2025 marked the 35th International Development Week (IDW), an annual Canadian tradition to inform, inspire, get involved, and celebrate Canadian contributions to eradicating poverty worldwide. Together, we are building a more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous future. This year, the IDW theme was Building a better world together.
See all the ways AKFC celebrated IDW this year.
International Development Week: A youth-led day and insight exchange
In partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada (JGIC), we hosted a youth-led day of dynamic conversation, networking, and presentations related to intersecting challenges and opportunities in global development. On Saturday, February 8, 2025, we gathered at the Centre for Social Innovation- Spadina, in the heart of downtown Toronto.
We began with youth-led roundtable discussions supported by our colleagues at CARE Canada, WUSC, Youth Challenge International, and Oxfam Canada. Mishika Khurana, a member of AKFC’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) hosted a roundtable on sexual and reproductive health and rights Muzhda Akbari – also a member of our YAC – led a conversation on economic empowerment. Ayesha Ali, a member of the Reach Alliance, moderated a conversation on climate resilience.
While AKFC hosted these roundtables, our colleagues at JGIC concurrently hosted a panel discussion on conservation, featuring youth leaders from across Ontario. Participants were then led through a collaborative reflection exercise, facilitated by Sarah Febbraro, Youth Programmer at the Art Gallery of Ontario.
In the afternoon, we hosted an insight exchange, which connected people from across sectors, generations, and career paths. The curated networking opportunity encouraged attendees to discuss learnings, ambitions, and potential collaborations with one another.
“Walking into the insight exchange was electric,” shared Tegan Macfarlane, Resource Mobilization Coordinator at AKFC.
“Being around so many passionate young professionals instilled me with hope for the future. Watching the exchange of ideas proved how imperative it is to involve youth in conversations about the future. The attendees were the next generation of changemakers, and they were more than ready for the opportunity to connect, learn, and inspire.”
Exploring careers in the sector
Sophia Mirzayee, AKFC’s Education and Youth Engagement Officer, joined a panel hosted by the Ontario Council for International Cooperation.
Aimed at students and individuals looking to into new career paths, “The Road Ahead: Exploring Careers in the International Cooperation Sector” featured a group of diverse professionals who offered their insights and perspectives on building a career in the international cooperation and humanitarian sectors.
“The sector is constantly evolving as the world faces increasingly complex political, economic, social, and environmental challenges. Starting and sustaining a career in this field remains both challenging and rewarding,” reflected Sophia.
“One key takeaway from my engagement in this dialogue is that career paths are often more precarious and winding than straightforward. Further, the ability to remain adaptable and responsive will be crucial as AI and other technological advancements continue to shape our work. Above all, the work we do must remain grounded in ethics, care, and a steadfast commitment to the collective well-being of both people and the planet.”
Building a better world together: Youth perspectives
As part of International Development Week, AKFC’s Youth Advisory Committee wrote an article highlighting the vital role that young people play in building a more inclusive and sustainable world.
“We are not only key stakeholders in this process, but we are future leaders and decision-makers. Our lives will be affected by the policies created. Our ability to adapt to evolving technologies, build meaningful connections, and our passion for creating change makes us important contributors.”
