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From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Eliza MacLauchlan Restorative Justice Facilitator Government of PEI About Eliza

Aliyanna Gordon Nova Scotia Individual Member Aliyanna Gordon is an Indigenous and second-generation immigrant student at Saint Mary’s University, pursuing Commerce with a passion for equity, law, and policy-making. A nationally recognized youth leader, she has facilitated workshops on social justice, anti-racism, and mental health through the Students Commission of Canada. Aliyanna brings experience in public speaking, mentorship, and youth empowerment to ACIC’s community. Up Learn More Up

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Adiza Abdul-Raifu About Adiza

Teresa Lush Nova Scotia Individual Member Teresa considers herself a global citizen and has been fortunate enough to have traveled the world. She believes that we are all interconnected and that support for one another, no matter the geography, is imperative for us to move forward as a species. She is involved, and would like to be more involved, in furthering international development. She has volunteered in Guatemala for over seven years on her own. This has primarily been with Casa Guatemala, a jungle based orphanage and school on the Rio Dulce. She has also become involved with Ahicam, a home for adolescents and babies in Poptun and more recently, a startup school in Punta Brava, Guatemala. Up Learn More Up

The Members’ Public Engagement Fund (MPEF) supports ACIC members in hosting public engagement activities through micro-grants of $1500. This long-standing program encourages members to develop creative and innovative events and plan with a gender lens. Many of these events build connections between global and local communities. Events are encouraged to take place during International Development Week, which takes place annually during the first full week of February. Members’ Public Engagement Fund The Members’ Public Engagement Fund (MPEF) supports ACIC members in hosting public engagement activities through micro-grants of $1500. This long-standing program encourages members to develop creative and innovative events and plan with a gender lens. Many of these events build connections between global and local communities. Events are encouraged to take place during International Development Week, which takes place annually during the first full week of February. What does it mean to plan with a gender lens? A “gender lens” does not necessarily mean an MPEF activity must be centered around issues of gender and intersectionality, although that is a strong way to include a gender lens. Planning an activity with a gender lens means considering how to include gender equality in developing your event. You might ask yourself: What are the gendered impacts of the topic we’re addressing? Are we including diverse perspectives in the planning process? How can ensure this event is inclusive to a diverse audience? How do we pursue equity in our mission, and how can this event reflect that? Recent MPEF events: BIPOC Youth Creatives Summit Hosted by the Black Business and Professional Network Forty-two Black, Indigenous, and racialized youth participants explored themes of identity, belonging, leadership, and global responsibility over this two-day summit. Through storytelling, arts-based expression, mentorship, and dialogue, the event highlighted the role of youth leadership, inclusion, and equity in global development. African Dinner: Food, Storytelling, and Global Connection Hosted by the Nova Scotia Gambia Association The NSGA brought together 72 participants to engage with cross-cultural understanding, gender equality, and community engagement. Through Gambian cuisine, storytelling, performances, and a film screening, the event highlighted the longstanding Canadian-Gambian partnerships and promoted global solidarity. Xinka delegation to Atlantic Canada Hosted by Breaking the Silence Two Xinka women leaders gave four public talks about their Indigenous community’s resistance to the PanAmerican Silver’s Escobal mine in southern Guatemala. Through these public talks and multiple gatherings with community members, Indigenous groups, and civil society groups, the delegation spread awareness of the harms of Canadian mining abroad and the strength of Indigenous-led resistance. Learn about past recipients of the fund here: International Development Week Workshops Hosted by the University of New Brunswick’s School of Leadership Studies February 1-7, 2026 | Fredericton, NB UNB’s School of Leadership studies held three in-person workshops during IDW to engage high school students and youth participants on community development, concepts of power, inclusion, and collaboration. Approximately 67 students attended each session to discuss and reflect on engagement. International Cooking Class Hosted by Dalhousie University February 7, 2025 | Truro, NS Dalhousie University’s Agricultural Campus partnered with the Colchester Food Network to host a community cooking event celebrating global cultures and food security. Framed around SDG 2: Zero Hunger, the event emphasized cooperation across local and international levels by linking Dalhousie Agricultural Campus’s global food security work with the food bank’s local efforts. Over 60 participants attended, sharing food, cultural knowledge, and conversations that highlighted community connection and inclusion. The event fostered public awareness of global development themes, with a focus on food insecurity, demonstrating how local partnerships can strengthen international solidarity and act as an entry point to engage the public on global issues. Gender-Based Violence in the Workplace and Vulnerability of Temporary Foreign Workers Hosted by The Cooper Institute and the PEI Rape and Sexual Assault Crisis Centre February 6, 2025 | Charlottetown, PEI This panel conversation brought community groups together to discuss the gender-based violence that some temporary foreign workers may face while working in PEI, compounding factors that exacerbate the situation, and what some potential solutions could be. Attended by 40 individuals from the nonprofit sector, government, and the general public, the event created space to discuss structural inequalities in the temporary work permit system, global migration systems, including credible reports of workplace abuse and precarity. Pathy Foundation Fellowship Presentation Hosted by the Coady Institute Virtual The Coady Institute, a leadership education and collective action organization, hosted their Pathy Fellows, young Canadian leaders who participate in a year-long community development fellowship, in a virtual discussion of their work across the world. The audience of 66 people heard about the Fellows’ environmental and feminist work in Pakistan, Nigeria, and West Africa. Design Thinking Bootcamp for Non-Profits Hosted by Venture 2 Impact February 9, 2024 | Halifax, NS This one-day bootcamp led 16 non-profit workers through Design Thinking, an approach that uses a human-centered approach to problem-solving, to work through the challenges of the non-profit sector. Through immersive learning, participants left feeling empowered to apply the tools and knowledge from the bootcamp into their organization’s work. Celebrating Cultural and Connections Hosted by Youth Art Connection February 11, 2023 | Halifax, NS This unique event profiled young, African Nova Scotian artists and highlighted their positive role in establishing community linkages and developing inclusive, safer, and sustainable communities in Canada and overseas. The event showcased African Nova Scotian musicians and artists while also providing an opportunity for international cooperation-themed networking for over 200 attendees. Broken Crayons: Telling the Story Hosted by Farmers Helping Farmers This project centred on a book launch and development of educational videos for schools in PEI and twinned schools in Kenya. The book “Broken Crayons” tells the story of a pre-service teacher whose experience at a Kenyan school challenged her assumptions and led to global connections.

