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.

Closing the Global Gap in Women's Health: Canada's Leadership in R&D and Innovation
2024-10-30 11:00 - 12:30 | Virtual, Canada
FIND, CEPI and Unitaid, in partnership with Results Canada, are hosting a roundtable to discuss Canada’s leadership in global health R&D, focusing on its impact on women’s health, especially in the context of current infectious diseases and emerging pandemic threats.
The session will highlight opportunities for Canada to enhance its impact through targeted financial investments and policy commitments supporting women’s health, universal health coverage, and pandemic preparedness.
Additionally, the event will showcase how global health initiatives collaborate to build equitable and resilient health systems, in alignment with the Lusaka Agenda, and maximize the effectiveness of Canadian investments.
Attend here!

Canada’s 2025 Annual Report on the 2030 Agenda Information Session
2024-10-31 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual, Canada
Canada’s 2025 Annual Report on the 2030 Agenda Information Session
Canada is committed to reporting annually on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is pleased to invite you to attend a virtual information session to learn more on the activities of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Secretariat and how you can get involved in the 2025 Annual Report of the 2030 Agenda.
We invite you to spread the word through your network to help raise awareness of these information sessions. Thank you in advance for joining us in our commitment to highlight the work being undertaken across Canada to support the 2030 Agenda.
Attend here!

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!

Gender Transformation: The Politics and Practices of Disrupting Gender Norms
2024-11-07 09:00 - 11:00 | Virtual, Canada
Catherine Vanner (University of Windsor) brings together an international panel of strategic actors working with gender transformation as a radical framework for addressing gender equality. Panelists will be looking across issues such as climate justice, queer activism, and gender-based violence.
Attend here!

BIPOC Networking Collective
2024-11-07 12:30 - 14:00 | Virtual, Canada
Join the BIPOC Networking Collective!
Our first meeting will be held on November 7th, from 12:30 to 2pm (ET)!
Who It’s For: The BIPOC Networking Collective is a dedicated space for Black, Indigenous, and racialized professionals working in the Canadian international cooperation sector. Whether you are an emerging leader, a seasoned professional, a consultant, or a volunteer, this collective is designed for you!
What we are building towards:
Connecting with Peers: Building meaningful relationships with fellow BIPOC professionals who share your experiences, challenges, and aspirations.
Resource Sharing: Access a wealth of resources, from job opportunities to best practices, tailored specifically to the needs of BIPOC individuals in the sector.
Skill-Building Workshops: Participate in workshops that enhance your professional skills, including leadership development, advocacy, and technical expertise.
Mentorship Opportunities: Engage in mentorship programs that connect you with experienced leaders ready to guide and support your career journey.
Advocacy and Representation: Collaborate on initiatives aimed at amplifying BIPOC voices and promoting equity and inclusion within the sector.
Supportive Community: Join a nurturing environment where you can share your experiences, receive encouragement, and uplift one another.
Engaging Events: Attend networking events, panel discussions, and training sessions that foster learning, collaboration, and growth.
Read the Terms of Reference of the Collective HERE.
Join us in creating a vibrant network that celebrates diversity, promotes professional development, and advocates for systemic change in the international cooperation sector. Together, we can empower each other to thrive and lead!
Attend here!

Small steps, big results
2024-11-07 18:00 - 20:00 | 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!

November's Action Kick-Off
2024-11-07 19:30 - 20:30 | Virtual, Canada
Join us on November 7th, at 7:30 pm, for November’s Action Kick-Off! We will hear from Maxwell Mumba, a visionary 29-year-old Zambian youth! Establishing outreach programs, he sensitized the community about healthy eating habits, emphasizing the importance of the first 1,000 days of a baby’s life. In a country where 40% of children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition, Maxwell passionately advocates for nutrition investment.
We will also be joined by Dominique, our Policy and Advocacy Officer, who will help us wrap up the immunization campaign, and discuss the call-to-action! You won’t want to miss this amazing opportunity to build your volunteer community!
Attend here!

