Aga Khan Foundation Canada

Then & Now: Decades of public engagement in international development
2021-02-12 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto) | Online
What: As part of International Development Week, Aga Khan Foundation Canada is convening Ted Cogan, Sonya De Laat & Nassisse Solomon, who are leading researchers on Canada’s public engagement efforts over time, from public opinion to documentary photography to crisis response for a discussion hosted by Dr. David Webster, co-editor of the book A Samaritan State Revisited: Historical Perspectives on Canadian Foreign Aid.
When: Friday, February 12, 2021 from 1PM to 2PM ET (10AM-11AM PT)
Why: Enhance your historical knowledge and its influence on contemporary and future approaches to public engagement with unique research and lively conversations with professionals from across the sector.
Panelists :
Ted Cogan
University of Guelph
The Growth of Public Engagement with Canadian Foreign Aid Policy, 1950–1980
Sonya De Laat
McMaster University
Pictures in Development: The Canadian International Development Agency’s Photo Library
Nassisse Solomon
Western University
“Tears Are Not Enough”: Canadian Political and Social Mobilization for Famine Relief in Ethiopia, 1984–1988
David Webster
Bishop’s University
Co-editor, A Samaritan State Revisited: Historical Perspectives on Canadian Foreign Aid

With financial support from:

Teaching the SDGs through Art - Goal #3: Good Health & Well-being
2022-01-26 17:00 - 17:45 | Online
Aga Khan Foundation Canada, in partnership with Aga Khan Museum, offers this free professional development workshop for educators who are interested in teaching about global citizenship and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the lens of art.
In addition to imparting arts education teaching strategies, educators will leave with a comprehensive lesson plan containing easy-to-use activities that focus on Goal #3: Good Health and Well-being.
Cet atelier se tiendra également en français le 27 janvier. Plus de détails ici.

This project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Funding Program.

Teaching the SDGs through Art - Goal #5: Gender Equality
2022-02-02 17:00 - 17:45 | Online
Aga Khan Foundation Canada, in partnership with Aga Khan Museum, offers this free professional development workshop for educators who are interested in teaching about global citizenship and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the lens of art.
In addition to imparting arts education teaching strategies, educators will leave with a comprehensive lesson plan containing easy-to-use activities that focus on Goal #5: Gender Equality.
Cet atelier se tiendra également en français le 3 février. Plus de détails ici.

This project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Funding Program.

Teaching the SDGs through Art - Goal #6: Clean Water & Sanitation
2022-02-09 17:00 - 17:45 | Online
Aga Khan Foundation Canada, in partnership with Aga Khan Museum, offers this free professional development workshop for educators who are interested in teaching about global citizenship and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the lens of art.
In addition to imparting arts education teaching strategies, educators will leave with a comprehensive lesson plan containing easy-to-use activities that focus on Goal #6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
Cet atelier se tiendra également en français le 10 février. Plus de détails ici.

This project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Funding Program.

Teaching the SDGs through Art - Goal #15: Life on Land
2022-02-16 17:00 - 17:45 | Online
Aga Khan Foundation Canada, in partnership with Aga Khan Museum, offers this free professional development workshop for educators who are interested in teaching about global citizenship and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the lens of art.
In addition to imparting arts education teaching strategies, educators will leave with a comprehensive lesson plan containing easy-to-use activities that focus on Goal #15: Life on Land.
Cet atelier se tiendra également en français le 17 février. Plus de détails ici.

This project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Funding Program.

Global Reads
2022-04-14 17:00 - 18:30 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
Join us in April for a lively discussion with Thomas Wright, Director of the Center on the United States and Europe and Senior Fellow in the Project on International Order and Strategy at the Brookings Institution, and co-author of our book of the month:
Aftershocks: Pandemic Politics and the End of the Old International Order.
The discussion will be led by Christopher MacLennan, Deputy Minister of International Development, Global Affairs Canada & G-20 Sherpa to the Prime Minister of Canada.
Join Global Reads to:

Forge new connections with likeminded, globally focused thinkers
Encounter inspiring, challenging, and unconventional ideas
Gain a fresh perspective on your work and/or your interest in international development
Reignite your professional development goals

Please register to join us either online or in person! There are separate ticket options on Eventbrite to join us virtually or at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat.
This event will be offered in English only.

Reframing Climate Action: Towards a more inclusive and sustainable future
2022-05-12 14:30 - 16:00 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
As the window rapidly closes to securing a livable future for humans and nature, communities in developing countries are both among the most susceptible to the effects of climate change and face some of the greatest hurdles in mitigating further global warming.
Yet there is also an unprecedented opportunity to accelerate global climate action by pursuing inclusive, sustainable climate initiatives – led and anchored in the developing world.
Join Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC) for an intimate discussion on shifting the climate narrative in developing countries from vulnerability to opportunity by advancing climate initiatives aimed at addressing social inequalities, restoring ecosystems and building resilience to climate change.
James Mwangi, Founder of the Climate Action Platform Africa (CAP-A), will offer perspectives on critical considerations around partnering with local communities and ensuring climate initiatives deliver GHG reductions, uphold human rights and advance gender equality.
Key topics to explore:

Africa’s role in accelerating global climate action by pursuing inclusive, sustainable climate initiatives.
Addressing the opportunity for Africa to transition to an inclusive green economy.
Climate initiatives as a catalyst for employment.
Income-generating opportunities across society in sectors such as renewable energy, climate-resilient agriculture, and the blue economy.

ICP Global Health Forum
2022-05-25 17:00 - 19:30 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
This event features students from the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board’s International Certificate Program presenting on global health topics of their choice.

Nature-Based Solutions, Climate Resilience, and the SDGs
2022-06-23 09:00 - 10:30 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
From mangrove forests in coastal villages to green roofs on city skyscrapers, nature-based solutions are one of the most powerful – and most underutilized – approaches to mitigate and adapt to climate change. By protecting, restoring, and sustainably managing ecosystems, nature-based solutions offer the potential to reduce climate-related risks and address the biodiversity crisis, while delivering social and economic benefits to those living within these ecosystems.
On June 23, Aga Khan Foundation Canada is pleased to host Nature-based Solutions, Climate Resilience, and the SDGs, welcoming a panel of experienced practitioners who aim to reduce climate risks, advance climate resilience, and support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Panellists will discuss the imperative of using nature-based solutions to address climate change and biodiversity loss and share examples of ongoing initiatives and available resources that organizations can draw on to strengthen their own work in this area.
In addition to the panel discussion, participants will be invited to participate in breakout groups led by the speakers. These breakout groups will provide the opportunity to discuss the policy considerations, opportunities, and challenges of using nature-based solutions in development projects aimed at mitigating and adapting to climate change.
Register for the event

Key Information for Attendees

When you register on Eventbrite, please indicate your interest to attend in-person at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat or attend online (Zoom) by selecting the relevant ticket option.
Please note that proof of vaccination will be required to join in person.
In-person attendees are welcome to arrive from 8:45 am, to network and enjoy light refreshments.

Event Format/Breakout Sessions
The event will include breakout sessions with each panellist focusing on implementation and/or policy.

In-person participants will be welcome to join a breakout session with Patricia Fuller or Jimena Eyzaguirre.
Online participants will be welcome to join a breakout session with Didier Van Bignoot or Benjamin Simmons.
Please specify your preference for breakout sessions as you fill out the registration form. Space in each session is limited. While we will work to accommodate all preferences, we may shift participants if a session is oversubscribed.

This event will be offered in English only.  Questions? Please contact events.akfc@akdn.org

Speakers
Moderator: Patricia Fuller
Senior Fellow at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa and former Climate Ambassador for the Government of Canada
Patricia Fuller has extensive experience in international affairs and public policy with a specialization in climate change and energy. She served as Canada’s Ambassador for Climate Change from 2018 to 2021, leading engagement with international partners on initiatives related to climate change mitigation and adaptation and promoting Canadian clean technologies in international markets.
Her diplomatic career included serving as Ambassador to Chile from 2012 to 2015 and as Ambassador to Uruguay from 2004 to 2007. From 2015 to 2017 she managed Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency where she oversaw federal regulations governing energy-using equipment and products, as well as a wide range of federal programs supporting energy efficiency in industry and households. Other executive roles have included responsibility for Canada’s participation in multilateral development banks, and Chief Economist for Global Affairs Canada.
Patricia Fuller holds an MSc. with distinction in International Political Economy from the London School of Economics and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Studies from Queen’s University.
Panellists:
Benjamin Simmons
Director, Sustainable Infrastructure, and Director, Nature-Based Infrastructure Global Resource Centre at the International Institute for Sustainable Development
Benjamin Simmons is Director of Sustainable Infrastructure and Director of the Nature-Based Infrastructure Global Resource Centre for IISD’s Economic Law & Policy Program. In these roles, Ben manages IISD’s work related to sustainable infrastructure, sustainable finance, and public procurement.

Ben has over 20 years of experience establishing and leading global environmental partnerships and initiatives. Most recently, he worked at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) where he held a number of senior positions, including Head of Secretariat for the Green Growth Knowledge Partnership (GGKP). In this role, Ben was responsible for establishing the initiative and developing and implementing its vision, mission, strategy, and work program.

Prior to this, Ben coordinated the Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) initiative at UNEP and worked as Head of the UNEP Trade, Policy, and Planning Unit. Ben also served as UNEP’s focal point to the United Nations Innovation Network and created the Geneva Environment Lab, a staff innovation network. Before joining UNEP, Ben worked as an environmental lawyer for Arnold & Porter LLP in New York City and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in southern Senegal.

Ben holds a Juris Doctor from Columbia University’s School of Law and a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs. He is based out of Washington, D.C.

