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On February 7 at Lakeshore Campus, Humber College took part in Global Affairs Canada’s International Development Week (IDW), established in 1991, as a uniquely Canadian tradition that celebrates contributions to poverty reduction and international humanitarian assistance in the developing world.

Hosted by the International Development Institute, in partnership with Humber’s Office of Sustainability, the event called ‘Sustainable Change: Your Guide to Taking Action’ brought the Humber community together to gain a wider global perspective and share their experiences and ideas on ways to reduce poverty and inequality.

The event kicked-off with a message from Member of Parliament Celina Caesar-Chavannes who congratulated the college’s internationalization efforts and reminded us of the responsibility Humber has to mobilize global citizens. Other events included a United Nations training on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and a panel discussion about gender equality moderated by Humber alumnus, TV and radio host and World Food Programme Ambassador George Stroumboulopoulos (check out the videos below capturing the full day events).

Inspired to take action on the SDGs, hundreds of attendees visited the non-profit marketplace, where over 15 international and community-based organizations provided information on ways to make the world a better place and contribute to a sustainable future. Many took to social media to share their experiences, values and concerns on the future of the world. Here are some highlights:

George Stromboulopoulos

Watch the video and hear George Stroumboulopoulos talk about Humber's International Development Week and his role in the World Food Programme.

International Development Week 2018

Watch the video to learn about how Humber celebrated International Development Week.

female student standing beside display

Jamie Cross @jamiesoncross - Feb 7
Of all the SDGs., #13 Climate action is one that to me personally is a major priority. I think it is key for creating any type of sustainable change and is an area that we here in Canada can contribute to on a daily basis #IDWHumber #CANYoth4SDGs

3 male students standing together

JAYU @JayuCanada - Feb 7
We're here today at @humbercollege promoting our programming and @strombo stopped by to check out some of the stories from our iAM program. Hear the stories at jayu.ca/iam2017 #IDWHumber

female student holding a sign

Marley @marleyrae_xo - Feb 7
The SDG that is most important to me is #4 Quality Education, because Education can change the world! #CANHouth4SDGs #IDWHumber

A big thank you to our speakers, volunteers and attendees who are doing their part to contributing to building a better, more inclusive, peaceful and prosperous world. Join us for the next edition of IDW, which will take place from February 3 to 9, 2019.

Live stream of International Development Week - Sustainable Change: Your Guide to Taking Action

 

United Nations Training on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

 

Panel Discussion: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, moderated by George Stroumboulopoulos

people at IDI week
group of people sitting in chairs in a discussion
2 female presenters
people checking out the booths at IDW week
george stroumboulopoulos
female and male standing in front of a booth at IDW week

Schedule

United Nations Training on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  • 9:30 am - 11:30 am
  • G Building

Back by popular demand, the UN SDG Training provides practical tools for youth on advocacy and local implementation of the SDG. The training is implemented by FES (Foundation for Environmental Stewardship), a youth-led non-profit who has partnered with 23 United Nations entities to mobilize 10,000 Canadian youth through trainings in colleges and universities across Canada in 2017. Keynote speaker Julie Marshall from the World Food Programme will share how her organization is working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience.

Participants will received a certificate of participation. Space in limited.

For a sneak peak, here is the introduction video to the SDGs and the training. 

a girl walking in village


Non-Profit Marketplace

  • 11 am - 4 pm
  • L Building, Cafeteria

Sign up, speak out and take action on the SDGs! Visit with representatives from NGOs and community-based organizations who are contributing to the SDGs to find out ways to get involved. This is a great opportunity to discover your next internship, volunteer placement or cause to get behind.

Meet special guest, radio and TV personality and World Food Programme Ambassador, George Stroumboulopoulos who will have a live social media stream from the event!

2 students sitting at a table


Panel Discussion: SDG #5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

  • 1:30 pm - 3pm
  • G Building

Come join special guest, radio and TV personality and World Food Programme Ambassador, George Stroumboulopoulos, as he moderates a panel discussion on the theme ‘Is Change Coming? A look at the current wave of feminist movements and their impact on the rights of women and girls around the globe’. 

In the wake of the remarkable and sometimes shocking events around women’s rights in North America recently, the panel will examine if the rise of women’s voices in the mainstream media and the launch of Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy – both tackling unequal gendered power relations - will contribute to a systemic shift in gender internationally. Panelists will share how their organizations are addressing the root causes of gender inequality nationally and internationally and how their work is contributing to advancing SDG #5.


Speakers Biographies

Click here for the list of speakers, their bios, and participating non-profits.

george stroumboulopoulos

Special guest, radio and TV personality and World Food Programme Ambassador, George Stroumboulopoulos!

female student speaking at a podium

Our Collaborators

World Food Programme logo   Foundation of Environmental Sustainability logo

 Humber Office of Sustainability logo

For more information:

Asha Gervan,
Manager
416-675-6622 ext. 3301
asha.gervan@humber.ca

Jennifer Cleary,
Project Administrator
416-675-6622 ext. 5106
jennifer.cleary@humber.ca