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Reflecting on 2024: ACIC's Year in Review

ACIC



As 2024 comes to a close, we look back on a year filled with transformative moments and impactful initiatives that have shaped our journey toward a more just and sustainable world. This year, ACIC focused on empowering the next generation of global leaders, fostering deeper community connections, and creating meaningful opportunities for professional and personal growth. From inspiring youth programs to dynamic partnerships, our efforts in 2024 have laid the foundation for an even more impactful year ahead. Join us as we reflect on some of the highlights of this year and look forward to the exciting opportunities that 2025 holds.


Cultivating Youth Leadership and Creativity


This year, our youth programs flourished with impactful initiatives designed to inspire and equip the next generation of leaders. The 2024 PhotoVoices Program was a standout, culminating in a powerful gallery launch that showcased youth perspectives on global issues through photography and storytelling. You can view the gallery here. The Global Citizenship Youth Conference brought together changemakers to explore pressing topics like decolonization, ethical narratives, and collective action. Additionally, we facilitated youth meetings with the International Development Minister, providing a platform for young voices to influence policy discussions. These efforts were complemented by dynamic workshops and gatherings throughout the year, fostering a vibrant community of engaged and empowered youth.


Engaging Our Members in Shared Goals


Membership activities flourished this year as we deepened our connections with individuals and organizations committed to global solidarity. Highlights included our LinkedIn Learning programs, which offered professional development opportunities to members, and our Lunch and Learn series, where experts shared insights on pressing topics in development. A particularly memorable event was our meeting with human rights activist Ishmael Beah, which provided a unique opportunity to engage with his work and perspectives. These were complemented by vibrant networking and sector events, fostering collaboration and amplifying collective impact, including meetings between our ACIC members and the Minister of International Development at Meet-and-greet events in Halifax, St. John’s, and Sackville, NB. Together, these activities highlighted the importance of mutual learning and shared action in achieving our mission.


Re-launching Our Internship Program


This year marked the re-launch of our International Youth Internships Program (in partnership with the Marine Institute at Memorial University) with the completion of its first cohort. Participants gained invaluable hands-on experience while contributing to projects that address pressing global challenges. Interns were able to access placements from Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, South and South-East Asia, and the South Pacific. Our second cohort of interns are starting their internships in January 2025.


The International Youth Internship Program (IYIP) was launched in 1997, and has always focused on offering young people aged 18-30 from Canada the opportunity to gain skills and professional experience while travelling, living, and working abroad. Since its inception, IYIP has sent over 7,000 youth to work with partner organizations and institutions abroad in the field of international development.


Celebrating International Development Week


International Development Week (IDW) was a highlight of the year, showcasing the diverse ways our community contributes to global change. Our headlining event, Connecting to Africa in Global Solidarity, held in partnership with Connecting to Africa, outlined youth internship opportunities and highlighted the intersection between IDW and African Heritage Month. Other key events included panel discussions featuring thought leaders in the field, storytelling sessions that brought to life the experiences of communities we work with, and interactive community engagement activities designed to inspire action. For a full recap of IDW 2024 events, visit our website. These events provided a platform for reflection, connection, and the celebration of innovative work by our members and partners, inspiring renewed commitment to collective action.


Amplifying Voices at National and International Forums


Our participation in national and international forums this year underscored our dedication to creating spaces for dialogue and advocacy. From the AWID International Forum in Bangkok, Thailand to the ECOSOC Youth Forum and the 68th Commision on the Status of Women (CSW68) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, and key conferences across Canada, we shared insights, built partnerships, and contributed to conversations shaping the future of development. These opportunities enabled us to elevate the voices of our community and advocate for policies rooted in justice and equity.


Looking Ahead to 2025


As we reflect on the successes of 2024, we are excited to turn our focus to the possibilities that 2025 holds. With our 50th anniversary on the horizon, next year will be a milestone for ACIC—one that we are eager to celebrate with our community. In addition to marking this significant anniversary, we are thrilled to launch our new 5-year strategic plan for 2024-2029. This plan sets the course for ACIC’s continued growth and impact, with expanded programming, new collaborations, and deeper engagement with those who share our commitment to global solidarity and sustainable development.


As we step into the new year, we are energized and ready for another year of impact, innovation, and inspiration. Together, we will continue working toward a more just and sustainable world. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey!

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