Didier Van Bignoot
Global Advisor, Agriculture, Food Security, and Climate Resilience at the Aga Khan Foundation
Agronomist and professional trainer of trainers in regenerative agriculture, Didier is a Swiss national with more than 22 years of experience working in integrated rural development, value chain integration, farm system management, food security, and climate resilience building in Africa, the Indian Ocean Islands, Asia, and the Middle East. He joined Aga Khan Foundation in 2014, supporting globally the Agriculture, Food Security, and Climate Resilience portfolios, and is currently based in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

Jimena Eyzaguirre
Senior Climate Change Adaptation Specialist, ESSA Technologies
Jimena is the international team director and business lead for climate change adaptation at ESSA Technologies Ltd. She has 18 years of experience in policy-relevant research and analysis. Her work since 2006 focuses on equipping individuals and organizations to understand and incorporate the implications of climate-related risks and vulnerabilities into plans and decisions that affect environmental and social outcomes. She has a breadth of Canadian and international experience in adaptation and climate resilience, including in program design, policy analysis, vulnerability assessment, knowledge synthesis and monitoring and evaluation. Jimena is vice president of the Canada-Mathare Education Trust, a Canadian volunteer-run charitable organization dedicated to advancing education in Kenya.

About the series
Nature-Based Solutions, Climate Resilience, and the SDGs is part of Aga Khan Foundation Canada’s event series on climate change resilience and adaptation. This series aims to bring together practitioners, advocates, and others who share an interest in exploring innovative ideas for advancing just climate actions and delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Featured speakers explore and engage the audience in discussions on how we may use the climate crisis as a catalyst for great leaps in addressing the complex challenges involved in confronting climate change in a manner that advances sustainable development, well-being, and resilient livelihoods for all.

Education beyond COVID-19
2022-09-15 09:00 - 10:30 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
Join a conversation about the future of education systems.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A HYBRID EVENT, OFFERING OPTIONS FOR IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION. PLEASE BE SURE TO SELECT YOUR PREFERENCE AS YOU REGISTER. PROOF OF VACCINATION IS REQUIRED FOR IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE.
Since its onset, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected all aspects of life. For the education sector, the pandemic disrupted education systems, increased inequalities, and exacerbated existing issues in global education, particularly affecting the most vulnerable learners. As communities continue to work towards greater sustainability and resilience, understanding COVID-19’s socioeconomic impacts is crucial to improving livelihoods and developing well-functioning and durable institutions and systems.
On September 15, Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC) welcomes you to join a conversation on the future of education systems. The event will highlight a recent education policy paper developed by Dr. Fernando Reimers and his students (Farhan Karim, Cecelia Scheuer, Ishani Parekh, and Nathalia Trujillo) from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education.
The paper was selected to be a chapter (Ch. 5) in an edited publication entitled Advancing a New Social Contract for Education. The resulting book was featured on UNESCO’s website and featured a forward by Stefania Giannini, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Education.
The paper examines the impact of COVID-19 on the delivery of gender-responsive primary education for girls in Kenya, within the Foundations for Education and Empowerment project in East Africa funded by Global Affairs Canada and AKFC.
What to Expect:
This hybrid event will include a brief presentation by the co-authors of the paper, followed by a moderated panel discussion with leading experts in the field of international education policy.
We will explore the following key questions:

What is the future of education and why is this so important today?
Why should Canadians care about the quality of education abroad?
What are the parallels between the current challenges and the future opportunities for education in East Africa and in North America?
What are the societal forces that have prompted a need to articulate a future of education?
What has COVID-19 meant for the realization of this vision?
How does one achieve global consensus on these priorities in an increasingly polarized and fractured political global landscape?

Key Information for Attendees:

When you register, please indicate your interest to attend in-person at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat or to attend online (Zoom) by selecting the relevant ticket option.
Please note that proof of vaccination will be required to join in person.
In-person attendees are welcome to arrive by 8:40 am, to network and enjoy light refreshments.

Moderator:
Khalil Z. Shariff
CEO, Aga Khan Foundation Canada
Panelists:
Dr. Fernando Reimers
Ford Foundation Professor of the Practice of International Education and Director of the Global Education Innovation Initiative at Harvard University
Dr. Reimers is an expert in the field of global education. His research and teaching focus on understanding how to educate children and youth so they can thrive in the 21st century. Dr. Reimers was a member of UNESCO’s Commission on the Futures of Education, which published the report Reimagining Our Futures Together: A New Social Contract for Education. He has developed curriculum aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which used in schools throughout the world. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he has led numerous comparative studies examining the educational consequences of the pandemic and identifying options to sustain educational opportunity and to build back better.
He directs the Global Education Innovation Initiative, a cross-country research and practice collaborative focusing on education for the 21st century, and has written or edited 45 books.
Louise Holt
Director General, Social Development, Global Issues and Development Branch, Global Affairs Canada
Louise Holt obtained a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Economics and Comparative Development Studies from Trent University in 1989. She later completed her Masters in Public Administration from Carleton University in 1995 and joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 2002. At Headquarters, she has served as the Deputy Director, Gender Equality and Women’s Human Rights (2002-2005); as Director, Social Development Policy (2005 to 2009); and as Director, Sector and Thematic Specialist Division (2009 to 2012) at the Canadian International Development Agency. She has served overseas in Nairobi from 2012 to 2014 and in Pretoria from 2014 to 2016 as Counsellor and Director of Development. From 2016 to 2018, Ms. Holt served as Director General, Canadian Partnerships for Health and Social Development and as Director General, Partnership for Gender Equality from 2018-2020. She is currently Director General, Social Development, Global Issues and Development Branch.
With closing remarks from:
Jean-Bernard Parenteau | Director General, Canadian Partnerships for Health and Social Development, Global Affairs Canada
Presentations by:
Farhan Karim, Cecelia Scheuer, Ishani Parekh, and Nathalia Trujillo from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education

From Knowledge to Practice: Advancing Gender-Responsive Nature-Based Climate Solutions
2022-10-07 10:30 - 15:30 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
A capacity-building session and community of practice event

About this event

Nature-based climate solutions (NBCS) that conserve, restore, and sustainably use biodiversity and ecosystems hold promise in helping people adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC) and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) are hosting an NBCS capacity-building session which will be followed by a community of practice meeting focusing on NBCS and biodiversity led by Global Affairs Canada (GAC).
Session 1: Implementing Gender-Responsive Nature-Based Climate Solutions for Adaptation
On October 7, join AKFC and IISD for a capacity-building session on advancing gender equality through rights-based, inclusive approaches to NBCS for climate change adaptation. The session will include case study presentations and breakout discussions with experienced practitioners including:

Suriname’s Gender-responsive Water Resource Adaptation Strategy: Angie Dazé, Lead, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion with IISD’s Resilience program

Aga Khan Development Network Gender-Responsive Adaptation Initiative : Humaira Daniel, Climate Change Specialist, AKFC

Canadian Coalition on Climate Change and Development Case Study: Speaker TBD

Session 2: Nature-based Climate Solutions and Biodiversity Community of Practice Meeting
GAC welcomes organizations to a meeting of the NBCS & Biodiversity Community of Practice. In this meeting, we will discuss the objectives of the Community of Practice, operating principles, and key areas of focus. Participants will also discuss how issues identified in Session 1 can be addressed through working groups and activities of the Community of Practice. The session will include a brief overview of Canada’s “Partnering for Climate” initiative and a moderated discussion led by GAC officials, including:

Kerry Max, Special Advisor, Climate Finance Partnerships, GAC
Additional speakers TBC

Event Details
Session 1 – Breakout Discussions: The event will include a breakout discussion focusing on the case studies, with the case study presenters and/or additional moderators. There will be an opportunity to sign up for a breakout session closer to the event.
Session 2 – Nature-based Climate Solutions and Biodiversity Community of Practice Meeting:

Introductory remarks by GAC
Overview of Canada’s Partnering for Climate initiative
Presentation of key Menti findings from June 2022 Nature-based Solutions meeting where initial Community of Practice input was requested
Group discussion regarding key objectives, operating principles, and areas of focus
Concluding remarks regarding next steps and preparation for the 2023 International Development Week Community of Practice meeting

French Translation

This event will be offered in English with French interpretation available in the plenary session and designated breakout sessions.
Please specify in your registration if you would prefer to access the French interpretation services in the breakout group.

Additional Information for Attendees

In-person / Virtual Ticket: When you register, please indicate your interest to attend in-person at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat (199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa) or to attend online (Zoom) by selecting the relevant ticket option for each session.
Refreshments: In-person attendees are welcome to arrive at 10:00 am ET to network and enjoy light refreshments prior to session 1.
A light networking lunch will be provided for those attending both sessions in-person.

Questions? Please contact events.akfc@akdn.org.

About the Sessions
This session is co-hosted by AKFC and IISD as part of AKFC’s Speaker Series on Climate Change Resilience and Adaptation and IISD’s Nature for Climate Adaptation Initiative (NCAI).
AKFC’s Speaker Series on Climate Change Resilience and Adaptation
The series aims to bring together practitioners, advocates, and others who share an interest in exploring and discussing how we may use the climate crisis as a catalyst for great leaps in addressing the complex challenges involved in confronting climate change in a manner that advances sustainable development, well-being, and resilient livelihoods for all.

IISD’s Nature for Climate Adaptation Initiative (NCAI)
The NCAI equips civil society organizations and practitioners involved in international development and climate adaptation with the knowledge to design compelling proposals and pursue projects, programs, and partnerships that will unleash the full potential of nature in confronting the climate crisis. The NCAI will create an environment for accelerated action on NBCS for adaptation while promoting gender equality, social inclusion, rights-based approaches, and positive outcomes for biodiversity and ecosystems.
Nature-Based Climate Solutions & Biodiversity Community of Practice
As part of Canada’s $5.3 billion (2021−2026) international climate finance commitment to help developing countries transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient, nature-positive, and inclusive sustainable development, Canada announced that it would allocate a minimum of 20% of funding to projects that leverage nature-based climate solutions and projects that contribute biodiversity co-benefits.
The NBCS and Biodiversity Community of Practice is intended to bring together organizations in Canada and their international partners to share our collective experiences and insights, and help advance knowledge of lessons learned and best practices.