Démocratie et participation citoyenne – Regards croisés entre l’Afrique de l’Ouest, le Québec et la France : Défis et pistes d’action
2024-11-12 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual, Canada
Carrefour International et Katalizo collaborent pour organiser un événement dans le cadre des Journées québécoises de la solidarité internationale (JQSI), sur le thème de «Démocratie et participation citoyenne – Regards croisés entre l’Afrique de l’Ouest, le Québec et la France : Défis et pistes d’action».
L’événement aura lieu le 12 novembre, de 12h00 à 13h30 (Montréal) en ligne et il est ouvert à tous et toutes.
Rejoignez nous sur Zoom!
– Voici le lien pour se brancher à l’événement.
Attend here!

For Every Women, For Every Child: Ensuring Access to Global Health Equity
2024-11-12 19:30 - 21:30 | 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 | 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!

Unlocking Africa’s Health Innovation Potential: Navigating the Investment Readiness Landscape
2024-11-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual, Canada
African startups face significant hurdles in scaling their operation, which limits their ability to contribute meaningfully to healthcare improvement and economic growth. Access to capital remains a fundamental barrier, especially for ventures dedicated to advancing healthcare solutions. USAID’s and Grand Challenges Canada’s new report, Unlocking Africa’s Health Innovation Potential: Navigating the Investment Readiness Landscape, identifies significant opportunities for Investment Readiness Programs to enhance and achieve greater capital flow to early-stage health businesses in Africa.
You can review the full report here:
https://www.usaid.gov/global-health/innovation-and-impact/innovation/irp
Hear from the investors, investment readiness programs/venture studios, and health innovators who shaped the findings!
Join USAID and Grand Challenges Canada’s webinar on Thursday, November 14 from 10:00 AM ET to 11:30 AM ET to learn how Investment Readiness Programs can minimize funding gaps between African healthcare startups and investors.
Attend here!

Social Behavioural Change for inclusive SRHR in humanitarian settings
2024-11-15 08:00 - 09:00 | Virtual, Canada
One in five women worldwide live with a disability, often in low- and middle-income countries, and 220 million persons with disability are young. Despite effort for fulfilling the Right to Health stated in the Convention of the Right of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), social and gender norms may limit the access to inclusive information and quality services regarding Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Social Behavior Change (SBC) can play a pivotal role in addressing structural, attitudinal and communication barriers to SRHR services. We will present a new “Inclusive SBC for SRHR” practical guide, sharing experiences and stories, and exploring how to use inclusive SBC in SRHR to dismantle stigma related to the intersection of disability and SRHR.
The session is in English with sign-language translation.
Attend here!

2024 CanWaCH Annual General Meeting
2024-11-19 11:00 - 13:00 | Ontario
We are pleased to invite you to this year’s Annual General Meeting of members for the Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health (CanWaCH) taking place Tuesday, November 19, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST. This is your opportunity as a CanWaCH member to engage in the direction and operations of the organization and the future of our great partnership.
The AGM is virtual and will feature key CanWaCH strategic and operational updates during the business meeting. It will be followed by a dynamic discussion exploring the transformative potential of futurist thinking to unlock solutions and new possibilities.
Moderated by Michael Messenger, CEO and President of World Vision Canada, participants will hear from Dr. Geeta Nayyar, a globally recognized chief medical officer and leading voice in health technology, and Dan Pallotta, a trailblazer in non-profit innovation and voice of the documentary UnCharitable, on how they are redefining the status quo to build a more equitable future.
Meet Michael Messenger:

Since 2015, Michael Messenger has been President and CEO of World Vision Canada, one of the country’s largest charities, with programs worldwide working with children and communities through humanitarian relief, development and advocacy. He has been involved with the organization in Canada and around the world for more than 30 years in key governance and senior leadership roles. He travels widely, including to some of the world’s most challenging contexts, engaging with program participants, sharing stories of impact with supporters, and advancing policy and justice initiatives with leaders in government, the UN, churches and NGO partners.
Meet Dr. Geeta Nayyar:

Geeta Nayyar, MD, MBA, is a globally recognized chief medical officer, technologist, and bestselling author who helps leaders leverage a human approach to innovation, including rapid advances in AI, to achieve better health and business outcomes.
A widely sought-after speaker and author of the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller “Dead Wrong: Diagnosing and Treating Healthcare’s Misinformation Illness,” Dr. Geeta has appeared on CNBC, CNN, CBS, and other prominent media outlets. She currently serves on the board of the American Telemedicine Association and as an advisor to the American Medical Association.
A rheumatologist, Dr. Geeta earned her medical degree at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where she was admitted into an accelerated program at age 17, and her MBA at The George Washington University School of Business.
Meet Dan Pallotta:

Dan Pallotta is a pioneer in the global effort to transform the way our culture evaluates the character and impact of nonprofit organizations. His iconic TED Talk on philanthropy has been viewed more than 5.6 million times. The TED community voted it the most persuasive TED talk of all time. His 2016 TED talk, the dream we haven’t dared to dream, has been viewed more than 2 million times. He is one of the 100 most-viewed TED speakers of all time.
Dan is the central character in the movie, “Uncharitable,” based on his book by the same title. He is a founding thought partner of TED’s Audacious Project, which has raised nearly $1 billion for disruptive entrepreneurial social initiatives across a variety of issues. He is the founder and President of the Charity Defense Council, which is dedicated to transforming the way the public evaluates charities. He is the founder and President of Add Humanity, a message and movement-building consultancy that helps super innovative humanitarian organizations dream and grow.
REGISTER HERE FOR THE AGM

CanWaCH Academy 2024
2024-11-20 - 2024-11-22 | Virtual, Canada
The CanWaCH Academy is back by popular demand! Join us from November 20 to 22 for an exciting series of online sessions.
This year’s CanWaCH Academy has something for everyone, with a wide range of practical workshops and training sessions to challenge your thinking and spark new ideas.
Sessions will focus on knowledge and professional development to support CanWaCH member organizations and their team members in advancing health and rights for women, children and adolescents globally.
VIEW THE FULL PROGRAM AND REGISTER TODAY!

Indigenous Rights and Reconciliation Working Group meeting
2024-11-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual, Canada
Join us our next Indigenous Rights and Reconciliation Working Group gathering!
Next gathering: November 21st, 2pm to 3:30pm (ET)
The Indigenous Rights and Reconciliation Working Group is an open, collaborative meeting for organizations and individuals dedicated to supporting Indigenous Rights and advancing reconciliation efforts in our sector. Our bi-monthly meetings aim provide a valuable space to connect, share information, best practices, and lessons learned, with a focus on strengthening our collective impact and embedding Indigenous rights and reconciliation in our ways of working.
Attend here!

MIHCAN - Homemade Orthotics for Foot and Knee Problems: A Functional Approach
2024-11-25 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual, Canada
Please join Maternal and Infant Health Canada… for a webinar by Dr. Hélène Bertrand. The webinar is open to all and free of charge. We host webinars every two months. All welcome! The webinar will include a demonstration session of how to make your own orthotics. Dr. Hélène Bertrand will be available to answer participants questions related to hammertoe, low arches, calf pain, and other common complaints related to foot problems.
Learning Objectives from Webinar:
1. Research evidence on orthotic effectiveness for different foot and knee problems
2. Functional anatomy of the lower leg
3. How to make orthotics to correct the functional anatomy
4. To provide relief for different foot, ankle and knee conditions
Dr. Hélène Bertrand
Clinical Instructor, Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia Dr. Bertrand graduated from McGill medical school in 1965. She worked and did research as a family practitioner until she retired in November 2020. In the last 12 of her 55 year medical practice she treated only people referred to her for severe chronic pain. Using perineural injections of mannitol, dextrose prolotherapy, lifestyle modification, hypnosis and meditation as well as prescribing corrective orthotics, 80% of those referrals found pain relief. Her current goal is to communicate the knowledge she acquired. She has published 10 research articles, and one book on a 2-minute procedure to relieve low back pain. She also developed a mannitol-based pain-relieving cream.
Attend here!

HUB Town Hall
2024-11-25 14:00 - 15:30 | Virtual, Canada
We would like to extend an invitation to our final Town hall event held on Monday November 25th, 2:00 – 3:30pm ET. We are excited to share a report, framework and other outcomes from our first knowledge mobilization activity. It will also be an opportunity to reflect on our first year with Hub members, friends and the public.
Attend here!