Rose Gyesi Newfoundland and Labrador Individual Member Rose Gyesi is a graduate student studying political science at Memorial University. She is currently a student writer and blog content creator of the Political Science Graduate student association of Memorial University. She aspires to become an international Policy analyst and an active global citizen. Up Learn More Up

Su Alteen Newfoundland and Labrador Individual Member Su Alteen wears many hats, but their favourite gear is a helmet because it saves their life. A passionate community builder and outdoor enthusiast, Su is a musician, roller derby player, choral singer, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt, climber, and lifelong lover of movement and adventure. Whether longboarding, practicing circus arts, trail running, acro yoga, skateboarding, or beachcombing, they are deeply rooted in queer community, creativity, and play. Su is a Master’s of Gender Studies candidate and Graduate Assistant at Memorial University, supervised by Dr. Alec Brookes and Trevor Haris, with research focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in rock climbing. They work at Wallnuts Climbing Centre as an ACMG-certified Outdoor Toprope Climbing Instructor and coach with the Senior Youth Climbing Team. They also volunteer with Climbing Access and Development of Eastern Newfoundland (CADEN) and the Alpine Club of Canada Newfoundland Section to support safer and more accessible outdoor climbing spaces. Su holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Memorial University. Alongside their work in education, they teach substitute French and Social Studies with NL Schools and volunteer with the Beaconsfield Junior High GSA Club and Breakfast Program. Up Learn More Up