Global Reads: The Ministry for the Future
2022-11-29 12:00 - 13:30 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
Aga Khan Foundation Canada is pleased to invite you to join our monthly book club series: Global Reads.
Join us in November for a lively discussion with New York Times bestselling author Kim Stanley Robinson. In a discussion led by Catherine McKenna, we will discuss his novel, The Ministry for the Future, which uses fictional eyewitness accounts to tell the story of how climate change will affect us all.
In Global Reads, we explore a recent literary work focused on international affairs, policy, or practice—with an emphasis on innovation, new voices, and diverse perspectives. Notable leaders and thinkers from international affairs, global development, and allied sectors facilitate lively and inclusive discussions, providing a structure for collaborative interpretation, learning, and growth.  There will be an opportunity to ask questions during a Q&A session as well as connect with other attendees during the session.
Join Global Reads to:

Forge new connections with likeminded, globally focused thinkers
Encounter inspiring, challenging, and unconventional ideas
Gain a fresh perspective on your work
Reignite your professional development goals

Additional Information for attendees

In-person / Virtual Ticket: When you register, please indicate whether you will attend in-person at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat (199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa) or online (Zoom) by selecting the relevant ticket option for each session.
Refreshments: In-person attendees are welcome to arrive before 12 pm ET to network and enjoy light refreshments afterwards.

Questions? Please contact events.akfc@akdn.org

Speakers
Kim Stanley Robinson, Author
Kim Stanley Robinson is a New York Times bestselling author and winner of the Hugo, Nebula, and Locus awards. He is the author of more than twenty books, including the bestselling Mars trilogy and the critically acclaimed Forty Signs of Rain, The Years of Rice and Salt, and 2312. In 2008, he was named a “Hero of the Environment” by Time magazine, and he works with the Sierra Nevada Research Institute. He lives in Davis, California.
Catherine McKenna, Chair, UN’s Secretary-General’s High-level Expert Group on Net-Zero Commitments

With welcoming remarks from:
Khalil Z. Shariff, Chief Executive Officer, Aga Khan Foundation Canada

Addressing Loss and Damage - COP27 Debrief
2022-12-01 09:30 - 11:00 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
About this event
The unprecedented monsoon rains and flooding affecting Pakistan in 2022 have impacted upwards of 33 million people and claimed an estimated 1,700 lives. Tragically, Pakistan sets a strong example of why loss and damage financing is critical to recovering from adverse climate impacts that outstrip people’s capacity to adapt to climate change.
With loss and damage financing on the negotiating table at COP27, it may end a long history of sidelining the discussion and create a roadmap to address the unfolding climate crisis.
On December 1, join Aga Khan Foundation Canada for a COP27 debrief conversation on the emergence and outcome of loss and damage financing as a critical issue. This panel discussion will feature representatives from the International Development Research Centre and Aga Khan Agency for Habitat on the following key areas:

Outcomes of COP27 regarding loss and damage financing
Challenges of multi-country partnership on loss and damage financing
Canada’s position on loss and damage financing leading in to and post COP27
Aga Khan Development Network’s response to flooding in Pakistan and approach on long-term recovery

Key Information for Attendees

When you register, please indicate your interest to attend in-person at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat or to attend online (Zoom) by selecting the relevant ticket option.
In-person attendees are welcome to arrive by 9:00am, to network and enjoy light refreshments.

Speakers
Erin Tansey
Erin is the director of the International Development Research Centre’s Sustainable Inclusive Economies program.
Erin joined IDRC in November 2020. She brings over 20 years of experience in international development and humanitarian sectors within Canadian and international non-governmental organizations, United Nations agencies, and bilateral development programs. She worked with the World University Service of Canada in Malawi, CARE Canada in Bosnia Herzegovina, the United Nations Refugee Agency in Thailand, Algeria and Ghana, the United Nations World Food Programme in various countries in sub-Saharan Africa, and with the United States Agency for International Development in Pretoria, South Africa. Erin has worked on various applied research projects and was the coordinator of research for the International Organization for Migration’s Partnership on HIV and Mobility in Southern Africa, generating new evidence and thought leadership in applied policy in this field.
Most recently, Erin worked on a governance program with Global Affairs Canada together with the South African government. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and French Literature from the University of Western Ontario and a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Windsor.

Catherine Stewart
Catherine Stewart was appointed as Canada’s Ambassador for Climate Change in August 2022. With over 25 years in the federal government, Ambassador Stewart’s most recent role was Assistant Deputy Minister of International Affairs at Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). Since 2014, she has served in senior executive roles at ECCC including as Canada’s Chief Negotiator for Climate Change, Director General Multilateral Affairs and Climate Change, and Director General for the Americas. Prior to joining ECCC, Ambassador Stewart was Director, Strategic Policy and Integration for the National Fighter Jet Procurement Secretariat and served as an executive at the Privy Council Office. She also worked on defence and security policy at the Department of National Defence over the span of a decade, covering areas such as Cabinet affairs, Ministerial speechwriting and Canada’s participation in the NATO Alliance. Prior to joining the federal government, Ambassador Stewart worked on a United Nations peacekeeping and electoral mission in Mozambique. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University and a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Carleton University, and is married and has three sons.

Nusrat Nasab
CEO Aga Khan Agency for Habitat Pakistan

Moderator
Kate Higgins, CEO Cooperation Canada
Kate recently joined Cooperation Canada as Chief Executive Officer. She is an accomplished leader and experienced manager, with over fifteen years of experience in international development, civil society, think tanks, and government. Before joining Cooperation Canada, Kate was the Deputy Executive Director of Oxfam Canada, where she led the organization’s work on strategy and communications and spearheaded several organizational change initiatives, in addition to serving as Interim Executive Director in 2020. Kate worked for CIVICUS, a global alliance of civil society organizations, where she led strategy development and the organization’s work on data, sustainable development, and citizen action. She has held senior policy and research roles at the North-South Institute and the Overseas Development Institute, leading work on chronic poverty, protracted conflict, women’s economic justice and international assistance and building several global, multi-stakeholder initiatives. Kate started her career at the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), working on the Indonesia and Papua New Guinea programs. She has lived and worked in Australia, Canada, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, Thailand, and Uganda and has undertaken missions in several other countries. Kate has degrees in economics and development studies from the University of Oxford and the University of Sydney.

Global Reads: What Strange Paradise
2022-12-06 10:00 - 11:30 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
Aga Khan Foundation Canada is pleased to invite you to join our monthly book club series: Global Reads.
Join us in December for a lively discussion with award-winning author and journalist Omar El Akkad. We will explore his novel, What Strange Paradise, which delves into the complex topic of forced migration from the points of view of two children.
The discussion will be led by Rema Jamous Imseis, UNHCR Representative to Canada.
In Global Reads, we explore a recent literary work focused on international affairs, policy, or practice—with an emphasis on innovation, new voices, and diverse perspectives. Notable leaders and thinkers from international affairs, global development, and allied sectors facilitate lively and inclusive discussions, providing a structure for collaborative interpretation, learning, and growth.  There will be an opportunity to ask questions during a Q&A session as well as connect with other attendees during the session.
Join Global Reads to:

Forge new connections with likeminded, globally focused thinkers
Encounter inspiring, challenging, and unconventional ideas
Gain a fresh perspective on your work
Reignite your professional development goals

Additional Information for Attendees

In-person / Virtual Ticket: When you register, please indicate whether you will attend in person at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat (199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa) or online (Zoom) by selecting the relevant ticket option for each session.
Refreshments: In-person attendees are welcome to arrive before 10:00 am ET to network and enjoy light refreshments.

Questions? Please contact events.akfc@akdn.org

Speakers
Omar El Akkad, Author
Omar El Akkad is an author and journalist. He was born in Egypt, grew up in Qatar, moved to Canada as a teenager and now lives in the United States. The start of his journalism career coincided with the start of the war on terror, and over the following decade, he reported from Afghanistan, Guantanamo Bay, and many other locations around the world. His work earned a National Newspaper Award for Investigative Journalism and the Goff Penny Award for young journalists. His fiction and non-fiction writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, Le Monde, Guernica, GQ, and many other newspapers and magazines. His debut novel, American War, is an international bestseller and has been translated into thirteen languages. It won the Pacific Northwest Booksellers’ Award, the Oregon Book Award for fiction, and the Kobo Emerging Writer Prize, and has been nominated for more than ten other awards. It was listed as one of the best books of the year by The New York Times, The Washington Post, GQ, NPR, and Esquire, and was selected by the BBC as one of 100 novels that changed our world. His new novel, What Strange Paradise, was released in July 2021 and won the Giller Prize, the Pacific Northwest Booksellers’ Award, the Oregon Book Award for fiction, and was shortlisted for the Aspen Words Literary Prize. It was also named the best book of the year by The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR, and several other publications.
Rema Jamous Imseis, UNHCR Representative in Canada
Ms. Rema Jamous Imseis is the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Representative to Canada. She formerly served as Deputy Director of the UNHCR Bureau for the Middle East and North Africa, covering operations in North Africa, Yemen, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and Israel. Previously, she served as Head of the United Nations Regional Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the Middle East and North Africa. She has been with the United Nations since 2003 and has held a variety of positions in political, legal, and humanitarian affairs. Prior to joining the UN, she served as Legal Counsel to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario and worked as a litigator in Toronto. Previous work experience includes consultancies and academic research in human rights, judicial independence, and the rule of law.
With welcoming remarks from Khalil Z. Shariff, Chief Executive Officer, Aga Khan Foundation Canada

Navigating Uncertainty in Human Development
2023-02-09 09:00 - 11:00 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
About this event
On a global scale, uncertainty has taken on many faces – the war in Ukraine, a decline in the global Human Development Index, economic instability, and climate disasters, among others – which is leading to a myriad of disruptions in day-to-day living.
As stated within the 2021-2022 UNDP Human Development Report, “The hero and the villain in today’s uncertainty story are one in the same: human choice.” How can our continued choices influence our world of tomorrow?
As part of Canada’s International Development Week, AKFC and Cooperation Canada are hosting an event centered on moving forward in uncertainty. The 2021-2022 UNDP Human Development Report will serve as the basis for an important discussion amongst policy makers and senior leaders in international development, on uncertainty and the responsibilities we all have in advancing human development.
Mr. Pedro Conceição, Head of the Human Development Report Office and Lead Author of the report, will deliver a keynote address to highlight the key themes of the report, followed by his participation in a panel discussion. The panel will delve into some of the report’s framing of uncertainty and the proposed way forward.
Keynote Speaker
Pedro Conceição is the Director of the Human Development Report Office, United Nations Development Programme
Panelists
Heriberto Tapia, Research and Strategic Partnership Advisor, United Nations Development Programme
Barbara Grantham, President and CEO, CARE Canada
Tinni Sawhney, CEO Aga Khan Foundation India

Key Information for Attendees
1. In-person / Virtual Ticket: When you register, please indicate your interest to attend in-person at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat (199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa) or to attend online (Zoom) by selecting the relevant ticket option for each session.
2. Refreshments: In-person attendees are welcome stay after the session to network and enjoy light refreshments.
Questions? Please contact events.akfc@akdn.org

Global Reads: Not in the Ornamental Teapot
2023-03-29 18:00 - 19:30 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
Aga Khan Foundation Canada, in partnership with the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus, is pleased to invite you to join our book club series: Global Reads.

