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 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.

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 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.

ACIC Symposium 2023 Cost of Change: Championing Social Justice, Health and Well-Being For All October 27-28, 2023 Hybrid: Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island & Virtual Register Here Keynote Address By Rabi Adamu Musa Founder / CEO, Mcrissar Foundation for Women and Girls Nigeria Rabi Adamu Musa is the Founder/CEO, Mcrissar Foundation for Women and Girls Nigeria. Co-Founder , African young women advancement initiative. She started her career in the development sector with Riders for Health international. For over 10years, she has been working closely with Government and Civil Society in Nigeria and abroad. She has been advocating for young women meaningful participation in politics and governance and ensuring full access to menstrual kits for girls between the ages of 12-16 in High school in Northern Nigeria. She has a degree in Civil law from the University of Jos, a Barrister at law Certificate, from the Nigerian Law School and a Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship from the University of Connecticut, USA. She is also a Coady Grad with certificate in Advancing Women's Leadership in Conflict Transformation, Peacebuilding and Community Development, Resources and tools for working with young women leaders and Feminist Leadership for justice , equity and ecology ( St Francis Xavier University Antigonish, NS Canada) She is the 2021 recipient of Katherine Fleming international development award (An award given each year to an African woman who demonstrates commitment to her community) from Canada. She served as the Special Assistant Legal Matters to the Executive Governor of kaduna State, Nigeria from 2019-2021. She is an active member of the Nigerian Bar Association. She has a passion for women and children, especially the girl-child. For the past 10years, she has been making meaningful contributions in marginalized communities in Nigeria , especially within southern Kaduna. About Mcrissar Foundation ACIC Symposium ‘Cost of Change: Championing Social Justice, Health and Well-Being for All’ will explore the web of factors that shape our society, and the role money and resources play in both creating disparities and elevating poverty in the world. The Symposium will delve into the complex dynamics of how individuals and organizations can fund change, while championing equity, and exploring the global and local shifts necessary to create a more inclusive and sustainable future for all. With health being top of mind for individuals, communities and countries, the Symposium will, through a Social Determinants of Health Framework, and with an intersectional lens, explore the non-medical underlying social, economic, and environmental conditions that impact individual and community health and well-being. It will explore youth, Indigenous communities, and local and global perspectives to sustainability and change as we understand the recent acute economic disparities around the world, and its impact on community health. The Symposium will also highlight what Atlantic Canadians are doing to counter this and champion change in their communities. At ACIC Symposium 2023, we will explore the cost of change under three sub-themes. International Cooperation and the Cost of Power: Delving into the relation between power, money and resources within the international cooperation sector, the Symposium will explore the ramifications of decreasing overseas development assistance. It will examine the effects of political agendas and capitalist priorities driving economic agendas, the importance of localisation for long term change, and the different streams and avenues of funding accessed and available for organizations, communities, and individuals to affect change Climate Change and the Cost of Action: In the face of climate change and recognizing its detrimental effect on social and environmental determinants of health, it will also examine sustainability, and the rhetoric around climate action being an expensive choice. It will critically assess the interplay between urgent needs in the face of climate change, and capitalism-driven fossil-fuel dependent economic growth which is further exacerbating its effect. Decent Work and the Cost of Exploitation: The Symposium will also aim to understand and discuss the impact of extractive labour and capital exploitation practises around the world. Using decent work for all as foundation, it will discuss global labour issues focusing on migrant workers, the impact of gendered labour movements, the disparity between minimum and living wage. Theme Statement Schedule Day 1: Friday, October 27 Day 2: Saturday, October 28 09:00 to 09:30 Opening Address by Elder Judy 09:30 to 10:30 | Available Online Keynote Address by Rabi Adamu Musa, Founder/CEO, Mcrissar Foundation for Women and Girls Nigeria 10:30 to 11:00 Coffee and Networking Break 11:00 to 12:15 | Available Online Panel 1: Cost of Power and International Cooperation 12:15 to 1:15 PM Lunch 1:15 to 2:30 PM | Workshop 1 | Available Online Bahar Haghighat: Rethinking Health and Well-being - A Social Justice