CanWaCH

Quand les humanitaires sont pris pour cible : comment renforcer leur protection dans les conflits armés ?
2024-09-19 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Toronto) | Écomusée du Fier Monde, 2050 R. Atateken, Montreal, Quebec, H2L 3L8, Canada
Jeudi 19 septembre de 18h00 à 19h30 à l’Écomusée du Fier Monde, Montréal

La conférence sera suivie de l’assemblée générale annuelle de Médecins du Monde Canada de 20h à 21h.

Thème

En 2023, il est estimé que plus de 560 travailleur.euse.s humanitaires ont été tué.e.s, kidnappé.e.s ou blessé.e.s à travers le monde. Un sombre record.
Soudan, Soudan du Sud, Palestine, Syrie… Alors que les conflits armés se multiplient, cette normalisation de la violence contre les acteur.rice.s de l’aide est particulièrement inquiétante.
Se pose ainsi la question des défis de la protection des humanitaires et des soignant.e.s, ainsi que celle de la responsabilité des États et des ONG dans l’amélioration de leur sécurité.
Joignez-vous à nous et à nos invité.e.s pour une discussion inspirante sur ce sujet d’actualité !
En savoir plus.
Inscrivez-vous !

Art for Advocacy: "Empowering Youth in Sexual and Reproductive Health"
2024-09-20 | UNGA 2024, New York, United States
In a world where youth voices are often marginalized, it’s crucial to create platforms that amplify their perspectives, particularly in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights-Justice (SRHRJ). The Global Roadmap for Action (GRA), in collaboration with FP2030, PMNCH, Population Council and the William H. Gates Sr. Institute, invites youth artists globally to the “Art for Advocacy: Empowering Youth in Sexual and Reproductive Health” art gallery and contest.
This event will showcase visual art pieces exclusively by youth. Selected artworks will be featured at the UNGA in NYC and the Youth Summit at ICFP 2025, providing a powerful platform to connect youth stories with influential stakeholders. Submit your masterpiece to help amplify youth voices and advance SRHR. We look forward to highlighting your impactful work.
Learn more here!

A framework for sustainable global health and global surgery partnerships
2024-09-20 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | BC Children’s Hospital’s Chan Centre for Family Health Education, Canada
Please join the UBC Department of Pediatrics and Institute for Global Health at BC Children’s Hospital and BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre on Friday September 20, 2024 from 12:00 – 1:00pm for a Pediatric Grand Rounds by Dr. Faizal Haji, on “A framework for sustainable global health and global surgery partnerships”.
Dr. Haji is a pediatric neurosurgeon at BC Children’s Hospital and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of British Columbia. He is also co-lead for the Surgical Education Research Interest Group and Associate Director of the Global Surgery Lab within the Department of Surgery at UBC.
Learning Objectives:

Identify the principles underpinning ethical and sustainable global health/global surgery partnerships
Discuss a newly published framework for assessing sustainability of global surgery partnerships
Identify opportunities and challenges in applying this framework to existing and new partnerships

Everyone is welcome! We would love to see you in-person at the Chan Centre at BCCHR, but if you are unable to attend in-person, the Zoom details are provided below:
Join Online via Zoom
Zoom Meeting Link:
Go to https://ubc.zoom.us/ and click on ‘Join a Meeting’
Zoom Meeting ID: 92046 953122
Zoom Meeting Passcode: [REDACTED]
Direct Link: https://ubc.zoom.us/j/92046953122?pwd=[REDACTED]
You can also email Pediatrics.CME@ubc.ca to join their mailing list and receive a calendar invite for the presentation ~1 week before the event.

The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly
2024-09-21 - 2024-09-30
The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) takes place from September 10 to 30. This year’s theme is “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations.”
Check out events being hosted by CanWaCH members and partners:

September 21, Climate Chaos, SRHR Crisis: Weaving a web of strength, solutions and solidarity. Organized by IYAFP. Register here.
September 23, The challenge of greening the humanitarian response. Organized by Action Against Hunger. Virtual registration here.
September 24, Greening Disaster Response: New Solutions to Decarbonize Humanitarian Action. Organized by Action Against Hunger. Virtual registration here.
September 24, Future Horizons: The Strategic Importance of Strengthening Canada-Africa Relations. Organized by One Canada. Please contact Minerva Gray for more details.
September 28, Global Citizen Festival. Organized by Global Citizen in New York. Learn more here.