Join us on March 29 for an engaging discussion with internationally acclaimed author, Erato Ioannou, whose work “Deserted” was shortlisted for a Commonwealth Short Story Prize in 2019. We invite you to join a conversation on exploring her short story collection – Not in the Ornamental Teapot – where we will delve into themes of conflict, home, and re-defining the narratives and perspectives of women in society and literature.
The discussion will be led by Meredith Preston McGhie, Secretary General of the Global Centre for Pluralism.
Additional Information for Attendees

Networking/Refreshments: In-person attendees are encouraged to participate in an informal networking session and enjoy refreshments after the event
Book giveaway: Free copies of Not in the Ornamental Teapot will be available for in-person attendees
Don’t miss this opportunity to meet and greet our speaker(s)!

Featuring
Erato Ioannou, Author
Inspired by her life in Nicosia, the last divided capital in Europe, Erato Ioannou is the author of short story collections “Cats Have It All” (2004) and “Not in the Ornamental Teapot” (2020) which is now published in Greek, English, and Spanish. Her work received praise and featured international journals and anthologies. Her short story ‘Deserted’ which is included in her most recent collection was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize (2019) out of approx. 5000 entries. Most recently, her novel Muerta was the winner in the historical fiction category for the Stockholm Writers First 5 Pages Prize out of approx. 800 entries. She served as assistant editor-in-chief of the literary magazine of the Cypriot PEN, “In Focus” (2016 – 2020) and she is the founder and Chair of “Room for Art”.
Meredith Preston McGhie, Secretary General, Global Centre for Pluralism
Meredith Preston McGhie has devoted more than 20 years to addressing conflict and instability in Africa and Asia in some of the most troubled situations. From working with the Naga in Northeast India and indigenous communities on the Thai-Myanmar border, to supporting UN efforts in Kosovo, Northern Iraq and several African countries, her work has straddled frontline negotiation, policy and diplomacy.
She became the Global Centre for Pluralism’s Secretary General on October 1, 2019. Most recently, as Africa Regional Director with the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, she oversaw the HD Centre’s complex mediation and dialogue efforts in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Sudan, Somalia and South Sudan, among other places. In the Kenyan National Dialogue and Reconciliation Process in 2007-08, she advised the Panel of Eminent African Personalities led by the late Kofi Annan. She has contributed annually to the Oslo Forum, a gathering of the world’s leading experts and policymakers in conflict resolution, and teaches mediation practice internationally.
Ms. Preston McGhie studied military and international history at the University of British Columbia before pursuing graduate studies in global security at Keele University in the United Kingdom.

With remarks from:
Khalil Z. Shariff, CEO, Aga Khan Foundation Canada
Efharis Kostala, President of the Parnassos Hellenic Cultural Society of Ottawa
Giorgos Ioannides, The High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to Canada

About the series
Global Reads is a book club series where participants can connect and learn together with other globally minded professionals. Global Reads primarily explores recent works focused on international affairs, policy, or practice—with an emphasis on innovation, new voices, and diverse perspectives. Notable leaders and thinkers from the international affairs, global development, and allied sectors facilitate lively and inclusive discussions, providing a structure for collaborative interpretation, learning, and growth.
Join Global Reads to:

Forge new connections with likeminded, globally focused thinkers
Encounter inspiring, challenging, and unconventional ideas
Gain a fresh perspective on your work
Reignite your professional development goals

Questions? Please contact akfc.events@akdn.org

Better Practices in Gender Lens Investing
2023-04-17 16:30 - 18:00 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
On April 17, join Aga Khan Foundation Canada, Criterion Institute, 2X Global, the Aspen Network for Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE), and World University Service of Canada (WUSC) for a conversation on gender lens – growing the field, setting new standards, understanding the challenges and shaping the future.
The session will focus on learning from previous initiatives within the sector and raising awareness of new developments and opportunities.
What to expect:

A presentation of the role of ARISE, supported by Global Affairs Canada, in the field of gender-lens investing
Announcement of the ARISE grant recipients and a celebration of their work in the field of gender-lens investing
The launch of a new call for proposals that will support research in gender-lens investing
A presentation of WUSC’s Towards a Gender-Transformative Climate Finance Roadmap: An Ecosystem Approach to Inclusive, Equitable, and Transformative Change for Women Climate Entrepreneurs
Dialogue and reflection on gender lens investing, including learnings from the Accelerating Women Climate Entrepreneurs project, a joint initiative of AKFC, ANDE, and WUSC

Additional Information for Attendees

In-person attendees are encouraged to participate in an informal networking session after the event.

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet and greet our speakers!
Questions? Please contact akfc.events@akdn.org

Speakers
Joy Anderson, Founder and President of Criterion Institute
Hundreds of ventures have been shaped by Joy’s insights and experience. As faculty on the leading social innovation award programs, including Unreasonable Institute and Echoing Green, she advises the next generation of leaders. As chair of the board of directors of Village Capital and through involvement in Investor’s Circle, she is actively involved in shaping early-stage social investments. And through her role in developing and leading Structure Lab workshops, she has helped over 300 organizations think through their legal and financial structures. Currently, she leads Criterion Institute which serves as a think tank around shaping markets to create social and environmental good.
Steve Mason, Regional Director, North America (Programs and Partnerships), AKFC
In this role, he is responsible for managing an international development and humanitarian program portfolio spanning 20 countries, developing and maintaining relationships with a variety of governmental and non-governmental partners, and providing intellectual and organizational leadership to the Foundation. Prior to taking on this role, Steve was the founding Regional CEO of Aga Khan Foundation (West Africa), based in Bamako, Mali.
Katie Turner, Consultant
Sam Landon, Director of Programs, WUSC

Global Health and Beyond: Resilience in Complex Environments
2023-05-01 16:00 - 18:00 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
Join the conversation to discover how COVID-19, climate change, cost of living and conflict are impacting global health!

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted challenges and weaknesses in preparedness and response systems at the global, regional, national, and community levels. The effects of COVID-19 are exacerbated by additional forces contributing to complex emergency environments – climate change, conflict, and an increased cost of living. Collectively, these disastrous factors are known as the 4 C’s.
The 4 C’s place a major strain on the health and nutrition of women and children globally and have demanded increasingly amplified collective action.
On May 1, join Aga Khan Foundation Canada and Canada’s International Development Research Centre for an event focused on exploring the 4 C’s and the actions and innovations required to strengthen resilience, emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.
The discussion is aimed at:

Better understanding the 4 C’s – COVID-19, climate change, conflict, and cost of living – that are gravely affecting the health and nutrition of women and children globally.
Creating a space for stakeholders within the international development and humanitarian communities to engage in learning and dialogue on issues related to resilience, preparedness, response, and recovery within complex environments.

Additional Information for Attendees

In-person attendees are invited to arrive before 4:00PM to network with other attendees and enjoy some light refreshments. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet and greet our speakers!

Speakers
Zulfiqar Bhutta, Co-Director, SickKids Centre for Global Child health; Founding Director, Institute for Global Health and Development, Aga Khan University
Dr. Zulfiqar A. Bhutta is Founding Director of the Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health and the Institute of Global Health & Development, The Aga Khan University as well as the Inaugural Robert Harding Chair in Global Child Health, and Co-Director of SickKids’ Centre for Global Child Health. He holds adjunct professorships at several Schools of Public Health including Johns Hopkins University, Harvard, and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Dr. Bhutta leads large research groups based in Toronto, Karachi and Nairobi focused on, scaling up evidence-based community interventions, and implementing reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health interventions in humanitarian settings. Dr. Bhutta is a Fellow of the Royal Society, the 2021 IHME Roux Prize recipient for significant research contributions to women and child health and was awarded the John Dirks Canada Gairdner 2022 Global Health Award, one of the most prestigious global health awards.
Fawad Akbari, Director, Humanitarian Innovation, Grand Challenges Canada
As the Director, Humanitarian Innovation at GCC, Fawad is responsible for the ongoing development and implementation of Creating Hope in Conflict: A Humanitarian Grand Challenge (HGC), as well as other potential grand challenges focused on saving and improving lives in conflict-affected areas. He is also responsible for maintaining strategic partnership related to HGC and informing the Canadian and Global humanitarian policies and systems.
Fawad Akbari is a pediatrician, global health, and humanitarian response expert with particular focus on health, nutrition, governance, fragility, and intersection across these themes. Prior to joining Grand Challenges Canada, he was the Regional Deputy Director of Programs and Partnerships with Aga Khan Foundation based in Canada, overseeing a diverse portfolio of multi-sectoral programs and partnerships in Canada and the US, including Global Health, Nutrition and Humanitarian initiatives. Before this, he worked with AKF Afghanistan, Cure International Hospital and Marie Stopes International in different managerial and technical leadership capacities.
Ky’okusinga Kirunga, Executive Director, Amref Health Africa in Canada
Ky’okusinga is the Executive Director of Amref Health Africa in Canada. She has over 15 years of experience in the Canadian and international health sectors, with an intersectional focus on key populations (women, girls, BIPOC, sexual minorities, etc.) and health issues, including the social determinants that underpin them.
Ky’okusinga has held various senior level positions over the last decade including in fundraising, programmatic work and monitoring and evaluation. She has a degree in Languages from the University of Toronto, a certificate in Communications from McGill University, and a Master’s in Public Policy and Public Administration from Concordia University. Originally from Uganda and having made Canada her home, Ky’okusinga is proud to bridge the two continents through inspiring and enriching work. Ky’okusinga is an activist, feminist, human rights defender, and internationalist.