Approach to Understanding Weight and Weight-Stigma 1:15 to 2:30 PM | Workshop 2 Julia Furvosa: Community Engagement for Systems Change - Shifting from Conventional to Transformative Practice 1:15 to 2:30 PM | Workshop 3 Olivia Allen: Water and Climate Change 2:30 to 3:45 PM | Available Online Panel 2: Cost of Action and Climate Change 09:30 to 10:45 | Available Online Panel 3: Decent Work and the Cost of Exploitation 10:45 to 11:00 Coffee and Networking Break 11:00 to 12:15 PM | Workshop 1 David MacKay: A Common Sense Majority World Agriculture Development Model 11:00 to 12:15 PM | Workshop 2 Trish Altass & Lynne Lund: The Power of Planning for Community Impact Panels and Workshops Fri. Oct 27, 11:00 AM Panel, Available Online International Cooperation and the Cost of Power This panel will examine the effects of political agendas and capitalist priorities driving economic agendas, and the different streams and avenues of funding accessed and available for organizations, communities, and individuals to affect change. Panelists will discuss the ramifications of decreasing overseas development assistance and explore avenues for funding advocacy. Fri. Oct 27, 1:15 PM Workshop, Available Online Rethinking Health and Well-being - A Social Justice Approach to Understanding Weight and Weight-Stigma This session will unravel the intricate relations between social determinants of health and bodyweight. Through a social justice lens, participants will discuss the systemic factors that contribute to weight variations and advocacy work for a more equitable and holistic understanding of health and well-being. Fri. Oct 27, 2:30 PM Panel, Available Online Climate Change and the Cost of Action This panel will discuss the detrimental effect of climate change on social and environmental determinants of health, sustainability models, and the rhetoric around climate action being an expensive choice. Panelists will discuss their work towards climate solutions in their contexts, including land-based perspectives on health, development of solidarity economy enterprises, and facilitating access to data for climate adaptation. Sat. Oct 28, 11:00 AM Workshop The Power of Planning for Community Impact This workshop bridges the gap between the pressing issues at hand and the solutions we want implemented. Time is a precious resource, and by planning for impact you're ensuring that all the effort put in has the best chance of leading to tangible outcomes.This workshop is tailored for individuals and teams who are passionate about driving meaningful change and want to maximize the impact of their efforts. Fri. Oct 27, 1:15 PM Workshop Water and Climate Change This workshop will explore current challenges in water conservation and connections to climate change. Participants will learn about climate solutions, and adaptations including finance reform, natural coastal storm defense, and climate justice work happening in Atlantic Canada. Fri. Oct 27, 1:15 PM Workshop Community Engagement for Systems Change - Shifting from Conventional to Transformative Practice This workshop engages participants in critical examination of community engagement practices among public and non-profit organizations. Focusing on volunteer participation in community-based projects, the workshop draws on the results of participatory action research. Informed by an intersectonal feminist lens, the research examined gendered and under- resourced nature of the non-profit community development work. Sat. Oct 28, 9:30 AM Panel, Available Online Decent Work and the Cost of Exploitation This panel will discuss the impact of extractive labour and capital exploitation practises around the world. Panelists will examine global labour issues focusing on migrant workers, the impact of gendered labour movements, and the disparity between minimum and living wage, considering these issues through the lens of decent work for all. Sat. Oct 28, 11:00 AM Workshop A Common Sense Majority World Agriculture Development Model This workshop will focus on the learnings from International Sustainable Community Assitance Organization's agricultural intitiatves in Haiti. In addition, it will explore how aid programs have undercut Haiti's food production, and how resulting poverty has indirectly increased the severity of climate change. Panelists and Moderators Speaker Decent Work and the Cost of Power Carolina Domenica Scientific Manager, Amazon Innovation Center Carolina Domenico, from Minas Gerais, Brazil, is a biologist with a master's degree in Tropical Agriculture. She started her experience at the Botanical Garden of the Agronomic Institute of Campinas and continued this journey as an R&D intern at Natura. She is currently working on her postgraduate on socio-environmental business at the IPÊ (Ecological Research Institute). She has over 15 years experience in research, first as an intern, researcher and is currently the Scientific Manager of the Amazon Innovation Center. She works directly with the research of new Bioingredients; sustainable use of plant resources; structuring of sociobiodiversity suply chains; technologies applied to forest bioeconomy; and more recently to the issue of productive forests. In her free time, she has fun with her kids, with jeep expeditions, and experiencing living in the