Is your organization going to be at UNGA 79? Please let us know by sending an email to Julianna Stonehouse, CanWaCH Manager, Strategic Partnerships. We will have a team in attendance and would love to connect with you.
Are you hosting an activity or event? Please share your event details with us at info@CanWaCH.ca or add your event to our calendar. All times are in local time.

Innovation for Day One Conference
2024-09-25 - 2024-09-27 | Bioscience Research Collaborative on Rice University’s campus, Houston, TX, United States
September 25 – 27, 2024 | Virtual and In-Person
Innovation for Day One is a conference organized by the Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies and the maternal newborn health community to explore groundbreaking tools and approaches for healthy outcomes for mothers and babies in resource-limited communities. The Innovation for Day One Conference will be held in person, in Houston, Texas, at the Bioscience Research Collaborative on Rice University’s campus from Wednesday, September 25 through Friday, September 27, 2024.
Call for Abstracts
Abstracts are being accepted through August 15th. Submissions related to one of the four conference tracks are encouraged: maternal health innovation, newborn health innovation, digital health innovation, and commercialization, scale, and sustainability.
Learn more here.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR)​
2024-09-30 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Toronto) | Parliament Hill, (West Block lawn), Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
In honour of the fourth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR), APTN, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, CBC/Radio-Canada and the Algonquin Nation have united to produce a 90-minute multilingual commemorative gathering, entitled Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Join Us on Parliament Hill
This special program seeks to honour Survivors, pay tribute to the children who never made it home from residential schools, and deliver a safe and nurturing environment for reconciliation and healing.
This year’s gathering will encompass powerful reflections from esteemed Elders and Survivors as well as moving performances by First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists.
The gathering will be broadcast live on all APTN channels and partnering Canadian broadcasters to reach as many viewers as possible. Tune in and join us on our collective journey towards reconciliation.
Learn more here!

Future Canada-Africa Strategic Dialogue
2024-10-03 11:30 - 14:30 (America/Toronto) | Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campu, 108 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L6, Canada
ONE Campaign and Afrifursa are pleased to invite you to a VIP Reception featuring Minister Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, and our President & CEO, Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, on October 3, 2024, at 11:30 AM at the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus, University of Toronto.
This VIP Reception aims to foster dialogue on strengthening Canada-Africa partnerships and exploring the private sector’s critical role. Specifically, we hope to:
– Amplify and deepen discussions on mutually beneficial Canada-Africa cooperation.
– Raise awareness of the need for an ambitious Canada-Africa Strategy, with a focus on collaborative opportunities and the continent’s investment potential.
– Reframe the narrative about Africa by highlighting opportunities for meaningful engagement.
If this event is of interest to you, kindly RSVP here or via the attached QR code by September 25, 2024.
If you have any questions or need further information please feel free to contact minerva.gray@one.org.

Rising Voices, Stories of Growth
2024-10-04 | Carriage House Hotel
Join us on Friday, October 4th at the Carriage House Hotel for an inspiring evening of storytelling dedicated to empowering girls and cultivating brighter futures.
This year, CAUSE Canada’s fall event will provide an opportunity to listen and consider how together we can establish sustainable health, nutrition and education programming.
During this exciting event, Rising Voices: Stories of Growth, hosted by CAUSE Canada, you will enjoy a delicious dinner, connect with like-minded changemakers, and hear remarkable stories of girls and women rising to create change in West Africa and Central America. Throughout the night, you will see how your support is empowering girls and women in rural communities and learn how you can become more involved.
Secure your tickets now! ✨Be a part of this remarkable journey of bringing courage where it is most needed.
Attend here!

