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From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Shelly Whitman Executive Director Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security About Shelly Dr. Shelly Whitman has dedicated her career to advocating for children's rights in conflict zones, serving as the Executive Director of the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security since January 2010. Under her leadership, the institute has gained international acclaim for its commitment to preventing the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. A prominent subject matter expert, Dr. Whitman has played a crucial role in establishing key international agreements and policies for child protection. She is often invited to speak at global forums and provide media commentary on issues surrounding children, peace, and security. Her impactful work includes lobbying for Canada's signing of the Safe Schools Declaration and contributing to the development of NATO's Standard Operating Procedure on Children in Armed Conflict, along with the first Policy on Children for the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Before joining the Dallaire Institute, Dr. Whitman worked on the inter-Congolese dialogue and the OAU Rwanda Genocide Report, while based at the UNICEF HQ in New York. Her academic career includes teaching International Development Studies and Political Science at various universities, where she introduced courses focused on children and armed conflict. Dr. Whitman's efforts have led to the establishment of over 20 memorandums of understanding with countries and institutions worldwide. She has co-authored pivotal documents such as the Vancouver Principles on Peacekeeping and the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers, which now has 106 endorsing nations. Her contributions to child protection have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Canadian Progress Club Women of Excellence Award and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for Meritorious Service to Children and Veterans. With a steadfast commitment to inspiring change and hope for vulnerable populations, Dr. Shelly Whitman continues to lead the charge in advocating for children's rights in conflict zones globally.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Vicky Yee Executive Director Women's Fund Fiji About Vicky Vicky’s passion is localising social policy and integrating at grass root development including contributing to youth employment. Prior to joining ILO, Victoria worked at the Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF). With her knowledge on private sector and business growth including MSME development, she brings this knowledge to the agenda of women in motion and development. Victoria holds a Bachelor in Applied Psychology and Management, Postgraduate Diploma in Social Policy and Master of Arts in Diplomacy & International Relations.

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 Kai Audi Programmes Officer Jinsiangu Kenya About Kai Malakai ‘Kai’ Audi is a seasoned Human Rights Advocate with over eight years of experience in Kenya’s SOGIESC movement. Currently a Programmes Officer at Jinsiangu Kenya, Kai leads initiatives in programme implementation, stakeholder engagement, and emergency response, while also coordinating the Gender Non-Conforming (GNC) programme. Their advocacy spans community mobilization, digital media, research, and artistic expression. Kai has contributed to qualitative and participatory research with local and international organizations and is also a published writer featured in several queer African literary anthologies.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION María Inés Cuj Chopén General Coordinator, Administrator, and Certified Permaculturist The Mesoamerican Permaculture Institute (IMAP) About María As IMAP’s Coordinator and Administrator, María Inés Cuj Chopén brings years of experience and passion to the topics of permaculture, biodiversity, food sovereignty, community education, reclaiming ancestral practices and institutional strengthening. With a degree in Public Accounting and Auditing and extensive coursework in social work, Ms. Cuj has a long track record of support for local organizations, including 12 years at IMAP and previously, 12 years as the Finance Director at the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging in San Lucas Tolimán. Through her leadership at IMAP, Ms. Cuj has helped the organization establish greater financial sustainability. She has also worked with youth and local farmers to help them reclaim ancestral knowledge of agricultural practices and the Maya cosmovision, including using the Cholq'ij count of days and the 13 nawales (energies of the day) to understand human beings and nature. She also represents IMAP in Guatemala’s National Network for the Defense of Food Sovereignty (REDSAG). Ms. Cuj is also passionate about sharing IMAP’s vital efforts to promote sustainability, biodiversity, and food sovereignty across borders and has participated in national and international knowledge exchanges and speaking tours, including a 2023 speaking tour in Maritimes Canada.

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.

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.

