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Inspiring Action for Global Citizenship

The Inspiring Action for Global Citizenship program (IAGC) is a Global Affairs Canada-funded initiative that aims to promote awareness of global issues among the Canadian public and relevant stakeholders across Canada. Implemented by the eight Provincial and Regional Councils for International Cooperation, this program fosters engagement in international development within their respective provinces and regions.

IAGC focuses on involving more Canada-based individuals, particularly youth, in international development by enhancing their support for and participation in Canada's efforts to eradicate global poverty.

The councils and the ICN engage Canadians and organizations across the country in various Public Engagement (PE) and Global Citizenship Education (GCE) initiatives and activities ultimately enhancing the contribution of Canadians, especially youth, to Canada's international development efforts towards gender equality, the empowerment of women and girls, reducing poverty and inequality, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

IAGC is implemented by each council in its region. The councils and the ICN have successfully engaged the public through:

  • Capacity strengthening initiatives
  • Youth leadership programs
  • Curriculum development
  • Research on decolonial, anti-racist, and feminist public engagement approaches
  • Youth Delegations
  • International Development Week activities
  • Other public engagement and global citizenship initiatives and events across the country

Since its launch in 2019, over 200,000 people have participated in related IAGC programs. We have directly engaged over 2.5 million people across platforms and have reached over 12 million people with our communications. 

Each council tailors their programming to meet the needs and context of their region, creating a range of activities as diverse as our country.

Continue reading to learn more about each council's key IAGC initiatives!

The Councils

Programming Highlights

Youth
Public Engagement
Capacity Building
Global Solidarity

Annual Global Citizenship Youth Conference

Atlantic Council for International Cooperation
The Global Citizenship Youth Conference brings together youth ages 15–17 from across Atlantic Canada to explore pressing local and global issues in a safe, inclusive space. Through workshops, discussions, games, and reflection, participants learn about topics such as peace and conflict, human rights, Indigenous realities, gender equity, anti-racism, climate justice, and more. With opportunities to connect with peers, challenge barriers, and build new skills, the conference inspires youth to take meaningful action in their communities. Free travel, food, and accommodation are provided to ensure accessibility for all participants.
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Educator and Student Awards

Manitoba Council for International Cooperation
Every year MCIC recognizes students and educators with awards. The Outstanding Take Action Project Award celebrates Manitoba high school students in Global Issues: Citizenship and Sustainability (40S) who create exceptional projects that make a meaningful difference in their communities and beyond. Alongside this, the Global Citizenship Award for Educators honours Manitoba teachers and administrators who demonstrate leadership in promoting global citizenship within their schools. The awards for students and educators are presented during a formal program, prior to MCIC’s Annual General Meeting.
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Educator and Youth Workshops

Alberta Council for Global Cooperation
ACGC offers interactive, in-person and virtual workshops for youth and educators, primarily in K-12 schools and universities, to increase their motivation and confidence to act on global issues. These workshops focus on key development topics, including gender equality and the SDGs.
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Generating Momentum

Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation
Generating Momentum 2025 was a multi-day summit that gathered youth province-wide to address global justice, gender equality, and the UN SDGs. Through interactive workshops, leadership development, and hands-on learning, participants deepened their understanding of key global issues and connected with a passionate network of peers. This summit empowered youth changemakers with the tools, connections, and confidence to take action in their communities and beyond.
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Generating Momentum for Our World Conferences

Manitoba Council for International Cooperation
Since 2002, MCIC has organized and hosted Generating Momentum for Our World conferences on global issues for middle years and high school students. These one-day events bring together students from across Manitoba to explore specific themes around global challenges, plan meaningful action toward sustainability, and inspire others to do the same. Participating teachers also attend a learning session designed for educators.
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Global Connect

Alberta Council for Global Cooperation
The Global Connect program is a week-long program that explores international cooperation with youth participants. It focuses on themes of sustainability, gender equality, and a range of local and global issues, with participants implementing public engagement activities to start conversations about what they learned.
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PhotoVoices