Rethinking Good Intentions - Hosted by the Centre for Global Health
2024-10-07 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto) | Alumni Hall, Victoria College Building, 91 Charles St. West, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1K7, Canada
This compelling play transports audiences to the rural villages of Sierra Leone, West Africa in the late 1970s and 1980s where Nancy worked as a community health nurse for five years. The play is filled with stories about Nancy’s initially blundered and then inspired encounters with village chiefs, traditional birth attendants, and subsistence farmers. Village experiences rattled Nancy’s cultural preconceptions, provoked her notions of social privilege, and forever deepened her global connections.
Nancy Edwards, BScN, MSc, PhD, FCAHS
Nancy Edwards is a Distinguished Professor and Professor Emeritus, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa. Dr. Edwards obtained her undergraduate nursing degree from the University of Windsor and completed graduate studies in epidemiology at McMaster University and McGill University. She is a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. Nancy has received numerous awards including three honorary doctoral degrees. Dr. Edwards’ clinical and research interests are in the fields of public and population health. She has conducted health services, policy, and clinical research both nationally and internationally. Her work in global health spanned four continents where she led both development-oriented and research-focused projects with a focus on maternal and child health and capacity-building.
Ronald Carshon – Marsh
Ronald is a 3rd year Doctor of Public Health candidate at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. He obtained his first degree in Medicine in 2008 at the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), Sierra Leone, and his Master of International Public Health degree at the University of Queensland, Australia. He holds postgraduate certificates in Health Systems Planning and Mortality Surveillance. Ronald worked as a medical officer in various hospitals in Sierra Leone, serving as the Medical Superintendent of the Koidu government hospital, Kono from 2014 to 2016. He led the case management pillar for the Ebola Viral Disease epidemic response during this time. As a result of his dedicated professional service to humanity, the Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Australia, awarded him the ‘Young Alumni Excellence Award 2016’. He also worked as the District Medical Officer (DMO) in two districts and served as the overall technical and surveillance lead for the COVID-19 response in Bo district from 2020 to 2021. He later served as the manager of the National Malaria Control Programme. Ronald has contributed significantly to mortality surveillance research and has published many articles on malaria, mortality surveillance and antimicrobial resistance.
Diana Kaliza
As a second-year MPH student specializing in Social and Behavioral Health Sciences at the University of Toronto, Diana is strongly passionate about community-centred and global health interventions. Her work predominantly focuses on women’s health and infectious diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa. She has played a key role in collaborating with global partners to develop and support programs aimed at enhancing the professional development of faculty and women in leadership roles in Kenya and South Africa. Additionally, Diana has contributed to the design of educational programs tailored to address the specific needs of African communities in primary health care. Furthermore, she brings a background in program management, specifically in training primary care providers in maternal and newborn health and ensuring project success and compliance.
Attend here!

International Cooperation Futures Forum 2024
2024-10-08 - 2024-10-10 | National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Mark your calendars for October 8th to 10th, 2024, as the International Cooperation Futures Forum makes its grand return. This year, we’re excited to gather at the National Arts Centre (NAC), located on the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation, in Ottawa, Canada. Our second edition promises to rejuvenate the international cooperation sector with a renewed sense of optimism and purpose.
A Dynamic Platform for Global Partnership

The forum will bring together a diverse array of global partners, including representatives from civil society, government, academia, philanthropy, and the private sector. This event will serve as a vibrant platform for envisioning the future of international cooperation. Through innovative sessions, interactive workshops, and extensive networking opportunities, participants will collaboratively explore ways to address global challenges and create positive change.
Key Objectives
Our objectives for the 2024 edition focus on three main pillars: connection, dialogue, and collaboration. We aim to:

Strengthen connection and solidarity to enhance the resilience and relevance of Canadian international cooperation;
Energize decision-makers and change-make with forward-looking and thought-provoking ideas and exchanges; and
Spark and sustain partnerships to drive collective action for more and better impact.

Forum Themes
The forum will focus on the key issues, opportunities and challenges facing our current and future context – both in Canada and globally. Participants can expect to engage on:

Bold Canadian action on humanitarian response, development and peace, financing for development and G7 leadership.
Shifting power in international cooperation through localization, feminist leadership, anti-racism and reconciliation.
Unapologetic commitment to civic space, rights and democracy through resilient civil society, responsible technology advancement and media engagement.
Bolstering organizational resilience through connection to new partners, creative ways of working and support for emerging leaders.

Join Us for a Transformative Journey
Join us at the NAC as we embark on a transformative journey to shape a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world through international cooperation.

Register Here

Global Reads - AKFC's Book Club (October Edition)
2024-10-15 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Toronto) | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 1K6, Canada
As humanitarian crises and inequality persist, understanding the landscape of global development is more crucial than ever. Join AKFC for an evening of thought-provoking discussions about a gripping memoir – Under Development: A Journey Without Maps by Ian Smillie.
In this session, celebrated author and international development expert Ian Smillie will be joined by Maureen O’Neil, Chair, Water Aid International to discuss his five-decade career navigating some of the world’s most challenging contexts, from the Biafran War in Nigeria to combatting blood diamonds. Together, they will lead attendees in a dialogue on why the fight against poverty remains one of the world’s most enduring challenges.
If you’re passionate about global issues, humanitarian work, or simply love a good story that challenges conventional thinking, this event is for you.
Additional information for attendees:
– When you register, please indicate your interest in attending in-person at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat or attending online (Zoom) by selecting the relevant ticket option.
– Networking/Refreshments: In-person attendees are encouraged to participate in an informal networking session and enjoy refreshments after the event.
– Please note that this event will be offered in English only.
Attend here!