north of Brazil. Moderator Climate Change and the Cost of Action Choyce Chappell PEI Provincial Coordinator, ACIC Choyce Chappell is the current ACIC Provincial Coordinator for Prince Edward Island. Though she was born in Nova Scotia, Choyce has now spent most of her life in rural PEI with her parents and grandmother. Choyce holds a Bachelors of Environmental Studies from the University of Prince Edward Island, and returned to UPEI to receive a Masters of Environmental Sciences in May this year. Her thesis focused on designing an app for extreme weather preparation, response, and recovery on PEI, which she feels has only become more relevant after Hurricane Fiona. Working in the nonprofit sector is Choyce’s way of continuing to dedicate herself to community. Speaker Climate Change and the Cost of Action Fredy Duqes IPARD Program Assistant - Business Partnerships and Indigenous Economies, FSC Indigenous Foundation Fredy has worked for 20 years with public sector entities and international cooperation agencies in projects related to food security, infrastructure and territorial development. His areas of expertise and experience include strengthening value chains in the agricultural and forestry sector, development of solidarity economy enterprises, construction of community infrastructure and strategic planning for rural development. Fredy is an economist from the National University of Colombia and holds a master’s degree in development practice from the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE) in Costa Rica. He is a fellow of the Japan-World Bank Joint Program (JJWBGSP). Speaker Decent Work and the Cost of Power Gabriel Allahdua Organizer, Justicia for Migrant Workers; Outreach Worker, The Neighbourhood Organization Originally from St. Lucia, Gabriel Allahdua worked as a migrant farm worker in the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program for four years, from 2012 to 2015, before leaving the program to seek permanent residency in Canada. Now a leading voice in the migrant justice movement, Allahdua is an organizer with Justicia for Migrant Workers and an outreach worker with The Neighbourhood Organization, providing services to migrant workers across southwestern Ontario. He lives in Toronto with his two adult children and his grandson. Speaker Climate Change and the Cost of Action Janelle Frail Engagement & Operations Manager, CLIMAtlantic With a science degree in Environmental Studies and experience in adult education, Janelle is currently working as the Engagement and Operations Manager with CLIMAtlantic. Her past work involved 10 years working with international cooperation organizations throughout the Atlantic with ACIC. She's also a long time volunteer with the Breaking the Silence Maritimes Guatemala Solidarity Network. Speaker International Development and the Cost of Power Jennifer Murogocho Member of the Meru County Assembly Jennifer Makena Murogocho brings decades of leadership and community service to the goal of bettering the lives of the people of Meru County, Kenya. She has served on and chaired community boards in both the health and education sectors and is the patron of the Muchui and Marigati women’s self-help groups. Following a career in the financial sector and operation of a successful farm and businesses, Jennifer was appointed as Elections Coordinator of the newly established Meru County. She subsequently won elected office as the Member of the County Assembly in 2013 and again in 2022, and is currently chairing the County’s Youth, Gender and Community Development and its Potato Stakeholders Forum. Since 2000, Farmers Helping Farmers PEI has been fortunate to have Jennifer’s friendship and support in shared work to build food security and empower women in Meru County. Throughout that time, serving mostly in a volunteer capacity, Jennifer has brought her skills and the trust and respect of her community to the roles of community liaison, and school feeding program coordinator. Over the years, “Mama Jennifer” has also welcomed and hosted dozens of FHF volunteers and students. Since 2020, she has served as FHF’s PSEA Focal Point for its More Food, Better Food project, and in 2022, she was appointed as Vice-Chair of the board of FHF’s newly established Kenyan wing, Wakulima Waisidia Wakulima. She continues to provide invaluable insight and guidance to FHF’s work and approaches. Moderator International Development and the Cost of Power Judyannet Muchiri Policy Officer, Inter-Council Network Judyannet’s intellectual and political interests include gender justice, civic participation, digital technologies, feminist foreign policy and knowledge creation processes. Her most recent work has been in Canada’s international cooperation sector and the non-profit sector in Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia, Cameroon, and Uganda. Currently, Judyannet is leading policy work at the Inter-Council Network (ICN), co-leading the Africa Community Engagement Hub (ACE) and completing her doctoral work at Memorial University. Speaker International Development and the Cost of Power Kate Higgins CEO, Cooperation Canada Kate Higgins is Chief Executive Officer of Cooperation Canada, a network of more than 95 Canadian international cooperation and humanitarian organizations that