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International Development Week 2026 - Council Activities

2026 Top 30 Under 30
15th year of celebrating young leaders who truly embody our campaign theme: “Harnessing the Power of Connection to Create Lasting Change.” The Class of 2026 features outstanding young people who understand that lasting change is driven by collaboration, partnership, and centring the voices of those most impacted.
Documentary Screening: Stop Filming Us
Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Time: 6:45 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Metro Cinema at the Garneau, Edmonton

How do we move past Western stereotypes to see the “real” Congo? Stop Filming Us explores the struggle of young artists and filmmakers in Goma (DRC) as they reclaim their own narrative from the “Western gaze.” This provocative screening investigates the power dynamics of international storytelling and will be followed by a live panel discussion on the ethics of representation. 
Celebration Event
Date: February 7th, 2026
Location: Edmonton

Join us during IDW 2026 to celebrate the exceptional contributions of the new Top 30 cohort at the annual Celebration Event
Learn more here!

Virtual

The Power of Education in Peacebuilding
Date: Feb 03, 2026 
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Webinar via Zoom

A webinar bringing together speakers from Canada, Türkiye, and Ghana to explore global perspectives on peace education and community-building.

Nova Scotia

The Rivers That Shape Us
Date: Feb 03, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: JD Shatford Public Library, 10353 St Margarets Bay Rd, Hubbards, NS B0J 1T0, Canada

Join us for a screening of Waterschool (2018), a documentary directed by Tiffanie Hsu and produced by the Swarovski Foundation
From Bean to Justice: Conversations on Coffee, Fair Trade, and Global Solidarity
Date
: Feb 04, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: JD Shatford Public Library, 10353 St Margarets Bay Rd, Hubbards, NS B0J 1T0, Canada

Join us for a documentary screening and conversation with the Maritimes–Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network to explore the people, politics, and power behind your daily cup of coffee.
The Future of Multilateralism for Peacebuilding (Antigonish)
Date: Feb 07, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: Dennis Hall, Coady Institute, St. FX, 4780 Tompkins Lane, Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5, Canada

Hear from Elizabeth Spehar, Assistant Secretary General for Peacebuilding at the United Nations, as she shares insights on Canada’s role in advancing peace, justice, and long term global cooperation.
From Bean to Justice: Conversations on Coffee, Fair Trade, and Global Solidarity
Date: Feb 07, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Halifax Central Library, Room 301, 5440 Spring Garden Rd, Halifax, NS B3J 1E9, Canada

A documentary screening and conversation exploring the people behind coffee, the realities of fair trade, and how global trade systems impact farming communities.
The Future of Multilateralism for Peacebuilding
Date
: Feb 06, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Paul O'Regan Hall, Halifax Library, 5440 Spring Garden Rd, Halifax, NS B3J 1E9, Canada

 Hear from Elizabeth Spehar, Assistant Secretary General for Peacebuilding at the United Nations, as she shares insights on Canada’s role in advancing peace, justice, and long term global cooperation.
Think Global, Play Local
Date: Feb 03, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: The Duke's Public House, 2057 Gottingen St, Halifax, NS B3K 3B2, Canada

IDW Global Citizenship Trivia Night in Halifax!

Prince Edward Island

Weather Preparedness for Newcomers on PEI
Date
: Feb 02, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Immigrant and Refugee Services Assoc., 49 Water St, Charlottetown, PE C1A 1A3, Canada

A 90-minute IDW session introducing newcomers to PEI’s weather, climate, and storm preparedness while connecting local resilience to global climate justice.

New Brunswick

Wounded Peace | Stories of Peace and Art Unveiling: 
Date
: Feb 04, 2026 
Time: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Location: MAGMA, 22 Church St T-120, Moncton, NB E1C 0P7, Canada

Join us for the installation of Claude Roussel’s newly gifted Peace sculpture, celebrating Moncton’s five-year anniversary as an International City of Peace and highlighting local commitments to global solidarity.
Learn more here!
Symposium: Stand up for a healthier world!
Date
: Thursday, February 5, 2025
Time: 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., followed by a networking reception and wine.
Location : Laval University, Palasis-Prince Pavilion, 2325 Rue de la Terrasse, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Room PAP-3307

In partnership with the Student Association for International Development and Humanitarian Action (AEDIAH)
This symposium is offered to you as part of the awareness campaign for the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) project in Rwanda, on the occasion of International Development Week in February 2026.
This event is organised by L'AMIE – Aide internationale à l'enfance, in partnership with the Student Association for International Development and Humanitarian Action (AEDIAH), the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC), the Network of Women Working for Rural Development , Sexplique and Global Affairs Canada.
Youth in Action: A Critical Analysis of the People's Summit and COP30
Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Time: 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Location: Clark Room, Sustainable Development House, 50 Sainte-Catherine West, Montreal