2024 Leadership Forum: Mobilizing for a Stronger Tomorrow
2024-10-18 08:30 - 17:00 (America/Toronto) | Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 2G8, Canada
The leadership forum is one of Fora: Network for Change’s signature events — and one of the most impactful and empowering events of the year for young leaders looking to expand their reach for change. Hosted in Toronto in October 2024, the Leadership Forum is designed to equip the next generation of decision-makers with the skills, insights, and networks needed to navigate and lead, even during uncertain times.
Each year, the Forum brings together exceptional young women and leaders who navigate gender-based discrimination and professionals from the non-profit and corporate sectors for a full day of training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and meaningful connection.
The Forum is curated by and for young leaders, though folks of all ages and genders are welcome (and encouraged) to attend. Attendees will be able to engage in thoughtful conversations, inspiring workshops, and networking sessions with leading trailblazers across sectors.
Participants will receive world-class training on topics including:
– The experiences of young leaders addressing global challenges
– … and the innovative solutions they are developing.
– Essential negotiation techniques and strategies for effective advocacy.
– Working the system to disrupt the system
Over the years, Fora’s Leadership Forum has continued to facilitate transformative conversations about advancing equity in spaces of power — we can’t wait for you to join us again.
W﻿hat will I get out of the event?
Participants will leave with new (or renewed):
1. Confidence: Attendees see themselves as leaders and are excited about participating in decision-making spaces (from community rooms to classrooms to the halls of government) with new tools and resources.
2. Connections: Develop a new network of like-minded peers, as well as sector-specific professional connections.
3. Tangible skills: Action-oriented next steps and strategies to become a stronger advocate, overcome leadership barriers, and make even more meaningful contributions in decision-making spaces.
4. Innovative ideas: Youth-led perspectives and insights on advancing on social justice
For the complete agenda, session descriptions, and speakers, please visit our website.

Children's & Women's Hospital Practice-Based Research Conference 2024
2024-10-24 11:00 - 19:00 (America/Toronto) | BC Children’s Hospital’s Chan Centre for Family Health Education, 938 West 28th Ave, Entrance #18, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 4H4, Canada
This in-person conference is tailored for CW clinicians interested or engaged in research, and researchers in women+, newborn, and child health topics. We will showcase established Practice-Based Research from the CW campus and offer a rapid research update from planned and proposed research projects.
Practice-based research (PBR), defined as the use of research principles, designs, and gathering techniques to answer questions that emerge from practice to inform practice.
Stay tuned for the announcement of our keynote speaker and practice-based research team presenters!
Coffee, lunch, and snacks will be provided.
Attend here!

2024 Canadian Conference on Global Health
2024-10-25 - 2024-10-27 | Simon Fraser University – Vancouver Campus, 515 W Hastings St, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 5K3, Canada
Theme: Poly-crisis and global health: How can we improve human health and well-being, while protecting the planet?
The Canadian Conference on Global Health is an annual conference that brings together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and students from various disciplines and sectors to discuss pressing global health issues. The conference provides a platform for sharing knowledge, best practices, and innovations in global health research, policy, and practice.
The 2024 Canadian Conference on Global Health will be held in person from October 25 to 27, 2024 at the Simon Fraser University, downtown Vancouver campus, BC, Canada, and virtually.
Please click here to register for CCGH 2024.

Celebrating Crossroads' Volunteering Partnerships for Gender Equality
2024-10-26 08:30 - 17:00 (America/Toronto) | Afromusée, 533 Rue Ontario East Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, H2L 1N8, Canada
Join us for our Annual Volunteer Conference on International Cooperation, hosted at the Afromusée in Montreal, Quebec, on Saturday, October 26th. This event will celebrate and explore the diverse volunteering partnership models we’ve established, highlighting outstanding accomplishments in advancing gender equality in Sub-Saharan countries.
Expect esteemed guest speakers, networking opportunities, and the chance to explore volunteering abroad with Crossroads. The day will also include a panel discussion, workshops, lunch, prizes, and more!
Space is limited, so please register now and help us spread the word!
Attend here!