Register today!

Questions? Please contact akfc.events@akdn.org

Generation Impact: Young Canadians Making a Difference
2023-06-08 18:00 - 19:30 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
Photo: Gertrude Omoro and Peter Steele, part of the 2022-23 cohort of International Youth Fellows, standing outside the AKF Tanzania office in Dar es Salaam. Credit: Michael Goima / AKFC
We all have a stake in our collective global future, but no one more than today’s young people.

On Thursday, June 8, we hope you will join us for an evening of inspiration, celebration, and networking as we mark the 35th anniversary of our commitment to young Canadians’ global leadership through the International Youth Fellowship. You will hear directly from Fellowship alumni who will share their learnings, challenges, and experiences of working on the ground in some of the world’s most challenging environments, as well as current Fellows who are about to embark on their overseas assignments.
So, if you’re passionate about making a difference in the world and want to learn more about how young Canadians are leading the charge, join us for Generation Impact and help us give our 35th anniversary cohort the send-off they deserve!
Additional Information for Attendees

The program will include opportunities to network with other guests and our previous and current International Youth Fellows
Attendees are invited to enjoy some refreshments while networking at the end of the event
Visit our website to learn more about the International Youth Fellowship program

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet and greet our AKFC’s past and current fellows!
Questions? Please contact akfc.events@akdn.org
Keynote Speaker
Tracey Evans
Director, Global Partnerships at Right to Play
Tracey grew up with parents who worked in the airline industry and spent much of her childhood on planes, bouncing from one country to the next and learning to explore new cultures from a young age.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Development and Global Studies from the University of Ottawa and a Master’s degree in International Conflict Resolution and Mediation from Tel Aviv University. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education at the University of Toronto where she is investigating the educational experiences of autistic learners during COVID-19 school closures in Ottawa, Canada.
During her undergraduate degree, Tracey spent her summers volunteering in West and South Africa on HIV/AIDS and environmental conservation projects. Afterwards, she spent eight months completing the Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC) Youth Fellowship program, which sent her to Bangladesh for eight months where she worked with CARE Bangladesh on women’s economic empowerment projects.
Tracey worked for Aga Khan Foundation Canada from 2015 until 2020 as an Education Program Manager. In 2021, she joined Right To Play as Director of Global Partnerships where she overseas the organization’s institutional relationship with Global Affairs Canada. She is constantly inspired by the learners, teachers and parents she gets to work with, and firmly believes that education is the world’s greatest asset for promoting gender equality. Tracey loves cooking, curling, and is always more than happy to invite her Golden Retriever Birken to make guest appearances on Teams calls!
Panelists
Thomas Orr
Senior Manager, Programs, Partnerships, and Results , AKFC
Thomas (‘Tom’) Orr leads a team responsible for the monitoring, evaluation and learning function of Aga Khan Foundation’s North American-funded programs. He also oversees a diverse portfolio of programs and supports business development efforts with North American institutional donors. His experience in international development spans 13 countries across three continents. Prior to his current role, he was as an AKFC Fellow for AKF in Tajikistan and eventually went on to lead its Partnerships Department. He has also worked in the Evaluation Division of Global Affairs Canada. Tom is passionate about measuring program performance and translating this evidence into action to improve results.
More speakers to be announced!
Register today!

Migrants, Refugees, and Societies: World Development Report 2023 Launch
2023-06-19 16:30 - 18:00 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
Photo caption : 33 million people were affected or displaced by the rainfall and flooding that devastated Pakistan in September 2022. Here, an AKDN staff member surveys stranded communities to determine where healthcare camps should be set up. According to the World Bank’s World Development Report, climate change presents a growing and unprecedented threat to human societies by amplifying pre-existing patterns of movements, exacerbating socioeconomic disparity, and creating new risks to human development. Credit: AKDN / Insiya Syed
About 184 million people—2.3 percent of the world’s population—live outside of their country of nationality. Almost half of them are in low- and middle-income countries. With global economic imbalances, climate change, and other complex factors, migration will become increasingly necessary in the decades to come, with the potential to deepen development challenges. However, the authors of the World Bank’s 2023 World Development Report assert that if migration is managed well, it can result in prosperity and help to achieve the SDGs.
On June 19, join Aga Khan Foundation Canada and Cooperation Canada for an engaging discussion centered on the launch of the 2023 World Development Report. Join us to learn directly from the report’s 2023 Co-Director, Çağlar Özden, about the World Bank’s proposed framework to maximize the positive impact of global migration.
We will also be hosting a panel that will delve into:

Important considerations and lessons related to social and economic integration of migrants within new communities
The importance of partnerships between governments and civil society

Keynote Address
Çağlar Özden, Lead Economist, Development Economics, World Bank
A Turkish national and a professional migrant, Caglar received his undergraduate degrees in economics and industrial engineering from Cornell University and Ph.D. in economics from Stanford University. He is a fellow of IZA, CreAM and ERF. His research explores the nexus of globalization of product and labor markets, government policies and economic development. He has edited three books and published numerous papers in leading academic journals such as American Economic Review and the Economic Journal. His current research projects explore the determinants and patterns of global labor mobility, impacts of migrants on the destination labor market outcomes, linkages between migration, trade, and foreign direct investment flows, medical brain drain and linkages between ageing and global economic integration.
Moderator
Kate Higgins, CEO Cooperation Canada
Kate recently joined Cooperation Canada as Chief Executive Officer. She is an accomplished leader and experienced manager, with over fifteen years of experience in international development, civil society, think tanks, and government. Before joining Cooperation Canada, Kate was the Deputy Executive Director of Oxfam Canada, where she led the organization’s work on strategy and communications and spearheaded several organizational change initiatives, in addition to serving as Interim Executive Director in 2020. Kate worked for CIVICUS, a global alliance of civil society organizations, where she led strategy development and the organization’s work on data, sustainable development, and citizen action. She has held senior policy and research roles at the North-South Institute and the Overseas Development Institute, leading work on chronic poverty, protracted conflict, women’s economic justice and international assistance and building several global, multi-stakeholder initiatives. Kate started her career at the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), working on the Indonesia and Papua New Guinea programs. She has lived and worked in Australia, Canada, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, Thailand, and Uganda and has undertaken missions in several other countries. Kate has degrees in economics and development studies from the University of Oxford and the University of Sydney.
Speakers
Rema Jamous Imseis, UNHCR Representative in Canada
Ms. Rema Jamous Imseis is the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Representative to Canada. She formerly served as Deputy Director of the UNHCR Bureau for the Middle East and North Africa, covering operations in North Africa, Yemen, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Israel. Previously, she served as Head of the United Nations Regional Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the Middle East and North Africa. She has been with the United Nations since 2003 and has held a variety of positions in political, legal and humanitarian affairs. Prior to joining the UN, she served as Legal Counsel to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario and worked as a litigator in Toronto. Previous work experience includes consultancies and academic research in human rights, judicial independence and the rule of law.
Daniel Rubenson, Individual Researcher, Metaketa Researcher and Professor, Toronto Metropolitan University
More speakers to be announced.

Additional Information for Attendees

In-person / Virtual Ticket: When you register, please indicate your interest to attend in-person at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat (199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa) or to attend online (Zoom) by selecting the relevant ticket option for each session.
Refreshments: In-person attendees are invited to stay after the session to network and enjoy light refreshments.

Don’t miss the opportunity to meet and greet our speakers in-person!

Register Today!

Questions? Please contact akfc.events@akdn.org

Advancing Biodiversity-Positive Nature-Based Climate Solutions
2023-06-22 09:00 - 16:00 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
This event has passed. Please find the recording below:

Event details:
Join the conversation online or in-person to learn about nature-based solutions that promote biodiversity and address climate change.

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) that conserve, restore and sustainably use biodiversity and ecosystems hold promise in helping people adapt to the adverse effects of climate change. But it is often a challenge to achieve measurable gains for biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, while also achieving wins for society and for climate adaptation.
On June 22, join AKFC and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) for a special hybrid event which will be followed by a networking lunch for in-person participants, and a community of practice meeting focusing on NbS for climate and biodiversity led by Global Affairs Canada (GAC).
Session 1: Advancing Biodiversity-positive Nature-based Climate Solutions for Adaptation
AKFC and IISD will host an interactive hybrid event to build knowledge and generate discussion on maximizing benefits for biodiversity and ecosystem health through nature-based climate solutions. The session will feature case study presentations and breakout discussions with experienced practitioners.
Session 2: Nature-based solutions for Climate and Biodiversity Community of Practice
Global Affairs Canada welcomes organizations to the third meeting of the NbS and Biodiversity Community of Practice. This meeting will feature a case study presentation on NbS for coffee, climate resiliency and private sector engagement. This will be followed by an interactive networking session for participants to get to know each other better.
Key Information for Attendees

When you register, please indicate your interest to attend in-person at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat or to attend online (Zoom) by selecting the relevant ticket option.
In-person attendees are welcome to arrive by 9:00 AM ET to network and enjoy light refreshments prior to Session 1.
A light lunch will be provided for those attending both sessions in-person.
Simultaneous interpretation in English and French will be available throughout the event.