As part of International Development Week, AQOCI invites you to an inspiring panel on the outcomes of COP30 and the People's Summit held in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025. Listen to the testimonies and critical analyses of the young activists from the AQOCI delegation who participated in these two major international events.
5 to 7 | Taking part in international solidarity
Date
: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Atrium, Sustainable Development House, 50 Sainte-Catherine West, Montreal

As part of International Development Week, AQOCI invites you to a fun and engaging 5 to 7 to launch the comic book "Stand Up for a Just World" by Nancy Roberge as well as season 4 of the podcast Taking Part on climate action.
Learn more here!
Reigniting Solidarity in a Complex World - IDW 2026
Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Time: 5:30pm to 8:30pm PST
Location: Creekside Community Recreation Centre (Multimedia Room #4)

An evening of storytelling and dialogue exploring solidarity across differences and the links between local and global struggles.
BCCIC invites you to an in-person evening of storytelling, performance, food, and small-group dialogue centred on solidarity across difference.
At a time when dominant narratives of charity and assistance continue to shape international cooperation, this gathering creates space to critically reflect on what meaningful solidarity from so-called Canada can look like. We name Canada as a settler-colonial state and explore how local struggles in BC and across Canada, including cost of living, labour, climate impacts, and Indigenous resistance, are deeply connected to global systems and histories of action and development of alternatives.The evening will begin with short, grounded stories and a creative performance, followed by facilitated small-group conversations. Participants will have time to connect across sectors, generations, and movements, and to collectively unlearn and relearn approaches to global citizenship rooted in truth, accountability, and shared struggle.
Global Voices for Local Action
Date:
Friday, February 6, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM 2:30 PM
Location: Metro Hub 
Lunch and learn. Family of survivors of genocide and residential schools share their stories of intergenerational trauma and how their nations are moving towards reconciliation. Roundtable discussions exploring local solutions with First Nations neighbours. Light lunch provided.
Global Rhythms for Local Action
Date: 
Friday, February 6, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM 9:00 PM
Location: 1265 Ellis St
Kelowna, BC V1Y 1Z7, Canada

Known for his vibrant, multi-cultural music, Ezra blends Reggae, Soca, Bongo, and Pop, singing in multiple African and European languages. As a survivor of the Rwandan genocide, he uses his platform to inspire hope and rebuild his country.
Learn more here!
#GoForTheGoals with the Manitoba Moose
Date: 
Sunday, February 1, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Canada Life Centre (300 Portage Ave., Winnipeg)

Join MCIC and the Manitoba Moose on Sunday, February 1, 2026, as they take on the Rockford IceHogs and help us #GoForTheGoals! To celebrate International Development Week (IDW 2026), we’re teaming up with the Manitoba Moose to spotlight Manitoba’s global citizens at the game. We’ll be set up on the concourse throughout the game with fun mini-games and interactive trivia. Stop by our table for a chance to win great prizes and learn more about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
20th Annual Social Justice Fair
Date
: February 4, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Marpeck Commons, 2299 Grant Ave.

Join us at the 20th Annual Social Justice Fair, hosted by Canadian Mennonite University, and connect with organizations working toward a more just and equitable world. Manitoba Council for International Cooperation (MCIC) will be there alongside many other community organizations. Stop by our table to learn more about global citizenship, social justice education, and ways to get involved locally and globally.
An Evening with Zilla Jones
Date
: Thursday, February 5th, 2026
Time: Doors open at 6pm and our conversation will begin at 7pm.
Location: The Forks Market, second floor event space

Join us at the 20th Annual Social Justice Fair, hosted by Canadian Mennonite University, and connect with organizations working toward a more just and equitable world. Manitoba Council for International Cooperation (MCIC) will be there alongside many other community organizations. Stop by our table to learn more about global citizenship, social justice education, and ways to get involved locally and globally.
Learn more here!
13th Annual Yukon African Music Festival 2026
Date: February 06 and 07
Time: 6:00 - 10:00 pm PST
Location: Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre, 1 Sumanik Drive, Whitehorse, YK

Join us for a vibrant celebration of African and Northern music.
This festival will feature artists from multiple countries who will showcase their: dance, drumming
food, crafts. Discover diverse histories and contemporary experiences. Reflect as a community on global connections. TELIYA International Society will lead us in emphasizing: cultural exchange, newcomer engagement, community driven collaboration. 
Learn more here!
Innovation Lab 2026: Centering Community Participatory Knowledge Co-Creation in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Date
: January 30 & 31, 2026
Location: Regent Park Community Centre
402 Shuter St, Toronto, ON M5A 1X6

Designed for participants across the K4C Tkaronto Hub—including leaders within global and local development organizations, members of the Youth Policy-Makers Hub, early-career practitioners and students, and newcomer community researchers and organizers—the Innovation Lab aims to create an exploratory space for dialogue about AI around shared concerns, hesitations, and opportunities; to identify the aspects of our work we want to protect, preserve, and uplift; and to consider what we wish AI designers understood about our communities.