Equitable Responses: Equitable Responses: An Anti-Racist Lense on Effectiveness in Moments of Crisis
2024-11-26 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual, Canada
Date: November 26th, from 1pm to 3pm (ET)
Event description: In today’s interconnected world, crises like those unfolding in Sudan, Gaza, Lebanon Haiti, and the Congo demand swift action from the international community. However, responses are often shaped by racial dynamics and power structures that impact their effectiveness and equity.
The Anti-Racist Cooperation Hub invites members of the Canadian international cooperation and humanitarian aid sector to a thought-provoking session exploring:
– How race, equity, and inclusion shape crisis responses
– Why some crises receive global attention while others are ignored
– The dangers of neutrality in maintaining unjust power structures
– Crisis as an opportunity to rethink and transform actions
Participants will reflect on biases, explore innovative interventions, and engage in meaningful discussions to shift from surface-level responses toward sustainable, equity-driven solutions.
Join us for a conversation that empowers the sector to act boldly and justly in moments of global upheaval.
Speakers to be announce soon!
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!

The HIV Epidemic: Then and Now
2024-12-02 10:30 - 11:30 | Virtual, Canada
As World AIDS Day (December 1) fast approaches, the Stephen Lewis Foundation reflects on the evolving needs and challenges that the AIDS epidemic has posed for community-led organizations working on the frontlines over the past two decades.
Join us on December 2nd on Zoom while we discuss the early days of the epidemic, when treatment was unavailable, to the increasing and disproportionate risk that the epidemic has on women and girls, join us for a conversation about the changing nature of our partners’ important and life-saving work.
Joining us from Eswatini and Uganda will be leaders from Swaziland Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA), Wells of Hope, and Women’s International Peace Centre (WIPC). They will discuss how the needs of their communities have changed since the early 2000s, and how together, we have met the changing nature of the epidemic, as it continues to impact the people they serve.
Stephen Lewis Foundation
For more than 20 years, the Stephen Lewis Foundation has championed health and human rights to end AIDS. The HIV epidemic remains a public health emergency in sub-Saharan Africa fuelled by racism, gender inequality and colonialism. Committed to community-led solutions, we provide funding and allyship to local organizations who are restoring hope, reclaiming human rights, fighting injustice and saving lives.
Learn more about the Stephen Lewis Foundation at www.stephenlewisfoundation.org.
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!

BIPOC Networking Collective
2024-12-05 12:30 - 14:00 | Virtual, Canada
Join the BIPOC Networking Collective!
Our next meeting will be held on December 5th, from 12:30 to 2pm (ET)!
Who It’s For: The BIPOC Networking Collective is a dedicated space for Black, Indigenous, and racialized professionals working in the Canadian international cooperation sector. Whether you are an emerging leader, a seasoned professional, a consultant, or a volunteer, this collective is designed for you!
What we are building towards:
– Connecting with Peers: Building meaningful relationships with fellow BIPOC professionals who share your experiences, challenges, and aspirations.
– Resource Sharing: Access a wealth of resources, from job opportunities to best practices, tailored specifically to the needs of BIPOC individuals in the sector.
– Skill-Building Workshops: Participate in workshops that enhance your professional skills, including leadership development, advocacy, and technical expertise.
– Mentorship Opportunities: Engage in mentorship programs that connect you with experienced leaders ready to guide and support your career journey.
– Advocacy and Representation: Collaborate on initiatives aimed at amplifying BIPOC voices and promoting equity and inclusion within the sector.
– Supportive Community: Join a nurturing environment where you can share your experiences, receive encouragement, and uplift one another.
– Engaging Events: Attend networking events, panel discussions, and training sessions that foster learning, collaboration, and growth.
Read the Terms of Reference of the Collective HERE.
Join us in creating a vibrant network that celebrates diversity, promotes professional development, and advocates for systemic change in the international cooperation sector. Together, we can empower each other to thrive and lead!
Attend here!

Amplifying Youth Voices & Meaningful Engagement Workshop
2024-12-07 11:00 - 15:00 | 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!

