If you care about poverty reduction and humanitarian efforts, read on

International Development Week is a Canada-wide event, spearheaded by Global Affairs Canada as an opportunity to engage others in learning about poverty reduction and international humanitarian assistance in the developing world. An annual initiative established in 1991, it is held during the first full week of February.

This uniquely Canadian tradition offers an opportunity to pause and to acknowledge Canadian contributions to global development. UCalgary is celebrating with events aimed to raise awareness among academic staff and students about international development issues and advancements.

“UCalgary celebrates International Development Week to raise awareness about international development issues, focus on innovative solutions to global challenges, and discuss the role of the university in international development,” says Dr. Janaka Ruwanpura, vice-provost and associate vice-president research (international).

“Building on our legacy in global development, we leverage our expertise to work with partners in support of sustainable development, capacity building, research and innovation. The development initiatives we support also create opportunities for our students to develop effective intercultural skills and unique areas of knowledge.”

Check out these virtual events hosted by UCalgary:

UCalgary World’s Challenge Challenge Semi-Finals

Tuesday, Feb. 8, 1 – 3:30 p.m.

This innovative competition is an exciting way for UCalgary students to engage with other students from around the world to address global challenges from a wide variety of disciplines for a chance to win a top prize of $30,000. By participating, students develop their critical thinking skills, global mindset, leadership, research, and presentation skills.

Teams of students from UCalgary develop and pitch a solution to a global challenge that addresses one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The first-place team from UCalgary’s final competition in March is invited to a virtual conference and Global Final competition hosted annually by Western University to compete for the top prize.

Learn more and register to watch the semi-final competition.

Careers in Sustainability and International Development

Thursday, Feb. 10, 4 - 6 p.m.

Are you an undergraduate or graduate student? Join us for our fourth annual Careers in Sustainability and International Development networking event where you will have the opportunity to engage with various professionals within the fields of sustainability and international development to explore your career aspirations as they relate to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Register now as space is limited.

Global Development Speaker Series with Gavin Fridell

Friday, Feb. 11, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Fair trade has attained significant growth over the past 30 years, emerging as a major global movement involving over 1.9 million farmers and workers. It has also faced many challenges, developing new ideas and initiatives along the way. Dr. Fridell will discuss the trials and achievements of fair trade, exploring themes around impact, decolonization, corporate power, ethical consumerism, and climate change.

Fridell is a professor and Canada Research Chair in International Development Studies at Saint Mary’s University and a member of the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars. He has published widely on fair trade, free trade, and critical political economy, including the books Coffee (2014) and Alternative Trade: Legacies for the Future (2013), and the recent co-edited book, The Fair Trade Handbook: Building a Better World, Together (2021). He is a member of the Advisory Board of the Canadian Fair Trade Network (CFTN) and lives in Halifax, N.S.

Register for this event

Stories of Resilience and Sustainable Development in the Pandemic

Friday, Feb. 11, 5 – 7 p.m.

The Sustainable Development Goals Alliance (SDGA) is excited to announce its fifth annual International Development Week storytelling event. The SDGA is a student-led organization at the University of Calgary that serves to mobilize the Sustainable Development Goals on campus and in the community by providing support, programming, and a larger network for students, faculty, staff, and community members.

This open-mic event seeks to create a space for dialogue regarding the work Canadians are doing to create a more sustainable and equitable world for everyone, especially as a testament of resilience through the pandemic.

If you are interested in speaking or presenting at this event, we invite you to share your story by applying here. We welcome submissions from all individuals and perspectives that have taken place in academic, community, or development settings. Deadline to apply is Feb. 7, 11:59 p.m.

Register here