from history to build a more just, resilient, and interconnected future. Schedule Speakers Our Speakers and Presenters. This year’s Symposium will feature a dynamic lineup of speakers from across the Atlantic region, Canada, and the globe, bringing together voices from grassroots movements, civil society organizations, academia, and international cooperation networks. Their lived experiences and insights will ground our discussions in the realities of today’s challenges and the possibilities for collective action. To learn more about our speakers and presenters, click on the images below: Ambassador Lilly Nicholls (Retd.) Former Canadian Ambassador Shelly Whitman Executive Director, Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security Wayn Hamilton Board Member, Connecting To Africa Heather McPherson NDP MP, Edmonton-Strathcona Janice Hamilton Executive Director, Manitoba Council for International Cooperation Bright Kwame Fiaga Founder and President of the International Council for Immigration, Entrepreneurship and Employment (ICIEE) Ashley Rerrie Program Officer at the Equality Fund Paul Farran Director of Policy and Advocacy at Cooperation Canada Samuel Quansah Executive Director, Algo Peers Elder Joe Michael Pipe Carrier and a Sacred Fire Keeper Vicky Yee Executive Director, Women's Fund Fiji Eileen Alma Executive Director at Coady Institute, St. Francis Xavier University Andrew Smith Director General, Pan-African Affairs at Global Affairs Canada Judyannet Muchiri Policy and Research Officer, Inter-Council Network Kai Audi Programmes Officer, Jinsiangu Kenya DeNel Rehberg Sedo Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Mount Saint Vincent University María Inés Cuj Chopén General Coordinator, Administrator, and Certified Permaculturist The Mesoamerican Permaculture Institute (IMAP) Jennifer Elms Gender Equality Advisor at Aga Khan Foundation North America Tsigie Haile Founder and director of the Organization for Women in Self- Employment (WISE) Patrik Evelio Mucia Poz Biodiversity Program Coordinator, Seed Bank Administrator, Permaculture Educator The Mesoamerican Permaculture Institute (IMAP) Dr. Arturo Ezquerro-Cañete Maritimes Coordinator, Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network (BTS) David Black Professor of International Development Studies at Dalhousie University Jonathan Langdon Professor and the Canada Research Chair for Sustainability and Social Change Leadership at St Francis Xavier University Max-Prosper Fortuna Deputy Director, le Centre Haitien du Leadership et de l’Excellence (Haitian Centre for Leadership and Excellence) James Parsons Executive Director, Canadian Partnerships Division at Global Affairs Canada Shelagh Savage Lecturer, International Development Studies Department at Dalhousie University Caleigh Wong Veteran Research Partner at the Centre for Social Innovation and Community Engagement in Military Affairs Gabrielle Bardall Assistant Professor, Université Sainte-Anne Kirsten Larson PhD researcher at the Irish Centre for Human Rights (ICHR), University of Galway Timi Idris PhD Student at Dalhousie University Cristina Jerez Fair-Trade Coffee Marketing Coordinator for Breaking the Silence Maritimes-Guatemala Ava Green Political Science Undergraduate Student at Dalhousie University Caroline Scott Masters Student at Dalhousie University Joseph Fitkowski International Youth Internship Program Alumnus Eliza MacLauchlan Restorative Justice Facilitator with the Government of PEI

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Elder Joe Michael Elder in Residence Acadia University About Joe Joe Michael is a respected Mi’kmaw Elder, Pipe Carrier, and Sacred Fire Keeper from Sipekne’katik First Nation, known for his lifelong commitment to advancing Indigenous knowledge, ceremony, and leadership. With over 27 years of experience as a police officer and security professional, he has helped shape national approaches to Indigenous community policing and continues to support conflict resolution and leadership development across sectors. Joe is the creator of The River Stone Journey and a trusted advisor, educator, and speaker who brings Mi’kmaw teachings to institutions, youth, and community spaces. He is also a co-producer of L’NUK 101: Finding Common Ground , using storytelling and media to foster deeper understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Through his work, Joe creates space for reflection, healing, and connection grounded in Mi’kmaw values and ceremony.