Partnering for Gender Equality – Crossroads’ Annual Volunteer Conference
2024-10-26 08:30 - 17:00 (America/Toronto) | Afromusée, 533 Rue Ontario East Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, H2L 1N8, Canada
Join us for our Annual Volunteer Conference on International Cooperation, hosted at the Afromusée in Montreal, Quebec, on Saturday, October 26th. This event will celebrate and explore the diverse volunteering partnership models we’ve established, highlighting outstanding accomplishments in advancing gender equality in sub-Saharan Africa.
Expect esteemed guest speakers, networking opportunities, and the chance to explore volunteering abroad with Crossroads. The day will also include a panel discussion, workshops, lunch, prizes, and more!
Space is limited, so please register now and help us spread the word! This event is open to participants who are presently in Canada.
Attend here!

CAGH 2024 Annual General Meeting
2024-10-26 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Toronto) | Hybrid, Canada
This is an announcement of the upcoming CAGH Annual General Meeting happening in person and online on Saturday October 26, 2024 at 1:00-2:00 PDT (UTC-07:00). It is important that all CAGH members attend this meeting to learn more about the organization’s activities and vote on essential motions.
Eligibility to vote in the CAGH AGM
To enter the meeting in person or online and to vote on any motions at the CAGH AGM, you must be an active member in good standing. If your membership has lapsed, you will need to renew it before joining the meeting.
To check if your membership is current, please log into your Wild Apricot membership profile. If it is not current, you can initiate the renewal process and pay for your annual membership directly in your profile.
If you would like to submit a resolution, please send them by October 19th to info@cagh-acsm.org with the subject title “Proposed Resolution for 2024 AGM”. Please arrive on time and we will record your name for attendance and a member count prior to starting the meeting.
We look forward to seeing you at the AGM! Attend here!

2024 Global Health Case Competition
2024-10-27 09:30 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | The University of British Colombia
Join us for an engaging and impactful case competition focusing on maternal and child health in the Global South. This competition provides a unique opportunity for participants to apply their skills and knowledge to real-world challenges faced by mothers and children in under-resourced settings.
Participants will be presented with a case study based on real-life scenarios encountered by Partners In Health Canada in their maternal and child health initiatives. Teams will analyze the case, develop innovative solutions, and present their recommendations to a panel of experts.
Who Should Participate:
– Students from the fields of public health, medicine, nursing, social sciences, and related disciplines
– Students passionate about global health and social justice
– Teams of up to 4 participants
How it Works:
Form a team of four or join as an individual and be placed in a team. On the day of the competition, your team will receive a real-life maternal and child health issue that Partners In Health Canada has encountered in the Global South. You will have roughly 3 hours to analyze the issue and develop a comprehensive program to address it.
All necessary information about the country and the specific problem will be provided to you. After developing your solution, your team will present your proposal to one of our judges. The judges will select their top choices, and the three best teams will present their proposals to all participants. All attendees will vote to determine the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.
Compete for Exciting Prizes:
1. First place: $500
2. Second place: $250
3. Third place: $100
Key Highlights:
– Real-World Impact: Address genuine challenges in maternal and child health in a developing country.
– Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals, academics, and peers who share a commitment to global health.
– Expert Feedback: Receive insights and guidance from a distinguished panel of judges with expertise in maternal and child health.
– Lunch Provided!
Attend here!

Unlocking Human Potential: Insights from the UNDP Human Development Report
2024-10-29 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Toronto) | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 1K6, Canada
Join AKFC and the Canadian International Council, National Capital Branch (CIC) for “Unlocking Human Potential: Insights from the UNDP Human Development Report 2024,” where we delve into the latest findings shaping global development. From tackling inequality to fostering sustainable growth, our agenda spotlights key themes and actionable strategies from the report.
The discussion, led by Heriberto Tapia, the Research and Strategic Partnership Advisor at the UNDP Human Development Report Office (HDRO), will highlight the key findings and themes of the report and their implications for strategies for promoting human development. Engage with additional experts in a panel discussion and network with like-minded individuals committed to advancing human development worldwide.
Together, let’s explore how we can drive positive change and create a more inclusive, equitable future for all.
Additional information for attendees:
– When you register, please indicate your interest in attending in-person at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat or attending online (Zoom) by selecting the relevant ticket option.
– Networking/Refreshments: In-person attendees are encouraged to participate in an informal networking session and enjoy refreshments after the event.
– Please note that this event will be offered in English only.
Questions? Akfc.events@akdn.org
Lead Discussant
Heriberto Tapia
Research and Strategic Partnership Advisor, Human Development Report Office (HDRO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Panelists
Davlatsulton Dorgabekova
Chief Executive Officer, Aga Khan Foundation Kyrgyz Republic
Sharon Armstrong
Director General, International Assistance Partnerships and Strategic Coordination, Global Affairs Canada
Moderator:
Dylan Robertson, International affairs reporter, Ottawa bureau, The Canadian Press
Attend here!

