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Shelagh Savage Nova Scotia Individual Member Currently a lecturer with the International Development Studies department at Dalhousie University, Shelagh Savage teaches a course on Development in Practice. Prior to that she was Associate Director of Partnerships at the Coady Institute (2009 - 20019) where she focused on how important collaboration is in ensuring social change. Working for many years in international cooperation, she has been privileged to learn with – and from – amazing mentors in communities, institutions and organizations around the world. Shelagh currently serves on a number of boards and advisory committees (including ACIC and Royal Roads University) and worked for many years n the CIDA/DFATD/GAC environment – including co-chairing the first year of the GAC CSO Policy Advisory Group (CPAG). Up Learn More Up

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

Research & Publications The South through the Northern Eye ACIC coordinated project The South through the Northern Eye explored issues around the images of the developing world found in the media and advertising. This report examines some of the tensions around how images are used in NGO fundraising, what they represent, and the debates on changing the way we use images depicting the Global South in the field of development. Download Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy recognizes that supporting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls is the best way to build a more peaceful, more inclusive and more prosperous world. To do this, it supports targeted investments, partnerships, innovation and advocacy efforts with the greatest potential to close gender gaps and improve everyone’s chance for success. Download Engagement canadien pour éliminer la pauvreté dans le monde L’engagement canadien pour éliminer la pauvreté dans le monde, un sondage commandité par le Réseau de coordination des Conseils (RCC), explore l’efficacité de l’engagement sur les enjeux liés à la pauvreté au Canada. Mené en 2012 par Vision Critical, le sondage offre une meilleure compréhension des connaissances, opinions, attitudes et comportements des Canadiennes et des Canadiens en lien avec le travail sur la pauvreté mondiale, tout en montrant la valeur que les Canadiennes et les Canadiens accordent à cette question. Download Maximizing Development Impact of Canada's DFI A policy paper on how Canada can draw on international best practice as it shapes its new. Download Atlantic Resilience The purpose of this study was to understand the creativity, adaptability, and challenges of ACIC’s members during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to share learnings, resources, and best practices that have emerged. Members include non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and individuals across all four Atlantic Canadian provinces (Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia), doing community work both domestically and in international partnerships. Download Canadian Engagement on Global Poverty Issues The Inter-Council Network (ICN) commissioned poll, Canadian Engagement on Global Poverty Issues, explores engagement effectiveness on global poverty issues in Canada. Conducted in 2012 by Vision Critical, the poll offers a deeper understanding of Canadian’s knowledge, opinions, attitudes, and behaviours on global poverty work, while demonstrating the value Canadians place on the subject. Download Global Citizen's Guide This guide outlines a number of ways we can all get more involved with our local and global communities. It offers tips on volunteering, ethical consumption, engaging in democracy, organising events, internships, and much more. It also profiles a number of Atlantic Canadians just like you that are working to make the world a better place. Download Medicine Wheel Evaluation Framework Through our First Voices project, ACIC developed the Medicine Wheel Evaluation Framework as a participatory evaluation tool to help us better evaluate the project's impact. This guide is intended to introduce the reader to the Medicine Wheel, outlining its history and uses, and to show how the Medicine Wheel can be used as an evaluation framework. Download Books Beyond Borders Books Beyond Borders is a tool created to help people interested in starting globally focused book clubs in their own communities. It offers suggestions on how to set up a book club, a recommended reading list of some of our members' favourite books, and ideas on how you can get involved locally in some of the issues you read about. Download Canadian Perspectives on International Development This public opinion poll was commissioned to gain an understanding of Canadians’ knowledge of, opinions on, and engagement in global poverty issues in 2015. It builds on similar polls conducted in Canada, such as the 2012 Canadian Engagement in Global Poverty Issues poll by the ICN, and those conducted in other G7 countries through The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Narrative Project. Download ICN Submission to the Canada Revenue Agency's Consultation on the Political Activities of Charities This submission is based on data from a joint survey conducted by the ICN and CCIC. It sets out 4 overarching recommendations that highlight the important policy work done by charities and the unique challenges that the current regulations impose on Small and Medium-Sized Organizations (SMOs) as well as charities that work internationally. Download Responding to the Changing Global Development Context: How Can Canada Deliver? In this report, we highlight key messages in areas that resonate strongly with Canada’s new strategy. This includes the landscape of development is changing, and so are the politics, leaving no one behind and focusing on the poorest presents new challenges and a new normal for donors and Canada’s approach to risk and risk tolerance, and pragmatism about resources, time-frames and results are key factors that will determine the success of its feminist international assistance policy Download

Dalhousie University Nova Scotia Organizational Member Up Learn More Up

Louise Webb Newfoundland and Labrador Individual Member Up Learn More Up

Global Citizenship Youth Conference 2026 Are you between the ages of 15 and 17 and interested in exploring global issues? Join us for the 2026 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 10-13, 2026) at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick. 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. If you are interested in joining as a Conference Leader, you can apply here! We are also recruiting for a Digital Storyteller for the Conference! If you are interested in this role during the conference, you can learn more here! Application Process Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until all positions are filled. We will inform all applicants, successful or not. Important Dates Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis The 2026 Global Citizenship Youth Conference takes place from July 10-13, 2026 Eligibility Criteria To participate in the 2026 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: July 3, 2026 Learn More

PhotoVoices 2023 ACIC's PhotoVoices Program enables youth to share the narratives they want to tell through photos, and connects youth from Atlantic Canada and the Global South in an experience of storytelling, skills building, providing them a space to explore social justice, while learning from experts in the field. About Eligibility Criteria Application Process Important Dates About the Program 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 the Sustainable Development Goals, learn from experts in the field, and so much more. Application Process Important Dates Eligibility Criteria Application Details Learn More

< 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

Yahya Shuli Nova Scotia Individual Member Yahya Shuli is a Bachelor of Commerce student at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax with a focus on finance, public policy, and community engagement. He is actively involved in advocacy, youth leadership, and human rights focused initiatives at the campus and national levels, including work with civil society organizations and student associations. His interests include international cooperation, social justice, and strengthening community driven approaches to policy and development. Up Learn More Up

Memorial University of Newfoundland, Internationalization Office Newfoundland and Labrador Organizational Member Memorial University is committed to internationalization, international co-operation, studentmobility and cultural sensitivity. They welcome international visitors and strive to collaborate with educational institutions, businesses, governments, foundations, benefactors and alumni around the world in order to enrich research and teaching, and to ensure they offer outstanding programs for faculty and students. Up Learn More Up

Camila Dos Res Santos da Silva Nova Scotia Individual Member Camila is passionate about social justice and community engagement, and actively supports movements for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, gender equality, active mobility, and sustainability. Her advocacy extends to addressing gender-based violence through a feminist lens, emphasizing holistic support services and culturally sensitive counselling. With experience as a Gender Advisor with Cuso International in Honduras and a Registered Counselling Therapist, she’s honed a deep understanding of intersectional oppression and the importance of mental health and gender equality. Committed to integrating decolonial, anti-racist, and intersectional perspectives, I advocate for awareness of compounded marginalization and prioritize clients' well-being in all endeavours. Up Learn More Up

Alyssa Hoseman Nova Scotia Individual Member Alyssa Hoseman is the Executive Director of PARSA, a nonprofit based in Afghanistan focused on building healthy communities through local leadership. With 15 years of experience in international development, she brings deep expertise in grassroots programming, gender equity, and organizational strategy in post-conflict settings. Based in rural Nova Scotia, Alyssa wants to connect Atlantic Canadian development communities. Up Learn More Up