IDW Youth Funding 2026 To celebrate International Development Week (IDW), ACIC is excited to offer funding for youth (ages 15-30) to host their own events! About Eligibility Criteria Application Process Important Dates About the Program To celebrate International Development Week (IDW), ACIC is excited to offer funding for youth (ages 15-30) to host their own events! Events can be around any theme broadly related to global/local solidarity, but they must take place during the week of February 1st-7th, 2026. Events can be hosted by an individual or group of youth and can take place at a school, university, online, at a local business, in the community, or elsewhere. Successful candidates will receive up to $300 towards their event. ACIC will also provide support in setting up and promoting the event. Event objectives are to: Create awareness of global solidarity and IDW in Atlantic Canada Support and celebrate local youth and community members who are using innovative methods to positively impact their communities at home and/or abroad Create opportunities for youth to gain skills in engagement, facilitation, event planning, and more! Application Process Event Requirements: The event will clearly be related to local/global solidarity (reference the Sustainable Development Goals ) The event must clearly outline who will attend, the objectives of the event, and how the event will meet these objectives The event will be creative and interactive to ensure good participation of those attending Show how youth planning the event will ensure good attendance It is VERY important that all events meet provincial public health guidelines. Virtual events are highly encouraged. Note: If your idea is not a traditional event, we encourage you to still apply and provide justification for why it should be funded. Be creative! Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until funding is allocated. Successful applicants will receive up to $300 towards their event, based on the strength of their application/proposed need. For more information contact Jackie at 902.431.2311 or jackie@acic-caci.org Important Dates International Development Week: Between Feb 1st and 7th, 2026 Eligibility Criteria Application criteria: Youth must be between the ages of 15 to 30, living in Atlantic Canada (NS, PEI, NB, NL) The event must take place between Feb 1st and 7th, 2026 Application Details Apply by: December 10, 2024 Learn More

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION James Parsons Executive Director Canadian Partnerships Division at Global Affairs Canada About James James joined the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) in 2000 and has spent his career in international assistance focused on bilateral programs in Africa and Asia, as well as in the Peace and Stabilization Operations Programs. He previously served as Head of Cooperation at the Office of the High Commission of Canada in Kigali, Rwanda, and has lived and studied in Thailand and Indonesia, focusing on Indigenous Peoples’ issues. James holds a Master's Degree in Environmental Studies from York University, and a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Resource Studies with a Minor in Native Studies from Trent University. Since 2023, James has worked for the Canadian Partnerships Division, where he currently serves as Executive Director.

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

IDW Youth Funding 2024 To celebrate International Development Week (IDW), ACIC is excited to offer funding for youth (ages 15-30) to host their own events! Events can be around any theme broadly related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but they must take place during the week of February 5th-11th and, of course, meet provincial public health guidelines. About Eligibility Criteria Application Process Important Dates About the Program To celebrate International Development Week (IDW), ACIC is excited to offer funding for youth (ages 15-30) to host their own events! Events can be around any theme broadly related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but they must take place during the week of February 5th-11th and, of course, meet provincial public health guidelines. Events can be around any theme broadly related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but they must take place during the week of February 5th-11th to add to International Development Week celebrations across the country. You can host the event as an individual, or a group, in your school, university, online, in partnership with a local business. Successful candidates will receive up $300 to put towards their event. Event objectives are to: Create awareness of the SDGs and IDW in Atlantic Canada Support and celebrate local youth and community members who are using innovative methods to positively impact their communities at home and/or abroad Create opportunities for youth to gain skills in engagement, facilitation, event planning, and more! Application Process For more information contact Jackie at 902.431.2311 or jackie@acic-caci.org Important Dates Eligibility Criteria Application criteria: Youth must be between the ages of 15 to 30, living in Atlantic Canada (NS, PEI, NB, NL) The event must take place between Feb 5th and 11th, 2024 The event will clearly be related to one, or more, of the Sustainable Development Goals The event must clearly outline who will attend, the objectives of the event, and how the event will meet these objectives The event will be creative and interactive to ensure good participation of those attending Show how youth planning the event will ensure good attendance 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.