The Innovation Lab is a two-day, in-person, hands-on space grounded in Community-Based Participatory Action Research (CBPAR). This approach is relational, justice-oriented, and rooted in lived experience, treating knowledge as co-created rather than extracted. By centering community agency, CBPAR ensures those most affected by decisions are active in shaping them. We hope you’ll join us to co-create knowledge and imagine ethical, community-centered approaches to AI in development.
5 Years of UNSC Resolution 1325: Canada’s Ongoing Commitment to Women, Peace, and Security
Date
: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Time: 11:00am – 12:30pm ET
Location: Online

At this important juncture, marking 25 years since the adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security and two years into the implementation of Canada’s Third National Action Plan (2023–2029), this session will explore what progress has been made, what challenges persist, and what our goals are as we look toward 2029.

We will reflect on Canada’s commitments to advancing gender-responsive peacebuilding, women’s participation in decision-making, and inclusive approaches to conflict prevention and recovery. The discussion will also examine how civil society, youth, and policy actors can contribute to the effective implementation of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda in Canada and globally.
Youth Policy-Makers Hub Alumni Panel: Navigating Careers in the International Cooperation Sector
Date
: Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Time: 12:00pm – 1:30pm ET
Location: Online

As a part of our IDW2026 program, we will be hosting a virtual panel for students and other individuals interested in working in the international cooperation and policy sectors in Canada. The panel will profile some of our Youth Policy-Makers Hub alumni to share their experience navigating the sector, and how policy and programming intersect.
International Development Week Networking Night
Date
: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Location: Toronto (TBD)
Learn more here!
Global Citizen Awards GALA 2026
Date
: Friday, February 6, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Glass & Lumber, 432 20th Street West, Saskatoon

Each year during International Development Week, the first full week of February, we gather to recognize these inspiring leaders, visionaries, and changemakers. The Global Citizen Awards shine a light on the remarkable contributions of Saskatchewan people, organizations, and campaigns that work tirelessly to advance human dignity, strengthen communities, and foster global solidarity.

Since the award’s inception in 1990, more than 100 honourees- educators, youth leaders, community organizers, doctors, volunteers, advocates, and many others have been selected through SCIC’s respected peer-review process. Their diverse backgrounds reflect a shared commitment: building a world rooted in cooperation, compassion, and justice.

This special evening brings together community members from across the province to celebrate, learn from one another, connect, and grow. It is more than an award ceremony; it is a gathering of hearts and minds dedicated to making a difference both locally and globally.
IDW 2026 AI for Good: Shaping a Sustainable Future
Date
: Feb 6
Time: 6pm to 9pm CST
Location: Glass & Lumber, 432 20th Street West, Saskatoon, SK S7M 0X4

Learn how AI is shaping global sustainability. Join us for a short film screening and interactive youth discussion during IDW 2026!
Community, Care, and Collective Action: Building Black Futures in SK
Date
: February 4, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CST
Location: Bushwakker Brewpub (Arizona Room), 2206 Dewdney Ave, Regina

n celebration of International Development Week (February 1-7) and in honour of Black History Month, SCIC is pleased to invite you to the Global Connections event with its newly joined member organization, Black in Sask, led by Mwila Munganama, Lead Coordinator at Black in Sask and Child and Caregiver Support Worker at the Government of Saskatchewan.
Global Connections - Creating Food and Agriculture Connections in Canada and Internationally
Date
: February 5, 2026
Time: 5pm to 7pm CST
Location: Amigos Cantina

The National Farmers Union has been creating connections among farmers, farm workers and people who care about food and agriculture for over 50 years! We organize and advocate for a more just food and agriculture system within Canada and in solidarity with farmers around the world as a member of La Via Campesina. The NFU is a long-time member of SCIC, as well as other progressive networks and coalitions in Canada. We help people understand power relationships within the food system, especially in the areas of seed rights, farmland, climate change, trade, and farm incomes. The NFU’s Indigenous Solidarity Working Group, Migrant Workers Solidarity Working Group, Women’s Caucus, Youth Caucus, BIPOC Caucus, and provincial Regions, as well as policy-focused committees, are places NFU members organize and bring their experience, valuable perspectives and advocacy to our organizational work. Come and find out more about what we do, and perhaps how you might participate as well!
Learn more here!
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