International Migrants Day
2024-12-18 | Ontario
Throughout human history, migration has been a courageous expression of the individual’s will to overcome adversity and to live a better life. Today, globalization, together with advances in communications and transportation, has greatly increased the number of people, who have the desire and the capacity to move to other places.
This new era has created challenges and opportunities for societies throughout the world. It also has served to underscore the clear linkage between migration and development, as well as the opportunities it provides for co-development, that is, the concerted improvement of economic and social conditions at both origin and destination.
Migration draws increasing attention in the world nowadays. Mixed with elements of unforeseeability, emergency, and complexity, the challenges and difficulties of international migration require enhanced cooperation and collective action among countries and regions. The United Nations is actively playing a catalyst role in this area, with the aim of creating more dialogues and interactions within countries and regions, as well as propelling experience exchange and collaboration opportunities.

The future of anti-racism, what’s next?
2024-12-18 12:30 - 13:30 | Virtual, Canada
Join us for a wrap-up event dedicated to reflecting on the past three years and exploring what comes next. As we close the program, we want to connect with the individuals and organizations who have contributed in shaping this journey. This event will provide a chance to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of the sector, share expectations, and discuss the needs we must address moving forward.
WHEN: December 18th, from 12:30 to 1:30pm (ET)
Together, we will reflect on the barriers we’ve overcome and are still facing, the growth, and the transformations within the anti-racism space. We’ll celebrate achievements, acknowledge the collective efforts that have brought us this far, and explore how individuals, organizations, and the sector as a whole can continue to grow. It will also be an opportunity to say goodbye to certain chapters and connections, while paving the way for intentional relationship building for what comes next.
This conversation space is designed to ensure that all attendees feel seen and heard in shaping the future—recognizing both the privilege of this journey and the strength of our shared engagement.
As we look ahead, we aim to create a vision that is both aspirational and realistic—one that embeds anti-racism practices at every level. We want you to see yourself in what’s next and to ensure that our collective efforts continue to drive meaningful change toward a more equitable future.
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Introductory Course on Knowledge Synthesis for Knowledge Users
2025-01-01 - 2025-04-30 | Virtual, Canada
Intro to KS for Knowledge Users_course_v5
This course will teach students about knowledge synthesis in general, as well as how to conduct knowledge synthesis projects. Students will begin to conduct knowledge synthesis in the topic of their choice, with guidance from the course directors. Please note that the students will not be completing a full knowledge synthesis project during the duration of the course, due to course timelines.
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
– Differentiate between different types of knowledge synthesis, such as systematic reviews and qualitative evidence reviews
– Distinguish between different types of evidence that can be summarized in knowledge synthesis
– Develop a knowledge synthesis question
– Establish the eligibility criteria for knowledge synthesis
– Create a knowledge synthesis protocol
Who should take this course? Graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, early career researchers, new evidence synthesis practitioners, other knowledge users.
All participants must bring a current or proposed knowledge synthesis project to work on in the course. University of Toronto students who are taking the course for credit must be in a PhD program.
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Ask a Fellow: International Youth Fellowship Information Session
2025-01-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual, Canada
Calling all internationally minded young people in Canada! Do you want to learn from communities around the globe? Are you ready to apply your knowledge and enthusiasm to initiatives aimed at building a more prosperous, pluralistic world? If so, Aga Khan Foundation Canada’s International Youth Fellowship may be just what you’re looking for! This fully funded opportunity offers an intensive training program and an eight-month overseas placement for recent university graduates and young professionals aged 30 or under.
Join us on Wednesday, January 22 at 12:00pm EST for a virtual Q&A session to learn more about the application process, the placements, and life overseas! You’ll have the opportunity to hear directly from International Youth Fellows and AKFC staff. Please bring any questions you may have about the Fellowship and AKFC, and we will do our best to answer them live!
Register for free now to receive a Zoom link. The event will be recorded and published on our website afterwards.
Additional information:

Visit our website to learn more about the Fellowship and Frequently Asked Questions.
Click here to get started on your application. Applications are due on Friday, February 14 at 11:59 pm EST.

We’re looking forward to seeing you at the event and having you join us in building a world where we all thrive together!
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