Atlantic Council for International Cooperation
ACIC’s PhotoVoices Program empowers youth from Atlantic Canada and international partner communities to tell the stories that matter to them through the lens of photography. By blending storytelling with skill development, participants explore the Sustainable Development Goals, engage with issues of social justice, and learn from experienced mentors. The program creates meaningful opportunities for youth to connect across cultures, amplify their voices, and use creative expression as a tool for change.
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Re-Imagining Development Gathering

Atlantic Council for International Cooperation
ACIC’s Re-Imagining Development gathering invites post-secondary students and young professionals to critically explore alternatives to traditional development. Centering solidarity, decolonization, and restorative justice, the event combines workshops, panels, site visits, and discussions with local and international voices. Participants engage with peers and experienced professionals to gain skills, knowledge, and practical tools for reimagining more just and sustainable approaches to global cooperation. With free travel, food, and accommodation, the gathering provides an accessible and transformative space for co-learning and collective action
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Top 30 Under 30 Awards

Alberta Council for Global Cooperation
The Top 30 Under 30 Award is an annual campaign by the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation. The award features 30 outstanding young people, nominated by their community and selected by a committee of peers, for their commendable work in making the world a more just, fair, and sustainable place for all.
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Voices for Change

Manitoba Council for International Cooperation
MCIC’s Voices for Change invites Manitoba high school students (Grades 9–12) to create an original spoken word poem about SDG-related issues. Guided by a professional Manitoba-based poet, students participate in workshops, develop their writing and performance skills, and debut their poem during International Development Week. Each year features a new theme, giving youth a powerful platform to express their voices and inspire change in their communities.
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Youth Catalyzers

British Columbia Council for International Cooperation
Youth Catalyzers is a six-month initiative that brings together youth (ages 18–30) from British Columbia and the Global South to build solidarity, share struggles and priorities, and co-create public engagement rooted in justice. Through multigenerational storytelling circles, knowledge exchange, skill development, and meaningful participation in the international cooperation sector, this initiative fosters collective learning, imagination, and action across borders, generations, and lived experiences.

Youth Policy-Makers Hub

Ontario Council for International Cooperation
The OCIC Youth Policy-Makers Hub (YPH) program empowers youth across Ontario in knowledge exchange and engagement opportunities related to international cooperation and global policy processes. Over the past 6 years, over 500 diverse youth have connected with decision-makers, advanced advocacy on gender equality, and deepened understanding of national and international normative frameworks such as FIAP and the SDGs. Through an annual retreat, virtual 'Policy Matters' series with policy and subject matter experts, peer-led exchange opportunities, and contributions to collaborative projects, the YPH fosters and amplifies youth voices and demonstrates the importance and transformative impact of youth participation on our shared future and planet.
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Consulting Actors to Shape Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy

British Columbia Council for International Cooperation
BCCIC co-hosted a Multi-Actor Dialogue on Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy in collaboration with the Centre for Asia Pacific Initiatives (CAPI) in Vancouver. The event convened civil society voices from across BC to share perspectives, exchange knowledge, and explore the role of civil society in shaping a more inclusive and people-centered Indo-Pacific Strategy. Deliberate efforts were made to amplify the voices of women, youth, and Indigenous organizations.

Fast Fashion: The T-Shirt Fashion Game

Manitoba Council for International Cooperation
MCIC, with local members of the Fashion Revolution movement, developed a board game to help Manitobans learn about, and take action on, the global issue of fast fashion. The game simulates the pathways and pitfalls of our clothing and facilitates learning on a more sustainable garment industry, to which ordinary consumers contribute. Classroom workshops, conferences and other events featured the board game along with calls-to-action.
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Members' Public Engagement Fund

Atlantic Council for International Cooperation
The Members’ Public Engagement Fund (MPEF) supports ACIC members in piloting innovative, inclusive, and community-driven public engagement activities that connect Atlantic Canadians to global issues. Through small, flexible grants, the fund enables members to experiment with new approaches, engage diverse audiences, and foster deeper conversations about global solidarity. The fund has consistently encouraged members to test creative formats, from film-making with youth to community cooking classes, design-thinking bootcamps, panel discussions, and documentary screenings. These small-scale investments allowed members to take risks, explore new ways of sparking interest in global justice issues, and highlight the importance of their organizations’ work that would not otherwise have been possible.
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Thematic Comic Books