Speakers
AM:

Anita Miya, Head – Knowledge Management and Partnerships, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat India
Dr. Nicholas Macfarlane, Senior Scientist & Programme Manager, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Kerry Max, Special Advisor, Climate Finance Partnerships, Global Affairs Canada
Veronica Lo, Senior Policy Advisor, IISD

PM:

Stefan Ruge , Program Manager Climate, Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung
Michael Opitz, Managing Director, Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung
Jerry Nwigwe, Community Economic Development Advisor, Debate And Development Resource Centre- Nigeria
Kevin West, Director of Coffee Operations, Tim Hortons

This session is co-hosted by AKFC and IISD as part of AKFC’s Speaker Series on Climate Change Resilience and Adaptation and IISD’s Nature for Climate Adaptation Initiative (NCAI).
Questions? Please contact events.akfc@akdn.org

Global Reads: How to Be a Climate Optimist
2023-09-12 17:00 - 18:30 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
Aga Khan Foundation Canada is pleased to invite you to join our book club series, Global Reads.
Join us on September 12th for an engaging discussion with award-winning author Chris Turner to discuss his most recent book, How to Be a Climate Optimist: Blueprints for a Better World, for which he won the 2023 Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing. During this event, we will delve into this book’s key themes and ideas and gain valuable insights into climate change.
Our distinguished guest and lead discussant will be Catherine Stewart, Canada’s Ambassador for Climate Change. Her extensive knowledge and expertise in the field will deepen the discussion and encourage participants to explore innovative ways to address climate challenges.
Whether you’re an avid reader, an environmental enthusiast, or simply curious about climate optimism, this book club event promises to be an enlightening and empowering experience.
Additional information for attendees:

Networking/Refreshments: In-person attendees are encouraged to participate in an informal networking session and enjoy refreshments after the event. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet and greet our speakers and event participants.
Book giveaway: Register anytime between today and September 5, 11:59 PM ET for a chance to win a free copy of the book (open to Canadian residents only).
Please note that this event will be offered in English only.

Speakers
Catherine Stewart
Canada’s Ambassador for Climate Change
Catherine Stewart was appointed as Canada’s Ambassador for Climate Change in August 2022. With over 25 years in the federal government, Ambassador Stewart’s most recent role was Assistant Deputy Minister of International Affairs at Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). Since 2014, she has served in senior executive roles at ECCC including as Canada’s Chief Negotiator for Climate Change, Director General Multilateral Affairs and Climate Change, and Director General for the Americas. Prior to joining ECCC, Ambassador Stewart was Director, Strategic Policy and Integration for the National Fighter Jet Procurement Secretariat and served as an executive at the Privy Council Office.
Chris Turner
Author
Chris Turner is a three-time nominee and one-time winner of the National Business Book Award, and a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award for Nonfiction (The Geography of Hope). He recently won the 2023 Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing for his recent book, How to be a Climate Optimist – Blueprints for a Better World. He has long been one of Canada’s leading voices on climate change solutions and the global energy transition. His feature writing has earned ten National Magazine Awards, and he is the author of five books on technology, energy and climate. He lives in Calgary with his wife, the author Ashley Bristowe, and their two children.
About the series
Global Reads is a book club series where participants can connect and learn together with other globally minded professionals. Global Reads primarily explores recent works focused on international affairs, policy, or practice—with an emphasis on innovation, new voices, and diverse perspectives. Notable leaders and thinkers from the international affairs, global development, and allied sectors facilitate lively and inclusive discussions, providing a structure for collaborative interpretation, learning, and growth.
Join Global Reads to:

Forge new connections with likeminded, globally focused thinkers
Encounter inspiring, challenging, and unconventional ideas
Gain a fresh perspective on your work
Reignite your professional development goals

Register Today!

Questions? Please contact akfc.events@akdn.org

Innovations in Advancing Gender Equality
2023-09-26 17:30 - 19:00 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
Gender equality stands as an enduring journey marked by steadfast progress amid persistent challenges. By dismantling barriers to education, economic participation, healthcare, and decision-making, gender equality not only benefits individuals but also fosters broader societal advancement. Through initiatives like the Fund for Innovation and Transformation (FIT), the Canadian government has made investments to test innovative solutions to address barriers that impede progress towards gender equality.
In celebration of Gender Equality Week, AKFC and The Inter-Council Network of Provincial and Regional Councils for International Cooperation invite you to a conversation highlighting innovative approaches to advancing gender equality. Learn about FIT projects led by Canadian small and medium organizations and implemented with local partners across various geographies in the Global South.
Additional information for attendees:

Networking/Refreshments: In-person attendees are encouraged to participate in an informal networking session and enjoy refreshments before and after the event.
This session will be offered in English and French

Speakers and Projects
Fadume Gure
Founder, LISS Technologies Inc.
Project: Improving Breastfeeding Rates in Somalia Through Low-Cost, Solar-Powered Electric Breast Pumps
Darcy Ataman
Founder and CEO, Make Music Matter
Project: It Takes a Village: Integration of Men and Boys into Healing in Harmony in Mulamba, DRC.
Aminata Traore
Co-Founder, Alitus Femina Canada
Project: Sexually Transmitted Grades – A Danger for the Future of Girls and Women
Danielle Skogen
Program Development Director, Real Humanitarian
Project: Testing A Holistic Three-Pronged Approach to Violence Prevention & Response
Salima Meherali
Assistant Professor, College of Health Sciences – Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta
Project: Building Formal Financial and Health Numeracy Among Poor Women in Northern Pakistan

Register Today!

Questions? Please contact akfc.events@akdn.org

The SDG second half: Ideas for doing things differently
2023-10-05 09:00 - 12:30 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
World leaders just met at the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals midpoint summit . Halfway between the SDG’s 2015 launch and the 2030 deadline, the mood was somber. Stark global tensions alongside inadequate SDG progress made for a tough outlook for the next seven years. In the words of Secretary-General António Guterres, “halfway to 2030 #GlobalGoals deadline, the world is woefully off-track. Now is not the time for incrementalism.”
The world has not been doing enough to be on course for SDG success. What can we learn from what has gone well? Where could a burst of effort tackle gaps? Perhaps, most importantly, what needs to be done differently?
On October 5, the Aga Khan Foundation (AKFC) and the Brookings Center for Sustainable Development will host an event discussing the Brookings compendium of essays: The SDG Second Half: Ideas for doing things differently. The essays offer insights and actionable recommendations to address pressing issues in the second half of the SDG era. We will have the opportunity to discuss opportunities for SDG breakthroughs and leadership—both globally and from a Canadian perspective.
Additional information for attendees:

Networking/Refreshments: In-person attendees are encouraged to participate in an informal networking session and enjoy refreshments before and after the event.
This session will be offered in English only

Speakers
Caren Grown
Senior Fellow, Brookings Center for Sustainable Development
Caren Grown is a senior fellow in the Center for Sustainable Development at the Brookings Institution, where she leads a program on gender equality and sustainable development. From 2014-2021, she served as global director for gender at the World Bank Group and then as senior technical advisor in Macroeconomics, Trade, and Investment Global Practice. Prior to joining the World Bank, she was economist-in-residence and co-director of the Program on Gender Analysis in Economics at American University in Washington, D.C. Grown has held several senior positions, including as senior gender advisor at the U.S. Agency for International Development; senior scholar and co-director of the Gender Equality and the Economy program at the Levy Economics Institute at Bard College; and director of the poverty reduction and economic governance team at the International Center for Research on Women. Grown has published widely on fiscal policy, trade, development, and health.
John W McArthur
Director and Senior Fellow, Brookings Center for Sustainable Development
John W. McArthur is a senior fellow and director of the Center for Sustainable Development at the Brookings Institution. He co-founded and co-chairs the 17 Rooms initiative, a new approach to catalyzing action for the Sustainable Development Goals. Outside of Brookings, he is also a senior advisoer to the United Nations Foundation, a member of Policy Horizons Canada’s Deputy Minister Steering Committee, and a member of the Novata ESG Advisory Council. He was previously the chief executive officer of the Millennium Promise Alliance, an international nongovernmental organization. Prior to that, he served as the manager and then deputy director of the U.N. Millennium Project, Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s independent advisory body mandated to recommend an action plan for achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
Homi Kharas
Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution Center for Sustainable Development
Homi Kharas is a senior fellow in the Center for Sustainable Development, housed in the Global Economy and Development program at Brookings. In that capacity, he studies policies and trends influencing developing countries, including aid to poor countries, the emergence of the middle class, and global governance, and the G-20. He previously served as interim vice president and director of the Global Economy and Development program. He has served as the lead author and executive secretary of the secretariat supporting the High Level Panel, co-chaired by President Sirleaf, President Yudhoyono, and Prime Minister Cameron, advising the U.N. Secretary General on the post-2015 development agenda (2012-2013). The report, “A New Global Partnership: Eradicate Poverty and Transform Economies through Sustainable Development,” was presented on May 30, 2013.
Chris MacLennan
Deputy Minister of International Development, Global Affairs Canada
On January 5, 2022, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Christopher MacLennan as deputy minister of international development. Prior to this role, Mr. MacLennan was the associate deputy minister of foreign affairs and the personal representative of the prime minister for the G20 Summit. He continues to be the personal representative of the prime minister for the G20 Summit. Previously, as assistant deputy minister (ADM) for global issues and development at Global Affairs Canada, Mr. MacLennan led Canada’s international development assistance efforts through multilateral and global partners, humanitarian assistance, and priority foreign policy relationships with the United Nations, the Commonwealth, and La Francophonie. In addition to this role, he served concurrently as Canada’s G7 foreign affairs sous-sherpa.
Kate Higgins
CEO, Cooperation Canada
Kate is an accomplished leader and experienced manager, with over fifteen years of experience in international development, civil society, think tanks, and government. Before joining Cooperation Canada, Kate was the Deputy Executive Director of Oxfam Canada, where she led the organization’s work on strategy and communications and spearheaded several organizational change initiatives, in addition to serving as Interim Executive Director in 2020. Kate worked for CIVICUS, a global alliance of civil society organizations, where she led strategy development and the organization’s work on data, sustainable development, and citizen action. She has held senior policy and research roles at the North-South Institute and the Overseas Development Institute, leading work on chronic poverty, protracted conflict, women’s economic justice, and international assistance and building several global, multi-stakeholder initiatives. Kate started her career at the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), working on the Indonesia and Papua New Guinea programs. She has lived and worked in Australia, Canada, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, Thailand, and Uganda, and has undertaken missions in several other countries. Kate has degrees in economics and development studies from the University of Oxford and the University of Sydney.
Margaret Biggs
Nonresident Senior Fellow, Center for Sustainable Development, Brookings Institution
Margaret Biggs is the former President of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and immediate past Chair of Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC). As CIDA President, Ms. Biggs was responsible for overseeing Canada’s international development and humanitarian assistance efforts worldwide. Ms. Biggs is currently a Nonresident Senior Fellow with the Center for Sustainable Development at the Brookings Institution and Matthews Fellow in Global Public Policy at Queen’s University. She serves on the Boards for the Canadian Partnership on Women and Children’s Health (CanWaCH), World University Service Canada (WUSC), the McCall MacBain Foundation, and the International Foundation for Electoral Support (IFES). Ms. BIggs is also a member of the advisory councils for the REACH Alliance (University of Toronto) and FinDevCanada, Canada’s development finance institution, which supports the growth and sustainability of businesses in developing markets.
Tony Pipa
Senior Fellow, Brookings Center for Sustainable Development
Tony launched and leads the Local Leadership on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiative. He led the U.S. delegation at the U.N. to negotiate and adopt the SDGs and also served as chief strategy officer at the U.S. Agency for International Development. Tony has three decades of executive leadership experience in the philanthropic and public sectors, addressing poverty and advancing inclusive economic development in the U.S. and globally. He also leads an initiative to reform and modernize U.S. rural policy and hosts the podcast, Reimagine Rural. He grew up in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, in the heart of anthracite coal country, attended Stanford University, graduated from Duke University, and earned a Master of Public Administration at the Harvard Kennedy School.
Moderation by Khalil Z. Shariff, CEO, AKFC