Our vibrant coalition of Atlantic Canadian individuals, organizations, and institutions are committed to creating a more just, equitable and sustainable world. Our members work on achieving a peaceful and healthy environment, with social justice, human dignity and participation for all. Organizations based in Atlantic Canada can join our membership as an organizational member, while Atlantic Canadians can join as individual associates. Meet Our Members Membership Benefits Meet Our Members Meet Our Members Nova Scotia Newfoundland and Labrador New Brunswick Prince Edward Island All Organizational Members All Individual Associates Why should you join? Membership Benefits 1 Expand your network As a member of ACIC, you'll be part of a vibrant network that connects you with people, local organizations, and important groups working in the international cooperation sector, across the Atlantic region and at a national level. You'll have the opportunity to learn about their work, interact with them at their upcoming events, and learn what they're up to. Plus, you can share updates about your own organization, creating valuable connections and collaborations. 2 Professional and Capacity Development Opportunities We believe in your growth and expertise. ACIC hosts annual professional development workshops in the Atlantic provinces to enable knowledge sharing. These opportunities are spaces to learn new skills and gain practical knowledge. As a member, you'll enjoy free or discounted registration for these workshops. You'll be invited along with all our members, to join us at our flagship events, our Annual General Meeting, Symposium and networking opportunities to connect with peers, share experiences, and learn best practices in international development and global education. 3 Funding, Grants and Awards As ACIC Members, you can apply for our grants and awards. For our workshops and capacity building opportunities, members can apply for travel bursaries and workshop ticket bursaries. Every year, our members play an integral role in nominating and selecting the winner of the Shirley Case Leadership Award. Our members can apply for our funds every year, including for Organizational and Individual Membership Public Engagement Fund, partner with us for International Development Week, and for our Partnership Engagement Fund. We also regularly share opportunities for funding, grants and awards with our membership through our communication channels. 4 Your Voice Matters: Member-Driven Approach At ACIC, your voice matters. We are a council created by our members, for our members. This means you actively participate in shaping ACIC's policies, priorities, and procedures, ensuring they align with your needs and aspirations. Our member-driven approach fosters a sense of ownership and shared purpose, driving collective responses to challenges and opportunities within the international development and global education landscape. Our member-based committees offer space to direct dialogue, and ACIC programming. 5 Stay updated and engaged ACIC keeps you informed and engaged through our communication channels. You'll receive news, job opportunities, funding opportunities from the sector, and upcoming event details right to your inbox. We also share member events and opportunities on our website and social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads. If you need information about the international sector or our members, we're here to help. We also share updates and opportunities from Global Affairs Canada and national and international agencies. 6 Regional, National and International Representation We advocate for issues that are important to you. As current hosts of the Inter-Council Network, we offer a space to network and learn from other organizations across the country. We help facilitate leadership roles within regional, national and international dialogues for our membership. As members and partners of Cooperation Canada, Global Affairs Canada, and the federal government, we make sure your concerns are heard and addressed. 7 A Supportive Community with a Shared Vision We are a community united by a vision of justice, equality, environmental responsibility, and sustainable development in the Atlantic region. ACIC members are always there to support each other, making a positive impact together. Want to connect with a subject matter expert? Want to run your idea by someone, or looking for an organization to partner with? Reach out to us or other members, and we'll help you form those connections. Apply for Membership Apply for Organizational Membership Apply to Become An Individual Member To apply for membership, please fill out the application form. Once we receive your completed form, and our Membership Committee (formed of Board Members, Staff and other Members) approves your application, you can pay below. If you need assistance in the application process, would like more information, or are hoping to renew your membership, please reach out to us at membership@acic-caci.org .

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Arturo Ezquerro-Cañete Maritimes Coordinator Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network (BTS) About Arturo Arturo Ezquerro-Cañete has been the BTS Maritimes Coordinator since 2022, facilitating Maritimes-based advocacy and grassroots organizing in support of Guatemalan partner organizations struggling for political, social and economic justice. With the goal of building solidarity across borders, Dr. Ezquerro-Cañete has facilitated public speaking tours featuring long-term BTS partners, as well as organized a series of field schools and delegations to Guatemala. Dr. Ezquerro-Cañete’s Maritimes-based activism is grounded in his considerable experience researching the politics of natural resource extraction in Latin America. For his doctoral research he studied campesino movement resistance to large-scale soybean agribusiness in Paraguay. He holds a PhD in International Development Studies and has taught at universities across the Maritimes, including Saint Mary’s University, Acadia University, and the University of New Brunswick. He enjoys supervising students and finds it particularly meaningful and rewarding to connect them with BTS through volunteer experiential learning, summer job placements, human rights delegations, and internship opportunities in Guatemala. Arturo also volunteers with the Centre for Migrant Worker Rights Nova Scotia (CMWR NS) and is a former Outreach Coordinator at the Latin American House community centre in London, UK. He currently lives in Halifax (Kjipuktuk) with his partner.