2024 Canadian Open Data Summit
2024-10-30 - 2024-10-31 | Stanley A. Milner Library, 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 2V4, Canada
Now is the perfect time to start planning your getaway to Edmonton, Alberta on October 30 and 31, and prepare for a memorable event. Here is what we have in store for you when you attend in person:
– Your professional development benefits you and your organisation;
– As many meetings as you can fit into your schedule, plus mixers and socials to help make sure you get connected with the right people;
– 2 full days of dynamic speakers and hands-on workshops (without time difference!) on compelling themes;
– A full day of hands-on learning + creating session with Generative AI and data as our lead-in programming this year (Oct 29);
– The chance to discover the capital city of Alberta, rich with attractions, a vibrant downtown in which the Summit is central, and lush spaces.
Be sure to reserve your place today to take advantage of the early bird rate, as this is a limited-time offer.
Letters of invitation
We regret to advise that the Society is not in a position to write letters of invitation in support of visa applications to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Please allow plenty of time to have such processes take place without such letters.
Need a helping hand in the art of persuasion?
You don’t know how to approach your manager and it’s the last step separating you from an enriched experience and a practically infinite source of knowledge? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We prepared a letter for you, so all you have to do is personalise it, send it and voilà!
Accommodations
There is no official conference hotel, but we’ve put together a list of the five closest options at the bottom of our registration page.

2024 SMO Conference: Pathways to Gender Equality
2024-11-06 - 2024-11-08 | Ottawa, ON
Spur Change is excited to invite you to the Pathways to Gender Equality national conference, taking place in Ottawa November 6-8, 2024. The conference aims to advance gender equality and empowerment by showcasing the impactful work of small and medium organizations (SMOs) in international cooperation. The conference will also gather insights from these organizations on the support needed for future capacity-building programs. This initiative aligns with the core Action area of Global Affairs Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP), Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a cross-cutting theme.
The conference is organized by Spur Change. On behalf of the Inter-Council Network (ICN) and funded by Global Affairs Canada, the Spur Change program aims to increase the effectiveness of Canadian small and medium-sized organizations (SMOs) in achieving sustainable results.
Click here to attend!

Small steps, big results
2024-11-07 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Toronto) | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 1K6, Canada
Please be advised that in-person space for this event is limited.
Aga Khan Foundation Canada and Spur Change, a program of the Inter-Council Network of Provincial and Regional Councils for International Cooperation, invite you for an evening of knowledge sharing and networking with small and medium organizations (SMOs) from across Canada who are advancing gender equality in the international cooperation sector.
This event is open to anyone interested in learning more about the role of SMOs and their partners in advancing gender equality worldwide. We invite those from different sectors, whether currently engaged in gender equality or looking to start, to attend! We aim to foster a well-rounded understanding and discussions on gender equality issues.
Additional information for attendees
Networking/Refreshments: Attendees are encouraged to participate in a general networking session and refreshments after the event.
Language: For presentations, simultaneous interpretation will be available between French and English.
Note: The online portion of the event will conclude at 7:15 PM.
Speakers
Hyang Cho, Executive Director Good Neighbours Canada
Dianne Losing, Medical Mercy Canada
Karine Casault, Mer et Monde
Roheena Ali Shah, My Oral Village and Economic Transformation Initiative-Gilgit Baltistan
Geetanjali Gill, Associate Professor and Program Chair of Global Development Studies, University of the Fraser Valley
Dennis Stuebing, Executive Director, Wisdom2Action
Hosts
Jennifer Elms, Regional Gender Equality Advisor, Aga Khan Foundation Canada
André Melrose, Project & Community Coordinator, Spur Change
Questions? Akfc.events@akdn.org
This public event is being held in alignment with Spur Change’s SMO Conference: Pathways to Gender Equality. The annual conference brings together SMOs from coast to coast to coast to engage and learn from one another and bring the international cooperation sector together. If you are attending the SMO conference, a separate form was sent to you directly to confirm your participation at this event. Please do not register via Eventbrite.
Attend here!