Register Today!

Questions? Please contact akfc.events@akdn.org

From Knowledge to Practice: Mainstreaming Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Nature-Based Solutions for Adaptation
2023-10-19 09:30 - 16:30 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
Nature-based solutions (NbS) are an opportunity to address climate change adaptation needs, but initiatives need to be responsive to intersectional gender differences to be effective. Gender-responsive NbS can help to address underlying vulnerabilities to climate change, enabling populations who face socio-economic, cultural, and political barriers to build their adaptation capacity, realize their rights, and participate in adaptation decision-making while also building the resilience of local ecosystems that sustain their livelihoods.
On October 19, join the Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC) and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) for a hybrid event on designing and implementing NbS that advance gender equality and social inclusion (GESI). The event will include presentations, a panel discussion with experts, followed by a Q&A, and interactive discussion groups both online and in-person. It will be followed by a meeting of the Nature-Based Solutions for Climate and Biodiversity Community of Practice, organized by Global Affairs Canada, IISD, and the Community of Practice’s steering committee.
This event is the third in a series that explores the multiple social and environmental dimensions of NbS for adaptation. Find out more about our previous events:

From Knowledge to Practice: Advancing Biodiversity-Positive Nature-Based Climate Solutions
From Knowledge to Practice: Advancing Gender-Responsive Nature-Based Climate Solutions.

Key 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.
In-person attendees are welcome to arrive by 8:30 a.m. EDT to network and enjoy light refreshments prior to Session 1.
A light lunch will be provided for those attending both sessions in person.
Simultaneous interpretation in English and French will be available throughout the event.

Speakers to be announced.
Questions? Please contact akfc.events@akdn.org
About the organizers
This event is co-hosted by AKFC and IISD as part of AKFC’s Speaker Series on Climate Change Resilience and Adaptation and IISD’s Nature for Climate Adaptation Initiative (NCAI), supported by Global Affairs Canada. It is the third in a series of events focused on NbS for adaptation.
AKFC’s Speaker Series on Climate Change Resilience and Adaptation
The series aims to bring together practitioners, advocates, and others who share an interest in exploring and discussing how we may use the climate crisis as a catalyst for great leaps in addressing the complex challenges involved in confronting climate change in a manner that advances sustainable development, well-being, and resilient livelihoods for all.
IISD’s Nature for Climate Adaptation Initiative (NCAI)
The NCAI strengthens the knowledge and capacity of civil society organizations to design and implement NbS for climate change adaptation through three key tools:

a self-paced, accessible e-learning course
an online learning space with technical guidance, resources, case studies, and events
targeted virtual and in-person learning exchange opportunities that foster a community of practice.

Nature-Based Solutions for Climate and Biodiversity Community of Practice
The Nature-Based Solutions for Climate and Biodiversity Community of Practice brings together organizations in Canada and their international partners to share their insights and expertise on implementing NbS for adaptation. It initiated following the Government of Canada’s announcement of allocating climate finance funding to NbS for adaptation projects that enhance gender equality and social inclusion and contribute to biodiversity co-benefits.
Register Today!

Questions? Please contact akfc.events@akdn.org

Global Reads: From Development to Democracy
2023-10-23 17:00 - 18:30 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
Aga Khan Foundation Canada is pleased to invite you to join our book club series, Global Reads.
Join us on October 23rd for another captivating Global Reads session on From Development to Democracy: The Transformation of Modern Asia. We will be joined by the esteemed co-author, Joseph Wong, a renowned scholar in comparative politics, to dive into the book’s engrossing exploration of Asia’s evolution in the context of democracy and development within the region.
Margaret Biggs, a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Center for Sustainable Development with years of experience in research, policy, and foreign development, will engage the co-author in an informative conversation about the book’s themes.
Be a part of this invaluable conversation, whether you are fascinated by Asia’s transformation or passionate about insightful global affairs topics.
Additional information for attendees:

Networking/Refreshments: In-person attendees are encouraged to participate in an informal networking session and enjoy refreshments after the event. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the author, lead discussant and guests in an inspiring literary dialogue.
Book giveaway: Register anytime between today and September 18, 11:59 PM ET for a chance to win a free copy of the book (open to Canadian residents only).
Please note that this event will be offered in English only.

Speakers
Joseph Wong
Vice-President, International, University of Toronto
Professor Joseph Wong is Vice-President, International, University of Toronto, where he is also the Roz and Ralph Halbert Professor of Innovation at the Munk School of Global Affairs, and Professor of Political Science. He held the Canada Research Chair in Health, Democracy, and Development for two terms from 2006 to 2016. He is the author of many academic articles and several books, including the latest From Development to Democracy: The Transformations of Modern Asia in 2022, published by Princeton University Press. Inspired by the Sustainable Development Goals, in collaboration with the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, Professor Wong founded the Reach Alliance.
Margaret Biggs
Nonresident Senior Fellow, Center for Sustainable Development, Brookings Institution
Margaret Biggs is the former President of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and immediate past Chair of Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC). As CIDA President, Ms. Biggs was responsible for overseeing Canada’s international development and humanitarian assistance efforts worldwide. Ms. Biggs is currently a Nonresident Senior Fellow with the Center for Sustainable Development at the Brookings Institution and Matthews Fellow in Global Public Policy at Queen’s University. She serves on the Boards for the Canadian Partnership on Women and Children’s Health (CanWaCH), World University Service Canada (WUSC), the McCall MacBain Foundation and the International Foundation for Electoral Support (IFES). Ms. Biggs is also a member of the Advisory Councils for the REACH Alliance (University of Toronto) and FinDevCanada, Canada’s development finance institution which supports the growth and sustainability of businesses in developing markets.
About the series
Global Reads is a book club series where participants can connect and learn together with other globally minded professionals. Global Reads primarily explores recent works focused on international affairs, policy, or practice—with an emphasis on innovation, new voices, and diverse perspectives. Notable leaders and thinkers from the international affairs, global development, and allied sectors facilitate lively and inclusive discussions, providing a structure for collaborative interpretation, learning, and growth.
Join Global Reads to:

Forge new connections with likeminded, globally focused thinkers
Encounter inspiring, challenging, and unconventional ideas
Gain a fresh perspective on your work
Reignite your professional development goals

Register Today!

Questions? Please contact akfc.events@akdn.org

Ottawa Launch: The Lancet Commission Report
2023-11-02 16:00 - 17:30 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
Societies are collapsing in the face of growing crises exacerbated by the consequences of sociopolitical and economic hardship, and there is a search for an antidote. The Lancet Commission asks, via meticulous literature reviews, cross-national statistical analyses, and comprehensive case studies, how can health equity and gender equality contribute to more peaceful communities?
Join AKFC, in partnership with Canada’s International Development Research Centre and the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University, for the Ottawa launch of the Lancet Commission’s report on “Peaceful Societies through Health Equity and Gender Equality”. Some of the report’s authors, partners, and field experts will join us to discuss the research findings and recommendations, as well as their implications for society, governments, and organizations.
Explore how the intertwining of health equity and gender equality can cast light upon the trail leading to societal harmony.
Additional information for attendees:

Networking/Refreshments: In-person attendees are encouraged to participate in an informal networking session and enjoy refreshments before and after the event.
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.
This session will be offered in English only

Questions? Contact akfc.events@akdn.org
Speakers
Dane Rowlands
Professor of International Affairs, Carleton University
Oskar Timo Thoms
Post-doctoral Fellow at University of Toronto at Mississauga
Paul Mkandawire
Associate Professor, Carleton University
Valerie Percival
Associate Professor and Associate Director, MA Program, Carleton University
Montasser Kamal
Director of Global Health, IDRC
Yiagadeesen (Teddy) Samy
NPSIA Director and Professor of International Affairs
Register Today!

Advancing Innovations in Climate Education
2023-11-23 10:30 - 12:30 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
Join us in exploring innovative approaches to taking action on climate change!