Each year, ACIC holds our Symposium: a multi-day gathering full of transformative discussions, collaboration, and action. The Symposium brings together member organizations, partners, and practitioners from the international cooperation and Atlantic non-profit sectors to build capacity and learn from leaders and changemakers. ACIC Symposia Each year, ACIC holds our Symposium: a multi-day gathering full of transformative discussions, collaboration, and action. The Symposium brings together member organizations, partners, and practitioners from the international cooperation and Atlantic non-profit sectors to build capacity and learn from leaders and changemakers. ACIC’s annual Symposium creates space for people working in international cooperation and Atlantic Canada’s non-profit sector to learn together, exchange ideas, and build relationships. Through workshops, discussions, and shared learning, members, partners, and practitioners explore challenges facing the sector and develop practical approaches to strengthen their work. A dedicated Youth Voice stream offers additional sessions for young people alongside participation in the full Symposium, connecting perspectives across generations and making room for youth to help shape the conversation. Information on the 2026 Symposium is coming soon. Past Symposium Themes and Topics From Aid to Action: Celebrating 50 Years of Solidarity and Global Cooperation June 18-19, 2025 | Halifax, NS In 2025, we reflected on shifts in international cooperation, explored the future of foreign aid, and deepened connections through panels, workshops, and networking sessions. With a strong focus on shared learning and collaboration, the Symposium highlighted diverse voices and practices, encouraging participants to exchange insights, build relationships, and strengthen collective approaches to global solidarity. Days of Learning November 15, 2024 | Charlottetown, PE March 18, 2025 | Saint John, NB ACIC organized two mini-symposia in lieu of one 2024 symposium. We connected with people in New Brunswick and PEI through single-day events touching on Storytelling, Equity, and Change, and the Cost of Living Crisis, respectively. The Gloaming: A Transformative Gathering for Storytelling, Equity, and Change March 18, 2025 | Saint John, NB “The Gloaming” brought together students, community members, Elders, and practitioners in dialogue about critical social issues, including global equity, social inclusion, and justice. Rooted in intergenerational exchange, this event brought us together to share knowledge, reflect on barriers to equity, and explore pathways forward. Conversation topics included: Global equity The backlash against DEI Community-driven solutions to social issues Confronting the Cost of Living Crisis: from PEI to the World November 15, 2024 | Charlottetown, PE Hosted as a partnership with the Cooper Institute, this mini-conference explored the local and global realities of the cost of living crisis, including the impact upon residents of PEI, with an emphasis on under-served communities, and the role that Canadian policies play in shaping the local and international economic landscape. Topics included: Global financialization of farmland as it relates to housing in PEI The effects of the cost of living crisis on under-served communities The economic factors contributing to the crisis, as well as potential solutions Cost of Change: Championing Social Justice, Health and Well-Being For All October 2023 | Charlottetown, PEI The 2023 symposium explored 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. Speakers and workshops focused on the contexts of climate change, power relations within international cooperation, gender, and decent work. Keynote address by Rabi Adamu Musa, founder of the Mcrissar Foundation spoke to the importance of menstrual health for women and girls in Nigeria and its long term impact on education and decent work. Panels and workshops included: Cost of Power and International Cooperation, Cost of Action and Climate Change, Decent Work and the Cost of Exploitation, The Power of Planning for Community Impact Peace Through the Looking Glass October, 2022 | Halifax (Hybrid) This symposium brought focus to the UN International Year of Glass and the ongoing crises in Ukraine, Haiti, and Sudan. Participants learned how justice, equity and institutions are at the core of sustainable development and can both support and hinder peace-building efforts around the world. Keynote speaker, Irene Santiago, a venerated peace negotiator from the Philippines, spoke about the role development organizations play in restoring global peace and emphasized the role of women in peace and security. Panels and workshops included: Peace and Education, Peace and Justice, Peace and Environment, Peace and Institutions, Empowering Climate Change through Communications, Philanthropic Support for Grassroots Changemaking, Asset-based community-driven development in Cameroon From Obstacles to Opportunities: Harnessing the Momentum from a Global Pandemic to Inspire a More Resilient and Just Future October, 2021 | Virtual Emerging from the pandemic and looking to the future, the 2021 symposium drew on parallels between past crises to discuss opportunities, momentum and cooperation in this transitional time. Topics included: Creating Change: Overcoming Obstacles and Implementing Opportunities, The impacts of COVID on vulnerable communities and systems, The implications of COVID for the future Just Climate Action: Gender, Democracy, and Local Movements October, 2020 | Virtual The 2020 symposium was the first to be held virtually in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through Dr. Ingrid Waldron’s keynote presentation on environmental racism, and three sessions breaking down how to create just climate action, participants stayed connected to each other, the world, and the future of international cooperation. Gender Equality: the Power of Storytelling to Build Relationships and Collaboration October 2019 | St. John’s, NL The 2019 symposium provided training through capacity building workshops around the theme of gender equality, ranging from Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy to Understanding Sex Work and Sex Workers’ Needs to supporting refugee women and girls in Canadian models of sponsorship and resettlement. Keynote: Sister Lissy Chacko of the Good Shepherd Sisters, Bangalore (MPEF)

Youth Program Archive Re-Imagining Development Gathering Learn More ACIC’s Re-imagining Development, invites post-secondary students and young professionals in fields of global solidarity/international development to participate in a gathering of the unlearning, co-learning, and re-imagining of ‘international development’. PhotoVoices 2026 Learn More Stories are powerful: they weave people and experiences together and shape how we see the world. Knowing the impact and value of a well-told story, ACIC’s PhotoVoices Program empowers youth to share the narratives they want to tell through photos. Through the program, Atlantic Canadian youth and youth from the Global South use photos to share their stories, build skills, explore various topics related to social justice, learn from experts in the field, and so much more. 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 2026 Learn More To celebrate International Development Week (IDW), ACIC is excited to offer funding for youth (ages 15-30) to host their own events! 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 2025 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 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.

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.

Join us February 1-7, 2026 to celebrate International Development Week! International Development Week February 1 - 7, 2026 Join us in celebrating International Development Week (IDW) 2026, as we come together from coast to coast to coast to shine a spotlight on Canadian international development efforts. This year's theme is Prosperity through Partnership. About International Development Week International Development Week (IDW) is an annual initiative that takes place during the first full week of February. Since 1991, IDW has brought together civil society organizations, schools, businesses, government agencies, and the general public to highlight Canadian contributions to international development initiatives from coast to coast to coast and overseas. This year’s International Development Week (#IDW2026) will take place from February 1 to 7 and will be celebrated by  ACIC, Global Affairs Canada, Canadian development organizations, and Canadians with events and activities across Atlantic Canada and the country . Events List ACIC and our partners will be hosting IDW themed events throughout the week. Stay tuned for information about events in your region. No events at the moment Books Without Borders: Stories of Solidarity & Justice Check out our IDW reading list! Featuring books and stories spanning geographies, languages, and genres, there’s something to read for each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, offering new perspectives on global issues and the people and communities shaping change around the world.