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.

Youth ACIC’s youth programs provide meaningful opportunities to learn about global issues, build skills, and make an impact as active global citizens. Through activities like the Global Citizenship Conference and workshops, youth explore issues that matter, connect with peers, and take action . With programs designed for various interests and skill levels, participants can expand their knowledge and confidence, whether they're just getting started or ready to deepen their engagement. ACIC encourages youth from Atlantic Canada to explore multiple activities, each helping them grow as leaders in their communities and beyond. Programs PhotoVoices Galleries Learn More ACIC's PhotoVoices Program enables youth to share their narratives every year through photography, writing, and art. From the art our youth from Atlantic Canada and from overseas, we've been able to curate our very own gallieries. Re-Imagining Development Gathering Learn More ACIC’s Re-imagining Development, invites post-secondary students and young professionals in fields of global solidarity/international development to participate in a gathering of the unlearning, co-learning, and re-imagining of ‘international development’. PhotoVoices 2026 Learn More Stories are powerful: they weave people and experiences together and shape how we see the world. Knowing the impact and value of a well-told story, ACIC’s PhotoVoices Program empowers youth to share the narratives they want to tell through photos. Through the program, Atlantic Canadian youth and youth from the Global South use photos to share their stories, build skills, explore various topics related to social justice, learn from experts in the field, and so much more. IDW Youth Funding 2026 Learn More To celebrate International Development Week (IDW), ACIC is excited to offer funding for youth (ages 15-30) to host their own events! Click here to view our Youth Programs archive View our Global Citizenship Conference 2024 Photo Gallery! Photo Credits: Colette Peng, 2024 Conference Digital Storyteller Contact Jackie Dowling ACIC Youth Program Manager (902) 431-2311 Jackie@acic-caci.org First Name Last Name Email Message Thanks for submitting! Send

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Jonathan Langdon Professor and Canada Research Chair Development Studies Department at St. Francis Xavier University About Jonathan Jonathan Langdon is a Professor and the Canada Research Chair for Sustainability and Social Change Leadership at St Francis Xavier University, in Mi’kma’ki or Nova Scotia, Canada. For the past 20 years, he has been working with social movements in Ghana to document and deepen their learning in, through and to struggle. More recently, this work sparked a partnership network amongst social movements in Ghana, South Africa, Guatemala and Canada that focuses on how movements can learn from each other from one locale to another, or translocally. In addition to working with this new partnership, Langdon has contributed to critical and decolonized approaches to Development Studies curriculum, including experiential learning pedagogy. Co-authored with many of the activists he’s worked with, as well as with students, Langdon’s writing has been published in leading international and Canadian development, participatory action research and adult education journals. He is also the author of African Social Movement Learning (Brill, 2020), and editor of Indigenous Knowledges, Development and Education (Sense, 2009).