As changemakers and emerging leaders, youth are increasingly seeking opportunities to learn and develop the skills needed to address the global climate crisis and confront related injustices. In anticipation of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), AKFC is convening a session on youth climate education. Our focus is to explore innovative approaches to climate education, both within Canada and on a global scale.
Join us on November 23 as we hear from youth leaders, educators, and specialists on critical skills and innovative approaches that are enabling youth to gain the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to help advance a sustainable, just, and climate-resilient future.
What to expect:

Connect with youth, educators, and organizations dedicated to climate education and action.
Learn from young climate advocates and educators who are driving change in their communities and on the global stage.
Engage in interactive small group discussions with experienced changemakers on topics such as solutions-oriented approaches to climate education, advancing an intersectional approach to climate justice through education, and green skill building for climate resilient futures.

Key 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.
In-person attendees are welcome to arrive before 10:30 a.m. EDT to network and enjoy light refreshments.

Questions? Contact akfc.events@akdn.org
Speakers
Andrew Cunningham
AKF Global Lead, Education
Dr. Andrew (Andy) Cunningham is the Global Lead for Education at the Aga Khan Foundation, an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network, based at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. AKF works to transform education systems by increasing levels of educational access, quality, and equity through innovation and catalytic partnerships for scale. Before joining AKF, Andy started an all-girls’ secondary boarding school in rural Kenya and worked for UNICEF, the World Bank, and the Education Above All Foundation, among others. He earned his Masters and Doctorate in Comparative International Education from Oxford University as a Truman and Marshall Scholar and is a proud alum of Duke University where he earned his Bachelors in Chinese and Comparative International Studies.
Bronwen Magrath
AKF Global Program Manager, Schools2030
Bronwen is a Global Programme Manager at Aga Khan Foundation, where she leads the Schools2030 initiative, a participatory learning improvement programme operating in government schools across ten countries. She previously worked as Director of Programmes at the International Education Funders Group and as a Research Fellow at University of Oxford and has consulted for a number of international organisations. She completed a PhD in Comparative and International Education at University of Toronto.
Esther Gacigi
Educator
Esther Gacigi is an educator with over two years experience working in underserved communities in Kenya to improve the quality of education. She currently works at Mukuru kwa Njenga as a climate educator working to build the agency of teachers, students, and the community to take climate action. She is also a co-founder of the Pan-African Climate Education (PACE) Network, a collaborative network that aims to connect educators in Africa and enhance their ability to engage learners in climate education. Esther believes that there is no quality education without climate education and thus works to ensure that children in Kenya have access to climate education.
Megan Quinn
Coordinator, Conservation Biology, Nature Conservancy of Canada
Growing up in the industrial landscape of Northern England, Megan Quinn didn’t fully realize her passion for nature until she moved to Canada in 2004. Since 2018, she has worked as the Coordinator of Conservation Biology for Eastern Ontario, with the Nature Conservancy of Canada. From growing up on a street with one tree, to now working to protect the last intact forest corridor in eastern North America, Megan advocates for authentic youth involvement in the field of conservation. She is the acting Chair of the Young Professionals Committee of the Canadian Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (CCIUCN), and has spoken to youth and allies at events across North America, promoting community action and sharing her story. In her spare time, Megan is a competitive horse rider, and enjoys creative expression through novel writing, and knitting.
Sophie Weenik
Pearson College Climate Action Leadership Diploma (CALD) Student
Sophie Weenink is an environmental and social justice activist from Aotearoa New Zealand. She now resides at Pearson College UWC and is studying the Climate Action Leadership Diploma (CALD). In this program focused on climate-based solutions and leadership, Sophie is developing skills to go into the field of environmental law, where she hopes to continue her passion for environmental action. Sophie rose to prominence at a young age through taking action to make positive change and inspiring others to care for our planet and people. Her motto is ‘If not me, then who?’ as she believes it is up to all of us to make change, regardless of our age or our circumstances.
In addition to our speakers, we will be having the following breakout group facilitators:

Luke Ehler and Shannon Anderson-Kamdar from Canadian Wildlife Federation
Maddy Mead, Alicia Yang, Finnlay Rutherford-Simon and Syarif Syafi’i from Pearson College’s Climate Action Leadership Diploma

Register Today!

AKFC’s Speaker Series on Climate Resilience and Adaptation
The series aims to bring together practitioners, advocates, and others who share an interest in exploring and discussing how we may use the climate crisis as a catalyst for great leaps in addressing the complex challenges involved in confronting climate change in a manner that advances sustainable development, well-being, and resilient livelihoods for all. See all events in this series.

Global Reads: Innovation In Real Places
2023-11-27 16:30 - 18:00 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
Join Global Reads for books, thought-provoking discussions, and meaningful connections!
Aga Khan Foundation Canada is pleased to invite you to join an enlightening edition of our book club series, Global Reads, on November 27. We are thrilled to have Naheed Nenshi, former mayor of Calgary, as our lead discussant, alongside the distinguished author of Innovation In Real Places – Strategies for Prosperity in an Unforgiving World, Dan Breznitz.
In this session, we delve into the pivotal themes of innovation, regional development, and fostering real change in communities. Breznitz’s book offers a compelling blueprint for harnessing innovation on a local level, making it exceptionally relevant in today’s world.
Mr. Nenshi’s remarkable leadership and passion for community development, along with Mr. Breznitz’s work in innovation policy, ensure a dynamic and insightful conversation.
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with our guest author and lead discussant in person and discover how innovation can shape our world!
Additional information for attendees:

Networking/Refreshments: In-person attendees are encouraged to participate in an informal networking session and enjoy refreshments after the event.
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.
Please note that this event will be offered in English only.

Questions? Please contact akfc.events@akdn.org

Speakers
Dan Breznitz
Professor at the University of Toronto and Munk Chair of Innovation Studies
Dan Breznitz is the Munk Chair of Innovation Studies, the Co-Director of the Innovation Policy Lab, and a professor of global affairs and political science at the Munk School and the Department of Political Science of the University of Toronto, as well as a Fellow of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), where he co-directs the program on Innovation, Equity, and the Future of Prosperity. Before moving to U of T, Breznitz spent eight years as a professor at Georgia Institute of Technology and was the cofounder and CEO of a software company in Israel. He is the author of numerous papers, chapters, and edited volumes, as well as two award-winning books, Innovation and the State: Political Choice and Strategies for Growth in Israel, Taiwan, and Ireland, and The Run of the Red Queen: Government, Innovation, Globalization, and Economic Growth in China. He just published his third book, Innovation in Real Places: Strategies for Prosperity in an Unforgiving World, in which he offers pragmatic advice while debunking dangerous myths on innovation, growth, and prosperity.
Naheed Nenshi
Community builder and former mayor of Calgary
Nenshi served as Calgary’s mayor for three terms between 2010 and 2021, during which time Calgary was recognized as one of the best cities to live in the Western Hemisphere. In recognition of his leadership, Nenshi was awarded the World Mayor Prize in 2014 by the City Mayors Foundation. He is also the recipient of the President’s Award from the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Humanitarian Award from the Canadian Psychological Association for his contribution to community mental health.
Before his election, Nenshi served as Canada’s first tenured professor of non-profit management at the Bissett School of Business at Mount Royal University. Prior to entering academia, he worked as a management consultant for the global consulting firm McKinsey & Company and ran his own firm, Ascend Group. His client list included the United Nations, where he explored how corporations can assist the world’s poorest people, and the Gap. Today, Nenshi is a well-known voice on urban issues, having presented to audiences across Canada and the world, including the World Economic Forum.

About the series
Global Reads is a book club series where participants can connect and learn together with other globally minded professionals. Global Reads primarily explores recent works focused on international affairs, policy, or practice—with an emphasis on innovation, new voices, and diverse perspectives. Notable leaders and thinkers from the international affairs, global development, and allied sectors facilitate lively and inclusive discussions, providing a structure for collaborative interpretation, learning, and growth.
Join Global Reads to:

Forge new connections with likeminded, globally focused thinkers
Encounter inspiring, challenging, and unconventional ideas
Gain a fresh perspective on your work
Reignite your professional development goals

Register Today!

Unlocking Development Finance: Canada’s Role in African and Emerging Economies
2024-01-30 13:30 - 16:00 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
African countries, with their diverse resources, burgeoning potential for renewable energy, and rich pool of human capital, face significant challenges in accessing affordable financing and making progress across various sectors. The continent finds itself at a crucial juncture, grappling with pressing issues such as sustainable development, a mounting debt crisis, and the imperative transition towards a greener future. However, the current geopolitical landscape presents the opportunity for a stronger partnership between Canada and Africa, supported by concrete and sustainable action, particularly in the areas of development finance and investments.
On January 30, AKFC and ONE Campaign in Canada are hosting an event to outline and discuss how Canada can play a more prominent role in shaping an inclusive international financial ecosystem to address climate change and development, as well as deepen investments and engagement with African countries, benefiting both Africa and the global economy.
At this event, we hope to:

Convene stakeholders, allies, and partners to review and discuss the status of Canada’s position within the international development and climate finance landscape

Socialize the powerful narrative that advocates for the timely mobilization of low-cost finance toward Africa. This includes addressing issues such as climate, health, decent jobs, food security, pandemic preparedness and recovery, and overall development

Discuss options for a long-term increase in Canada’s investment in Africa, and how Canada can be a champion of Multilateral Development Bank reforms and expansion to address urgent development needs and the climate crisis.

Explore how FinDev could play an expanded role in Canada’s Africa Strategy, and assess Canada’s progress around innovative and blended finance.

Speakers:

Cheryl Urban

Assistant Deputy Minister, Sub-Saharan Africa, Global Affairs Canada

Chris Clubb

Managing Director – Convergence

James Irungu Mwangi

Executive Director, Dalberg Group and Founder, Climate Action Platform for Africa

Nancy Lee

Senior Policy Fellow and Director of Sustainable Development Finance – Center for Global Development

Pranay Samson

Director, Innovative Finance – Plan International Canada

Stanley Achonu

Nigeria Country Director – ONE Campaign

Tyler Meredith

Senior Fellow Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy – Munk school University of Toronto

Moderated by Adrian Harewood

Associate Professor, Carleton University
Additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.
Key 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.
In-person attendees are invited to arrive by1:30 p.m. EDT to network and enjoy light refreshments.

Register Today!

Questions? Contact akfc.events@akdn.org