work with partners in Canada and globally for a fairer, safer and more sustainable world. Before joining Cooperation Canada, Kate worked as the Deputy Executive Director of Oxfam Canada, in addition to serving as Interim Executive Director in 2020. Kate has also worked in senior strategy and policy roles at CIVICUS, a global alliance of civil society organizations, and at the North-South Institute and the Overseas Development Institute. Kate started her career at the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). She has degrees in economics and development studies from the University of Sydney and the University of Oxford. Moderator Decent Work and the Cost of Power Keyshawn Bonamy Executive Director, Voluntary Resource Council Keyshawn Bonamy hails from Nassau, Bahamas. In 2016, he embarked on a new chapter in his life by moving to Prince Edward Island to pursue his studies in Economics at the University of Prince Edward Island. Driven by his desire to give back, Keyshawn has consistently demonstrated his commitment to volunteering and community service. He currently holds the position of Executive Director at the Voluntary Resource Council, a role that allows him to utilize his leadership skills to foster collaboration and support various charitable initiatives. For the past two years, Keyshawn has been actively involved with Meals on Wheels PEI, a program that provides nutritious meals to those in need. Speaker Decent Work and the Cost of Power Nouhad Mourad Community Organizer Nouhad (they/she) is a second-generation settler from Epekwitk (PEI) with a background in Anthropology and Diversity & Social Justice Studies, with experience working in post-secondary education, immigration, and non-profit sectors. A lifelong activist and community organizer, they believe that radical societal transformation is achievable by deepening our relationships with one another, with the earth, through mutual aid and collective organizing. They actively work to centre anti-oppression, anti-colonialism, community care, and radical love in their work and life. Speaker Climate Change and the Cost of Action Patrick Augustine Assistant Professor & Elder, UPEI Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies Patrick Augustine, a Mi’kmaw from New Brunswick with ancestral ties to Sikniktuk and Epikwitk, now resides in L’sipuktuk (Elsipogtog) First Nation. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, and Applied Studies (IKERAS), Patrick holds a Master's in Island Studies from the University of Prince Edward Island. With over three decades of experience, Patrick has been a dedicated contributor to Indigenous organizations at local, provincial, regional, national, and international levels. His journey includes notable roles such as a Research Officer at the First Nation Centre of the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) and later as a valued member of their Board of Directors. Patrick's expertise extends to various research areas, including Míkmaq gaming, Wabanaki history, addiction rehabilitation, traditional healing, Aboriginal health research, and First Nations health policy. His commitment to Indigenous communities and academic pursuits makes him a vital figure in advancing Indigenous knowledge and practices. Speaker International Development and the Cost of Power Taryn Russell Deputy Executive Director, Results Canada Taryn is the Deputy Executive Director at Results Canada – a grassroots advocacy organization working to create the political will to end extreme poverty. Taryn is passionate about the power of advocacy to tackle systemic inequities in the world and really enjoys sharing her experience and knowledge of advocacy with others. Prior to Results she worked as Head of Policy and Advocacy at Save the Children Canada and has also held positions with Global Affairs Canada and the United Nations Development Programme. Speaker International Development and the Cost of Power Wendy MacDonald Board Member, Farmers Helping Farmers Wendy MacDonald brings a background in public policy, research and analysis to her involvement with Farmers Helping Farmers. She joined FHF's Education Committee in 2008, and became a member of the Board in 2014. She travelled to Kenya in 2017 on a school safety and inclusion initiative, and took on the role of Vice-President later that year. She was a member of the proposal writing team for FHF's current Global Affairs Canada project, More Food, Better Food in 2017 and 2018. In May 2019, Wendy retired from her role as Clerk Assistant to the Government of PEI, completing a 40-year public policy career spanning Saskatchewan, Ontario and Prince Edward Island, and in June she became President of FHF, serving until July 2021, and Past President 2021-23. During those roles, Wendy visited Kenya again in early 2020 and in late 2022, assisted with monitoring and reporting of the GAC project, and was involved in the work of all FHF committees. She is currently a member of FHF's Project Committee and its Strategic Planning Committee, and continues to support FHF in reporting and evaluation of its work. Wendy holds degrees in Political Studies from Queens University, Canada, and in Public Policy and Public Administration from the London School of Economics. Her other volunteer involvements have