International Development Week 2023

What is International Development Week?

International Development Week (IDW) aims to draw attention to international development and shine a spotlight on Canadians’ contributions to eradicating poverty and to a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world. A unique Canadian tradition that began in 1991, IDW is held annually during the first full week of February.

The week is a whole-of-Canada “coming together” that involves civil society, the private and philanthropic sectors, schools, community organizations and the general public, as well as Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa and at its missions around the world. During IDW, international development stakeholders collectively host over a hundred events from coast to coast to coast and internationally.

#IDW2023

This year’s International Development Week (#IDW2023) will take place from February 5 to 11 and will be celebrated by Global Affairs Canada, its Canadian development partner organizations and Canadians with an array of events and activities across the country. IDW 2023 is expected to feature virtual, in-person and hybrid events to maximize the impact and reach of activities. IDW 2023 will inform, inspire and involve Canadians in Canada’s international development efforts. Its unifying theme, Go for the Goals, calls for Canadians to take action to support the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.


Our Events


Global Citizen Awards Celebration

SCIC's Global Citizen Awards (GCA) are presented annually during International Development Week (IDW). The Awards Ceremony brings people together from across Saskatchewan to learn from one another, to be inspired, and to celebrate the fantastic achievements of people working for a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.

Join us on February 11th, 2023, in Regina to celebrate the 2023 Global Citizen Award nominees and winners!

More information here!


IDW Classroom Art Contest

At SCIC, we believe that art can make people stop and think. Art can move people to action. We believe that art is activism! SCIC's IDW Classroom Art Contest challenges youth to get creative and inspire others using art. Add your voice, along with your classmates’ voices, to a global movement of creating diversity, inclusion, and equality for all. 

The contest is open to all K-12 classrooms in Saskatchewan. Together, classrooms will create art around the themes of diversity, inclusion, and equity.  The winning submission will receive a Global Citizenship Education Classroom Resource Package valued at $1000.

For full details, email: [email protected].

The deadline for submissions is February 1, 2023.


Film Screening & Panel Discussion

SCIC will be screening the documentary The Great Green Wall, to be followed by a panel discussion on the climate crisis at the RPL Film Theatre. The film follows singer Inna Modja as she journeys to the frontline of the climate crisis along Africa's ambitious Great Green Wall, which is taking root in Africa's Sahel region at the southern edge of the Sahara desert. Following the documentary, local activists and academics will discuss how the climate crisis is impacting their lives and what actions can be taken here to address the problem. Refreshments will be provided.


SDG Expo & Multiplier Training

SCIC in partnership with Luther College and LUSA will be holding an SDG expo and training to become an SDG Multiplier. Join us from 10:30-12:30 pm at the RIC Atrium to learn more about the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Chat with campus and community partners who are working on the goals and learn how you can get involved and advance the goals in your community.

From 1:00-4:30 pm, register to become a trained SDG Multiplier. The Multiplier training certifies you to be an SDG facilitator, meaning you can advocate and educate others on the SDG goals with confidence. Sign up now, as space is limited. No cost to participants. Lunch is included.

Register here!


Forward Together: Equitable Public Engagement with the Black Community

We are partnering with the Community Engagement and Research Centre (University of Regina) and Black in Saskatchewan on this event. Get ready for a fun, informative event for Black History Month about equitable public engagement with the Black Community.

Join us at 6:30 pm for some food, entertainment, and fellowship, as well as a panel presentation from leaders in the health, social work, and education fields, who will share their insights on how to engage more authentically and equitably with Black communities.

Register here!


Events from SCIC Members


It’s Time to Tackle Learning Poverty: Will we rise to meet the challenge?

February 9, 2023 - by CODE

Literacy is a gateway that can open the door to a world of opportunities or just as quickly shut it tight. Every day, the doors slams shut for many millions of children in low and middle-income countries around the world. According to the World Bank, a startling 70% of children in low- and middle-income are unable to read proficiently by age 10.  In celebration of Canada’s International Development Week, join our host Nathalie O’Neil for a virtual fireside chat with leading education experts on the issue of Learning Poverty and how we can collectively rise to the challenge of ending it.

More information here!


Resources


SCIC's Reading List for Students

SCIC’s 2023 Reading List for Global Students features books for students from Kindergarten-Grade 12. We encourage all students to become global students by exploring the world through reading! Click here to download the Student Reading List.

 

SCIC's Reading List for Global Readers

SCIC’s 2023 International Development Week Reading List for Global Readers. We encourage all readers to explore books from different perspectives and share them with their family, friends and with us online! Click here to download the Global Reader List.

 

SCIC's Documentary List

SCIC’s 2023 International Development Week Documentary List. After watching, we encourage you to join the conversation online! Use the hashtag #IDW2023 and share what documentary you watched or some of your other favorites that are not on this year's list. Click here to download the Documentary List.

 


IDW 2023 events and programs are undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada provided through Global Affairs Canada.