For Every Women, For Every Child: Ensuring Access to Global Health Equity
2024-11-12 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Toronto) | Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel, 888 7 Avenue Southwest, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 3J3, Canada
Over the last few decades, the world has experienced incredible wins in the journey to end extreme poverty, showing us that progress is possible when we raise our voices together. Health is a vital cornerstone to ensure people can thrive.
Join Results Canada for a special evening on how you can help ensure Canada continues its legacy and commitment to the health of women and children globally. Hear from expert speakers, discuss Canada’s role in the world, and connect with members of your community including grassroots volunteers, local organizations, academics, and parliamentarians. Let’s celebrate our shared mission to generate the political will to end extreme poverty around the world!
Results Canada is a grassroots advocacy organization that believes in mobilizing everyday people to generate the political will to end extreme poverty. We combine the voices of our volunteers with strategic areas of focus to leverage resources for programs and improved policies that help realize peoples’ rights to health equity, quality education and economic opportunity. We believe that ending poverty is possible, that proven solutions exist, and that together we can change the world.
Registration is limited.
Supported by CanWaCH.
Attend here!

A Transformative Partnership for Global Development
2024-11-13 09:00 - 12:30 (America/Toronto) | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 1K6, Canada
Join us on November 13 for an inspiring event that will delve into the vital connection between investing in higher education and advancing sustainable development. During this event, we will celebrate a remarkable 40-year journey of collaboration between Canada and the Aga Khan University (AKU), highlighting the transformative impact of education.
Canada and Canadians have played a vital role in the establishment, growth, and impact of AKU, contributing financial, technical, and intellectual support that has transformed countless lives. This program will gather Canadian leaders and thought partners to celebrate the partnership between Canada and AKU, while reflecting on the critical role of higher education institutions in advancing sustainable development in the Global South. Together, let’s witness how Canada’s and AKU’s shared commitment is building a brighter, more sustainable future where we all thrive together.
In addition, we invite you to explore “A Transformative Vision”, an exhibition that honours the vision and work of AKU’s founder and Chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan, the dedication of the thousands of individuals who have helped turn that vision into reality, and the impact AKU has had on countless lives. Featuring rarely seen photography, video, artefacts and documents, new interviews with key figures, the exhibition captures AKU’s evolution from a single campus and hospital to the internationally recognized, continent-spanning institution of today. This exhibition will be open to event participants.
Additional information for attendees:
– When you register, please indicate your interest in attending in-person at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat or attending online (Zoom) by selecting the relevant ticket option.
– Networking/Refreshments: In-person attendees are encouraged to participate in an informal networking session and enjoy refreshments before and after the event.
– Please note that this event will be offered in English only.
Questions? Akfc.events@akdn.org
Attend here!

The 15TH AWID International Forum
2024-12-02 - 2024-12-05 | Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, Thailand
The AWID International Forum is both a global community event and a space of radical personal transformation. A one-of-a-kind convening, the Forum brings together feminist, women’s rights, gender justice, LBTQI+ and allied movements, in all our diversity and humanity, to connect, heal and thrive.
Attend here!

5th Congress of the Mukwege International Chair - Ending gender based violence: Women's empowerment and sustainable development
2024-12-03 - 2024-12-06 | Palais des congrès in Montreal, 159, rue Saint-Antoine Ouest, 9e étage, Montreal, Québec
5th Congress of the Mukwege International Chair: Ending gender-based violence: women’s empowerment and sustainable development
Dr. Denis Mukwege, 2018 Nobel Peace Prize winner, founder and president of the Panzi Foundation in the Democratic Republic of Congo received an honorary doctorate from the University of Montreal (UdeM) in 2019. Since then, UdeM has integrated the Mukwege International Research Chair, which was initiated by Professor Emeritus (University of Liège) Véronique De Keyser, Honorary deputy of the European Parliament, following Dr. Denis Mukwege’s initial contacts in November 2013 with the aim of setting up cooperation programs for the follow-up of survivors of sexual violence.
The Université de Montréal will host the 5th Congress of the Mukwege International Chair from December 3 to 6 at the Palais des congrès de Montréal on the theme: Ending gender-based violence: women’s empowerment and sustainable development, in the presence of Dr. Denis Mukwege, Nobel Peace Prize, 2018.
This major North American event brings together international specialists from the healthcare, research, social, political and legal fields.
Come network around best practices in combating gender-based violence and empowering women towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Learn more about the Congress here.
View the program here.
Register here!