Partnership Enhancement Fund Apply now! The Partnership Enhancement Fund (PEF) supports ACIC members in bringing international partners to Atlantic Canada to foster collaboration, shared learning, and stronger global connections. Aligned with SDG #17, the fund enhances public engagement and strengthens organizational impact through travel support and partnership-building activities during key events. Apply now to grow your global partnerships! Apply now! Overview: The Partnership Enhancement Fund (PEF) supports in-person engagement between ACIC member organizations in Atlantic Canada and their international partners by funding travel for international partners to visit Atlantic Canada. By facilitating these visits, the PEF seeks to strengthen relationships and foster deeper understanding of shared development issues and impact stories. This fund offers a unique opportunity to strengthen partnerships that drive global learning and engagement within Atlantic Canada, fostering a more connected and informed community. The fund, an evolution of the former Global Voices and Southern Speakers Fund, encourages mutual learning and engagement, amplifying the success stories of ACIC members and their international collaborations within the Atlantic Canadian community. These visits align with SDG #17 – Partnerships for the Goals, by creating valuable opportunities to deepen connections, raise awareness, and promote solidarity through shared experiences and understanding of local and international contexts. Fund Purpose The Partnership Enhancement Fund is designed for ACIC Organizational Members, including small to medium-sized organizations, civil society groups, and academic institutions in the international cooperation sector. Through this initiative, ACIC aims to facilitate partnerships that highlight the value of international collaboration in addressing local issues tied to global development and cooperation. Application Opportunity and Details ACIC invites interested Atlantic Canadian organizations to submit an expression of interest through the registration form below. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate strong ties and a collaborative approach with their international partners. Proposals should align with the partnership principles outlined in ACIC’s Code of Ethics and illustrate shared learning goals around a development initiative. ACIC hopes that these partnerships foster connections that may extend into future collaborations. PEF activities are expected to take place during two windows: International Development Week: February 2 to 7, 2025 ACIC Annual Symposium in June (exact date TBD; if you are interested in opting for this window, please mention so in your application, and we’ll be in touch with you with more information). Eligibility and Important Considerations Applicants must be ACIC organizational members based in Atlantic Canada, in good standing ( ratified and have paid their organizational membership dues for the year 2024-25. If you haven’t done this or want confirmation of payment, please reach out to us at membership@acic-caci.org . ) The proposed speaker must be eligible and available to travel to Atlantic Canada in the specified window Applicants must have submitted all final reports from previous ACIC-funded projects. While we encourage everyone to apply, preference will be given to organizations who have not previously received this fund (or its past iterations i.e. Southern Speakers Fund and Global Voices Fund). In your application, we encourage you to mention how: Your partnership demonstrates shared learning and mutual benefit: Describe how the collaboration with your international partner will foster mutual understanding, skill sharing, and knowledge exchange. Please highlight, where possible, any specific projects or initiatives that showcase these elements. Public engagement will be enhanced: Detail any planned activities or public engagement opportunities for the visiting partner, such as workshops, community meetings, or talks. If you’d like to work with us to organize these with our membership, or media, please apply at the earliest and connect with us. Share how these activities will build awareness and create lasting connections between Atlantic Canadians and global issues. The partnership strengthens your organization’s impact: Explain how the international partner’s visit will enhance your organization’s work and further your goals in the international cooperation sector. Illustrate how this engagement could open doors to future collaborative projects or partnerships. Please apply by March 1, 2025 if applying for Window 2. About the Budget and Funding All applications must submit a detailed budget breakdown (in CAD, not exceeding 3500 CAD) of all possible associated costs in relation to your proposal. Please also identify contributions requested from ACIC, cash contributions from your organization/institution or partners (if any), and in-kind contributions. Note: Funding Available For: Funding is available to help cover costs associated with the international partner(s) travel and participation to Atlantic Canada and the public engagement activities planned in Atlantic Canada. We encourage contributions in cash/kind from the organizations applying to reflect their contribution to this partnership initiative. Only actual costs incurred against the initial budget will be reimbursed. About Logistics: The nominating organization will handle travel logistics, including tickets, insurance, and visas. Proof of eligibility for the proposed speaker’s travel to Canada is required in the application, and ACIC can provide visa support letters as needed. Application Details Please apply by December 17, 2024 if you are applying for Window 1, and by February 15, 2025 if applying for Window 2. Apply / Register Now Similar Opportunities Safer Spaces Facilitator The Atlantic Council for International Cooperation (ACIC) invites proposals from experienced facilitators or consultant teams to design and deliver a three-part workshop series on feminist, anti-racist, and intergenerational learning in the context of global solidarity and international cooperation. Learn More Members Public Engagement Fund Apply for the Members’ Public Engagement Fund and receive up to $1500 per project to test and carry out your public engagement activity. Currently, we are looking for organizations who want to host a public engagement event during International Development Week. Learn More Partnership Enhancement Fund The Partnership Enhancement Fund (PEF) supports ACIC members in bringing international partners to Atlantic Canada to foster collaboration, shared learning, and stronger global connections. Aligned with SDG #17, the fund enhances public engagement and strengthens organizational impact through travel support and partnership-building activities during key events. Apply now to grow your global partnerships! Learn More

Latest News Sep 24, 2025 Atlantic Council for International Cooperation Celebrates and Welcomes Canada’s Recognition of the State of Palestine Read More Feb 5, 2025 Global Affairs Canada Funds ICN’s LIFT Program with $38.5 Million Read More Feb 7, 2024 Atlantic Council for International Cooperation celebrates funding for International Youth Internship Program Read More

Job Listings Work with ACIC View Job Safer Spaces Facilitator Organization: Atlantic Council for International Cooperation Apply By: October 15, 2025 Renumeration: Request for Proposals Status: Open