Learn about the difference we're making globally

Hear life-changing stories told by Canadian immigrants and refugees. Network with professionals who work in the fields of sustainability and international development. Join a hackathon to learn more about local groups working on UN Sustainable Development Goals.

These activities and more are part of International Development Week, being recognized at the University of Calgary with a series of virtual events between Feb. 6 and Feb. 12. 

International Development Week, established in 1991 by Global Affairs Canada, is a uniquely Canadian way of engaging Canadians on global issues. The week offers an opportunity to pause and acknowledge Canadian contributions to poverty reduction and international humanitarian assistance in the developing world.

By leveraging UCalgary's research and academic strengths with United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, the university aims to improve conditions of communities in low- and middle-income countries, create sustainable impact through innovation, build capacity and share knowledge.

Canadian individuals, the Government of Canada and civil society organizations mark this week. They organize hundreds of activities across the country and abroad. Once again, this year’s theme is Go for the Goals, with an emphasis on gender equality, health and climate change. UCalgary has supported and organized the following events in celebration of International Development Week 2021.

Global perspectives, local action: Community Asset SDG Hackathon

The Alberta Council for Global Co-operation invites post-secondary students to participate in Community Asset SDG Hackathons, focused on identifying groups in their on- and off-campus communities currently addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). These three-hour events will help youth to learn what work is already being done in their community, and provide a resource list for community members interested in volunteering and becoming engaged in addressing the SDGs. The hackathons will take place on Feb. 6, from 1 to 4 p.m. Participation spaces are limited so register today. And don’t worry — no coding experience is needed!

• Date: Saturday, Feb. 6
• Time: 1-4 p.m.
• Location: Zoom
• Register here

World’s Challenge Challenge semi-final

Nine UCalgary teams will pitch their solutions to global challenges to move on to the UCalgary World’s Challenge Challenge Final. The winning team will compete with students from around the world at the Global Final hosted by Western University, where they will have the chance to win $30,000 to support the implementation of their idea.

The World’s Challenge Challenge is an initiative of Western University that aims to bring together students from a wide range of institutions, cultures and continents to form a strong international network and create even greater potential solutions to significant global issues.

Careers in sustainability and international development

Jumpstart your career! Are you a UCalgary undergraduate or graduate student? Join us for an evening of networking with local sustainability and international development professionals. Groups of students will rotate through online breakout rooms hosted by professionals.

• Date: Thursday, Feb. 11
• Time: 5-6:30 p.m.
• Location: Zoom
• Register here

Breaking borders: Stories told by Canadian immigrants and refugees

Hosted by the Sustainable Development Goals Alliance, this event showcases unique stories told by Canadian Immigrants and Refugees on sustainable development.

• Date: Friday, Feb. 12
• Time: 5 p.m.
• Location: Zoom
• Register here