Association québécoise des organismes de coopération internationale
Every year, AQOCI produces thematic comic books for International Development Week, published in French and English. These educational tools, available in print, online, and as a traveling exhibition, are distributed to schools and libraries across Quebec. They are used to support educational activities, simplify complex concepts, and encourage civic engagement in contemporary global issues.
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Together Alberta Storytelling Series

Alberta Council for Global Cooperation
Together Alberta was created to demonstrate how Albertans are working towards sustainable development in Canada and around the world. This website shares a diverse collection of stories about the inspiring sustainable development work being done by Albertans and Alberta-based organizations. With a focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Together aims to educate and inspire new audiences to learn, share, and take action for a more sustainable and just future.
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ACGC Annual Conference

Alberta Council for Global Cooperation
The annual conference provides a space for Alberta’s international cooperation sector to gather, engage in meaningful dialogue, and hear from experts in the field. The theme changes each year to address the most relevant issues in the sector.
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Alternatives to Development

Northern Council for Global Cooperation
Alternatives to Development is a collective journey of unlearning and reimagining. It invites people and organizations to pause and critically examine the assumptions and narratives that have guided international development for decades. Together, participants explore new pathways that put reciprocity, whole personhood, and accountability to relationships at the center. Rather than reforming old models, this learning journey nurtures space for honest dialogue and bold experimentation with approaches that can meet the complex challenges of our time.
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Community Workshops and Training Series

Atlantic Council for International Cooperation
ACIC’s Community Workshops and Training Series offers learning opportunities for members, partners, and the broader public to deepen their knowledge and skills in areas related to global cooperation and social justice. These sessions bring together experts and participants in accessible, interactive formats. The series is designed to strengthen capacity across Atlantic Canada, spark dialogue, and support organizations and individuals in creating meaningful change locally and globally.
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Confluence

Alberta Council for Global Cooperation
Confluence is a leadership program for executive directors and senior leaders in Alberta's international development sector. It helps them to strategize on pressing issues, share best practices, and build a community for long-term support through interactive sessions and presentations.
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Partnership Enhancement Fund (PEF)

Atlantic Council for International Cooperation
The Partnership Enhancement Fund supports ACIC member organizations in strengthening connections with their international partners by funding in-person visits to Atlantic Canada. These visits foster collaboration, deepen shared learning, and highlight the impact of global partnerships within local communities. Rooted in the spirit of SDG #17 – Partnerships for the Goals – the PEF offers small and medium-sized organizations, civil society groups, and academic institutions the opportunity to showcase the value of cooperation while promoting solidarity and mutual understanding.
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Bridging Peace (Upcoming)

Northern Council for Global Cooperation
Bridging Peace is an upcoming program that will bring together Yukon First Nations and Indigenous nations worldwide to share knowledge, stories, and practices that strengthen Indigenous self-determination as a foundation for addressing poverty. Exchanges will highlight modern treaties, Indigenous legal traditions, and matrilineal models of leadership and gender justice, offering insights into how Indigenous governance systems can sustain just and thriving futures. At its heart, the program is about building lasting relationships, across cultures, territories, and generations, that honor Indigenous leadership.

PhotoVoices

Atlantic Council for International Cooperation
ACIC’s PhotoVoices Program empowers youth from Atlantic Canada and international partner communities to tell the stories that matter to them through the lens of photography. By blending storytelling with skill development, participants explore the Sustainable Development Goals, engage with issues of social justice, and learn from experienced mentors. The program creates meaningful opportunities for youth to connect across cultures, amplify their voices, and use creative expression as a tool for change.
LEARN MORE

Storytelling Program

Northern Council for Global Cooperation
The Storytelling Program supports emerging storytellers to share their perspectives through narrative, photography, and film. Grounded in collaborative learning, it encourages storytellers to craft stories that question dominant assumptions and point toward different futures. These stories connect and carry knowledge systems across regions and borders. In doing so, the program strengthens global solidarity, offering space for communities to recognize their shared struggles and imagine justice and sustainability in relationship with one another.
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