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.

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

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Caroline Scott Masters Student Dalhousie University About Caroline Caroline Scott is a graduate from the University of Kings College and Dalhousie with a degree in International Development Studies and Social Anthropology. Her honours thesis research explains how the Canadian Government and mining companies coalesce to produce a strategy of extractivism abroad. This research employs extractivism as a theoretical framework to analyze how Canadian development policies privilege corporate interests and perpetuate non-reciprocal ecological and economic exchanges through mining abroad. Caroline’s thesis addresses a dearth of research directly linking Canadian policies to their real-world impacts on Indigenous communities abroad. Ultimately, this project aims to foster awareness of Canada’s role in extractive mining projects that sanction land dispossession and violence among Indigenous communities abroad. Caroline is starting her master’s degree at Dalhousie this fall where she will be building on this work to explore the vulnerabilities and human rights abuses faced by seafarers across the globe. She is passionate about connecting local to global issues and is actively engaged in mutual aid projects in her community focused on housing and seafarer’s rights in the Port of Halifax.

Symposium Youth Stream 2025 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. About Eligibility Criteria Application Process Important Dates About the Program As part of the ACIC Symposium From Aid to Action, ACIC is seeking youth (aged 19-29) 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 and similar areas, 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. This year's symposium will explore the deep uncertainty facing foreign aid. Powerful nations are cutting Overseas Development Assistance (ODA), threatening global solidarity and long-standing partnerships for justice, climate action, and gender equality. ACIC’s 2025 Symposium, From Aid to Action, is a space to reflect, connect, and act. IMPORTANT NOTE: All expenses (food, transportation, accommodation) will be covered by ACIC As part of the youth stream, you will: Engage with peers and experienced professionals working in the sector Learn about careers, locally and internationally, that contribute to better communities Combine theory and action to strengthen your understanding of praxis in relation to the symposium theme Build your resume and gain transferable skills for future careers Program Components: A 1-hour session before the Symposium where participants can connect with other members of the youth stream Attend the ACIC Symposium, in person, on June 17-19, in Halifax, NS Engage with ACIC members, and professionals to explore the ins and outs of the international cooperation sector A 1-hour debrief meeting for youth to reflect on their experience of the Symposium, share what they learned, and discuss the next steps for applying those learnings to their professional ambitions Application Process Apply at the link below. Important Dates From Aid to Action - ACIC Symposium 2025: June 18 - 19, 2025 Application Deadline: May 4, 2025 Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for the youth stream, participants will: Be between the ages of 19-29 Be living in Atlantic Canada Be available to attend the Symposium in person (June 17-19) Application Details Apply by: May 4, 2025 Learn More

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

Our Vision Leaders of tomorrow partner with leaders of today for more just, equitable and sustainable communities. Our Mission The Atlantic Council for International Cooperation is a coalition of individuals, organizations and institutions working in the Atlantic region to build and model just, equitable and sustainable communities, locally and globally. ACIC connects leadership across generations by strengthening members and partners, bridging dialogue and building networking and learning opportunities. ACIC also represents and amplifies the voice of Atlantic Canada and connects the Atlantic with other provincial, national and international stakeholders. Our Strategic Plan | 2024-2029 We engage Atlantic Canadians in issues related to international development, global solidarity and social justice. Through our public engagement work, we aim to give Atlantic Canadians the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to become active global citizens. Our rich and vibrant coalition is united by a strong commitment to build a more just, equitable and sustainable world. Our Values Who We Are Our Five-Year Outlook By-Laws & Policies By-Laws Code of Ethics Risk Management Framework Policy on Preventing & Addressing Sexual Violence As a member-based network, we are guided by a set of by-laws and code of ethics. Download our by-laws, code of ethics and risk framework to learn more about the frameworks within which we work towards our vision and mission. If you'd like to talk to us about these, please reach out to us admin@acic-caci.org . Annual Reports Download our annual reports to learn more about our programs, our key achievements over the past years, our strategic initiatives, our impact, and for an overview of our organization's financial statements. 2022 - 2024 2019 - 2020 2017 - 2018 2015 - 2016 2013 - 2014 2021 - 2022 2018 - 2019 2016 - 2017 2014 - 2015 Financial Statements 2023-24 2018-19 2013-14 2022-23 2017-18 2021-22 2016-17 2020-21 2015-16 2019-20 2014-15