included children's education, healthy eating, and heritage preservation, and most recently community development and seniors' wellbeing. COVID and Health Protocol In order to make the conference more inclusive and accessible, particularly for those living with increased health and safety risks, and in support of a community of care model of health and safety and the recent recommendation of the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, Dr. Theresa Tam, to start masking again during the respiratory virus season , participants are strongly encouraged to protect collective health, safety and well-being by masking throughout the event. To enable this, we will be providing masks and COVID-19 tests, and will work with venue staff to ensure that there are options for increased spacing indoors. We encourage those not feeling well to participate online instead. Conference guidelines and logistical parameters are subject to change in the event of changes to the Covid context. Information about public health Covid guidelines by province/ territory can be found here . ACIC Office and events are a scent-free space. We request that all guests and attendees refrain from using scented products to accommodate those with sensitivities.

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.

About the Inter-Council Network www.icn-rcc.ca The Inter-Council Network (ICN) is a coalition of the eight Provincial and Regional Councils for International Cooperation , and is currently hosted at the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation . These independent member-based Councils are committed to global social justice and social change. The ICN provides a national forum in which the Councils collaborate for improved effectiveness and identify common priorities for collective action. Rooted in communities across Canada, the ICN is a leader in public engagement at a local and regional level, and is recognized for bringing regional knowledge and priorities to the national level. Created in 2006 through a collective effort of the Councils, and supported through CIDA funding from 2007, the ICN has met and continues to address key needs of the Canadian international development community. Representing over 350 CSOs across Canada, the ICN is well placed to identify and address regional concerns, and is deeply aware of the needs and challenges of the small and medium sized civil society organizations within our sector. Updates from the ICN ICN Youth Delegation 2025 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 AWID Forum 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. Learn More 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). Learn More

Youth Program Archive Youth Advisory Council Learn More 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. Global Citizenship Youth Conference 2025 Learn More Are you between the ages of 15 and 17 and interested in exploring global issues? Join us for the 2025 Global Citizenship Youth Conference! Symposium Youth Stream 2025 Learn More Are you aged 19–29 and living in Atlantic Canada? Interested in global issues, social justice, and international cooperation? Connect with peers and professionals, explore careers in the sector, and gain hands-on experience at ACIC's 2025 Symposium while reflecting on how foreign aid and global solidarity are shifting. All travel, food, and accommodation expenses are covered by ACIC. PhotoVoices 2025 Learn More 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. IDW Youth Funding 2025 Learn More To celebrate International Development Week (IDW), ACIC is excited to offer funding for youth (ages 15-30) to host their own events! 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’. Global Citizenship Conference 2024 Learn More The Global Citizenship Youth Conference is a space for youth (aged 15-17) to discuss, learn about and take action on global issues. Hosted by the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation, participants spent three days (July 11-14, 2024) at the Tatamagouche Centre in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia. Professional Practice Workshop Learn More ACIC Professional Practice Workshop invites post-secondary students in social justice, community development, and international solidarity (or similar fields) to participate in a knowledge and skill development workshop on March, 16 2024. Global Citizenship Certificate 2024 Learn More 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. PhotoVoices 2024 Learn More 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. Symposium Youth Stream 2023 Learn More As part of the ACIC Symposium Cost of Change: Championing Social Justice, Health, and Well-Being for All, ACIC is seeking aspiring professionals (aged 18-29) to participate in the Symposium’s Youth Stream. The Youth Stream provides an opportunity for participants to connect with their peers and professionals working in the field of International Cooperation, engage in networking opportunities, as well as learn about topics related to the symposium theme, all while reflecting on how this work impacts communities at the local and global levels. IDW Youth Funding 2024 Learn More 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. PhotoVoices 2023 Learn More 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.