Aga Khan Foundation Canada

Where Dreams Meet Real Opportunities: A Fireside Chat with Ziyaan Virji
2026-02-03 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Toronto) | Zoom
Discover how your dreams can meet real opportunities! Join us on February 3 for a fireside chat with Ziyaan Virji, Founder of Leaders of Today.

What does it really take to turn an idea into impact?
Ziyaan Virji is a young social entrepreneur who turned a simple Google Sheet into Leaders of Today — a global platform helping tens of thousands of young people access scholarships, fellowships, and opportunities around the world.
What started as a way for one youth to keep track of opportunities grew into a movement accessed over 3 million times, now reaching 50,000+ young leaders through a weekly newsletter and digital platform built by youth, for youth.
In this conversation, Ziyaan will share:

How he got started before he felt “ready”

What actually worked (and what didn’t) along the way

How young people can turn their interests into real-world impact

Practical advice for navigating opportunities in education, leadership, and social change

Whether you’re curious about social entrepreneurship, global issues, or just figuring out your next step, this session is designed to be honest, interactive, and grounded in real experience.
This event is virtual via Zoom.
Please note that this event will be offered in English.
Questions? akfc.education@akdn.org
Register Today!

Featured Speaker

Ziyaan Virji, Founder & CEO, Leaders of Today
Ziyaan is a 24-year-old award-winning social entrepreneur and speaker. At 15, he founded For the Menstruator, an initiative advancing menstrual equity that has reached over 25,000 people across 10 countries. His work spans climate, health, and education, collectively impacting more than half a million people worldwide. Ziyaan has spoken at TEDx and the United Nations and is a recipient of the Princess Diana Award.

From Testing to Transformation: SMO Innovation in Practice
2026-02-24 13:30 - 15:30 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
An interactive gathering where small and medium organizations share lessons from testing, adapting, and advancing innovation in practice.

Join us for an in-person, interactive gathering celebrating the creativity, resilience, and impact of small and medium organizations (SMOs) in Canada’s international cooperation sector.
English, French and Spanish interpretation will be provided.
This event, co-hosted by Aga Khan Foundation Canada and the Fund for Innovation and Transformation (FIT), will spotlight real-world experiences from SMO innovators as they share lessons from testing, adapting, and advancing innovation in practice.
Through participatory dialogue and creative activities, you will discover practical insights and inspiring examples of innovation in action while connecting with SMO leaders and peers across sectors, fostering meaningful collaboration. The event provides a supportive platform where SMOs can speak confidently about innovation, gender equality, community collaboration, and adaptation. It is designed as a pluralistic, inclusive space that values dialogue, relationship-building, and shared learning.
This event is an opportunity to feel energized, inspired, and connected. Come ready to explore new ideas and celebrate the human side of innovation in Canada’s international cooperation ecosystem.
Questions? Contact akfc.events@akdn.org
Register

Global Leadership Program Information Session 2026
2026-05-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Curious about the Global Leadership Program? Join our virtual info session on May 4 to learn more and get your questions answered live.

This session will walk you through the application process, program structure, and what to expect from the immersive in-person residency in Ottawa. You’ll also learn more about alumni engagement opportunities and how the program continues beyond the residency.
You’ll hear directly from AKFC staff, program facilitators, and alumni, who will share their experiences and insights. Bring your questions or submit them in advance when registering — we’ll answer them live.
Register

Want to explore more before the session? Visit our website to review program details, FAQs, and to start your application.
Global Leadership Program application deadline: May 19 at 11:59 PM ET
We look forward to seeing you at the information session — and to welcoming the next cohort of leaders working toward a more peaceful, prosperous, and pluralist world.
Questions? Contact AKFC-GlobalLeadershipProgram@akdn.org

Global Ivey Day: The Role of Canadian Leaders in the World
2026-05-14 17:30 - 20:30 | Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6, Canada
Join us and the Ivey Business School, Alumni Network: Ottawa Chapter on May 14 in Ottawa to explore ‘The Role of Canadian Leaders in the World’ as part of Global Ivey Day.
The evening will include featured conversation led by Khalil Z. Shariff, CEO of Aga Khan Foundation Canada, alongside reflections from Bryan Benjamin, Executive Director of Ivey Executive Education.
Register

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026
Location: Aga Khan Foundation Canada, Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 1K6 (Enter from Sussex or Boteler Street)
Cost: $40.00 person. Guests and non-alum are welcome.
Parking: No parking onsite. Please use street parking on Dalhousie, Gilberte-Paquette or Bolton.

Schedule:

5:30 p.m. – Reception. Food will be served (only non-alcoholic beverages will be served)
6:30 p.m. – Keynote with Khalil Z. Shariff
7:30 p.m. – Networking and tours of the building

Global Ivey Day
Global Ivey Day is an annual worldwide celebration bringing together Ivey Business School alumni, faculty, and students to network, reconnect, and celebrate their shared community through local events. It showcases the global reach of Ivey alumni and includes activities like professional development, thoughtful discussions and bringing people together.