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From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Ambassador Lilly Nicholls (Retd.) Former Canadian Ambassador Government of Canada About Lilly Lilly Nicholls is a retired Canadian diplomat with 30 years of experience whose work spans across six continents and includes leadership roles in government, the UN, civil society, and academia. She has made important contributions to global affairs and international development, with a special focus on global poverty reduction, social justice, and gender equality initiatives. She served as Canada’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh (2022–2024) as well as Canadian Ambassador to Panama (2018–2021). She led the Global Affairs Canada (GAC) Research Team that amalgamated and analyzed the evidence base and consultation results for Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP). She is presently a Fellow and Professional in Residence at the University of Ottawa’s School of International Development and Global Studies, where she advised the Dean of Social Studies on the establishment of an International Hub. Dr. Nicholls has a PhD in International Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). She has received five Government of Canada Awards of Excellence and was named among the 10 Most Influential Hispanic Canadians in 2022.

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 David Black Professor International Development Studies, Dalhousie University About David Professor David Black has spent many years back and forth between Ontario and Nova Scotia. Growing up in Downsview, a very multicultural and working class suburban area of Toronto, he was fortunate to live in the midst of many different, and rapidly changing, ethnic communities. His undergraduate university years first kept him in Ontario as he attended Trent University where he got his BA. Then he headed east to Halifax to Dalhousie to work his way through his MA degree. He remained at Dalhousie for his PhD but then found himself back in Ontario for several years, including a SSHRC Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Queen’s University. Then, it was back to Dal when he initially took up a one-year sessional appointment in Dal’s Political Science department, and was then lucky enough to get a tenure-stream position the following year. David Black's research interests focus on Canada’s role in “development cooperation” and in Sub-Saharan Africa (including human security, diplomacy, and the extractive sector); sport in world politics and development; and disability and global development. He has also published on human rights and identity in Canadian and South African foreign policies, and on post-apartheid South Africa in Africa.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Sam Quansah Executive Director Algo Peers About Sam Samuel (Sam) Quansah is an educational innovator and youth development leader with years of experience designing inclusive learning programs and leading community-based initiatives across Ghana and Africa. As Founder and Executive Director of Algo Peers, he drives efforts to expand access to STEAM education by training educators and supporting schoolchildren through practical, community-centred solutions. Sam believes Africa’s youth—the youngest population in the world—are the continent’s greatest asset. He champions development models that centre local youth empowerment, education, and community ownership. Through programs like the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation’s (ACIC) International Youth Internship Program (IYIP) and PhotoVoice, he supports youth to take the lead in addressing local challenges. In just 10 days, Samuel’s team received 336 applications from youth in Ghana eager to join the PhotoVoice initiative, underscoring the growing demand among young people to drive change and community development within their contexts. Co-led by the Connecting to Africa initiative, these programs build meaningful bridges between young people in Ghana and Nova Scotia, Canada, fostering shared learning and global solidarity. One such youth leader, Matthew Thanks, uses short films to raise awareness around water pollution in Northern Ghana—illustrating how grassroots voices can inspire real change. This response reflects a critical truth: while youth are ready to lead, lasting impact depends on funding and partnerships that centre local solutions. To this end, Sam collaborates with school leaders, local governments, and global partners—including ACIC, Connecting to Africa, Global Affairs Canada, and the Ghana Education Service (Cape Coast)—to design a localized funding model that channels resources directly to underserved schools and communities. This approach enables context-specific, community-led solutions to thrive, shifting traditional donor models toward ones that put communities in control of their development. Samuel, a former Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, has mentored hundreds of African youth through the Google Africa Developer Scholarship Challenge, supporting the next generation of tech leaders across the continent. He is also a Mandela Washington Fellow recognized by the U.S. Department of State and completed Leadership for Civic Engagement training at the University of Delaware. Samuel combines this leadership experience with advanced studies as a Master of Business Creation (MBC) candidate at the University of Utah and an Ed.M. candidate at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, focusing on Global, International, and Comparative Education. Samuel’s mission is to co-create sustainable systems that empower African youth and educators to solve local problems on their terms, grounded in community context and led by local leadership. He firmly believes that meaningful development requires local ownership, strategic funding, and partnerships that prioritize and amplify community-driven solutions. By aligning resources with grassroots expertise, Samuel aims to shift traditional models toward ones where communities are the architects of their growth and progress, ensuring lasting impact and true empowerment.