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Tsigie Haile Founder and Director Organization for Women in Self-Employment (WISE) About Tsigie Tsigie Haile is the founder and director of the Organization for Women in Self-Employment (WISE), a local non-governmental organization operating in Ethiopia. Tsigie had her BBA from Addis Ababa University and MBA from the Netherlands. She worked for over 20 years at Addis Ababa University, both in the administrative and academic wings, before joining the development sector. After leaving the University, she joined ActionAid Ethiopia and served for four years in the capacity of Human Resource Development Manager. While working at ActionAid, she decided to set up WISE and work with poor women and girls. The organization Tsigie leads, established in 1997, has served over 100,000 low-income women in support of their efforts to become empowered and improve the quality of their lives. WISE is currently a leading organization in women’s economic empowerment in Ethiopia. Tsigie serves in many governing boards and committees of different organizations and has received a number of recognitions for her contribution to poverty reduction and women’s empowerment/gender equality in the country.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Ava Green Undergraduate Student Dalhousie University About Ava Ava is a third-year Political Science student at Dalhousie University, originally from Calgary, Alberta. She has a strong passion for community engagement and leadership. Ava is a founding member of Women in Politics at Dal, an initiative aimed at empowering and supporting women in political spaces. Outside the classroom, she is a competitive swim coach, sharing her lifelong passion for swimming and leading goal-setting workshops with her athletes. She also hosts Queens of Music, a weekly radio show that showcases and celebrates women in the music industry.

< Back Global Affairs Canada Funds ICN’s LIFT Program with $38.5 Million Inter-Council Network Feb 5, 2025 Global Affairs Canada Funds ICN’s LIFT Program, Significant Impact in Atlantic Region Halifax, Nova Scotia – February 5, 2025 – The Atlantic Council for International Cooperation (ACIC) is pleased to announce that Global Affairs Canada has provided $38.5 million in funding to the Inter-Council Network (ICN) to implement the LIFT program. This funding will support small and medium-sized organizations (SMOs) across Canada, including ACIC's members in the Atlantic region, helping them to continue and expand their impactful global development work. The Honorable Minister Ahmed Hussen made the funding announcement yesterday, during International Development Week (IDW), a week dedicated to raising awareness of global development issues and recognizing the contributions of Canadians in creating positive change around the world. IDW is celebrated annually in February, providing an opportunity to highlight the essential role that Canadian organizations, like those within the ICN and ACIC’s network, play in advancing global development and international cooperation. As a member of the ICN, ACIC is excited about how this funding will directly benefit organizations in the Atlantic region, enabling them to strengthen their development efforts, scale their projects, and continue addressing key global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and gender equality. "We are thrilled that Global Affairs Canada is supporting the ICN’s LIFT program, which will provide essential resources to small and medium-sized organizations across the country," said Jennifer Sloot, Executive Director of ACIC. "As part of the ICN, we are excited to see how this funding will empower our members in the Atlantic region to build on their vital work and create even greater impact in the communities they serve. This is an incredible opportunity for grassroots organizations to grow, collaborate, and make a lasting difference in the Global South." The LIFT program, designed to provide funding to grassroots Canadian NGOs, will allow organizations to scale their international development projects and strengthen their capacity to respond to the most pressing global challenges. ACIC’s members, which focus on sectors like education, health, environment, and human rights, will benefit from this funding to deepen their impact and strengthen local partnerships. In celebration of International Development Week, ACIC is hosting a number of events throughout the week to engage the public, raise awareness of global development issues, and recognize the incredible work of its members. These events will provide opportunities for learning, discussion, and connection among organizations and individuals passionate about making a difference in the world. Through this support, ACIC, in collaboration with the ICN, will continue to facilitate capacity-building, promote knowledge-sharing, and ensure that organizations in the Atlantic region are well-positioned to maximize the impact of this funding. Link to ICN/RCC Press Release For more information about ACIC’s IDW events or the LIFT program, please contact: Mateo Gomez Communications Officer Atlantic Council for International Cooperation (ACIC) Email: mateo@acic-caci.org Website: www.acic-caci.org Previous Next