Amplifying Youth Voices & Meaningful Engagement Workshop
2024-12-07 11:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 2G8, Canada
Are you ready to amplify youth voices and witness meaningful engagement in action?
Plan International Canada invites you to RSVP for our “Amplifying Youth Voices & Meaningful Engagement” event. This in-person gathering will take place on Saturday, December 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET at the Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street, Toronto). Join us, as we explore impactful ways to empower young people in decision-making processes.
The event will feature interactive workshops, insights from the Youth Council, and focus group discussions on initiatives like child sponsorship, providing a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and share your perspective on youth leadership. Together, let’s champion a future where young voices lead the way.
Light refreshments and lunch will be provided.
To reserve your spot, please complete the RSVP form below for each person attending. We look forward to seeing you there!
Attend here!

International Conference on Gender and Technology 2025
2024-12-15 | Amritapuri Campus, Kerala, India, India
In collaboration with UNESCO, the School of Social and Behavioural Sciences at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is hosting an International Conference on Gender and Technology, January 16th – 19th 2025, at Amritapuri campus, Kerala, India.
IEEE Society on Social Implications of Technology (SSIT) and IEEE Kerala Section are technical co-sponsors for the conference. Accepted and presented papers will be submitted for inclusion into IEEE Xplore and scopus indexing subject to meeting IEEE Xplore’s scope and quality requirements.
Deadline to register is December 15, 2024.
Click here to register!

WUSC art exhibition: "Through my eyes: art for development"
2025-02-03 10:00 - 2025-02-04 20:00 (America/Toronto) | Jock Turcot University Centre, 58 University Private, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 9A7, Canada
To mark International Development Week in February, the art exhibition “Through my eyes: art for development” will be hosted by the University of Ottawa’s WUSC Local Committee, a dynamic campus-based group who support our organization’s awareness-raising efforts. This art exhibition brings together the work of 24 artists from Ghana, Malawi, and Canada. The diversity of their family backgrounds, professional experiences, the contexts in which they lived, as well as the challenges they faced daily, has brought extra depth to their work.
As part of its global development efforts, WUSC created this art exhibition focused on the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs. The exhibition isn’t just about delivering a message, it is about raising awareness in a positive way, shedding light on the global challenges people face and the critical role that individual actions can play.
The art exhibition is free to enter and open to interested visitors from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on February 3 and 4 at Jock Turcot University Centre at the University of Ottawa. The Opening Night Launch Event will be on February 3rd (5-8 p.m. EST) with performances from the student community. The registration link to attend the launch event will be shared soon on the local committee’s social media accounts. However, no registration is required to enter the Art Exhibition display.
For more information, contact us at publicengagement@wusc.ca or visit the art exhibition’s website.

Building Bridges: Pathways and Opportunities in Global Health
2025-02-03 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto) | Room 2108, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute & Virtually
Join us for our upcoming event, ‘Building Bridges: Pathways and Opportunities in Global Health‘, on Monday, February 3.
This event will focus on the power of our everyday work to create meaningful impact beyond borders. By broadening our perspective and embracing our shared challenges, we unlock new opportunities to advance health equity and expand access to care worldwide. Together, we’ll delve into the journeys of clinicians and researchers from our community who, through unexpected pathways, are making contributions to Global Health, and inspiring us all to see the global potential in our work.
Panelists:

Dr Shahrzad Joharifard, Pediatric Surgeon & Clinical Assistant Professor, Dep’t of Surgery, UBC
Dr Fiona Muttalib, Pediatric Intensivist & Clinical Assistant Professor, Dep’t of Pediatrics, UBC
Dr Harpreet Chhina, Research Associate, Dep’t of Orthopedics, UBC
Dr Michael Kobor, Professor, Dep’t of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, UBC & UBC Chair in Healthy Aging

Location: Room V2-222, CSB; Zoom link will be provided to those attending virtually after registering.
Learn more and register here.
