International Development Week
International Development Week (IDW) is a nationwide moment to explore how Canadians are shaping a more just, inclusive and sustainable world. Continue reading for a list of events being hosted in partnership with ACGC and funded by Global Affairs Canada.
From February 1 to 7, 2026, ACGC and community partners across Alberta are hosting conversations, live events, and creative programming that connect global issues to local action.
2026 Theme: Prosperity through Partnership
IDW is a chance to acknowledge Canadian contributions to poverty reduction, sustainable development, and the ongoing global effort to achieve the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
About International Development Week
Established in 1991, IDW brings together civil society organizations, schools, businesses, government agencies, and the general public to highlight Canadian contributions to international development initiatives. Learn more about International Development Week here.
Take this opportunity to:
- Inform: Learn about the impact of international assistance.
- Inspire: Hear stories of resilience and change.
- Get Involved: Discover how you can contribute to the SDGs.
- Celebrate: Acknowledge our collective global impact.
2026 Top 30 Under 30
Join ACGC as we officially induct the new cohort and celebrate 15 years of youth leadership in Alberta! The Class of 2026 features outstanding young people who understand that lasting change is driven by collaboration, partnership, and centering the voices of those most impacted. The 15th Anniversary theme is “Harnessing the Power of Connection to Create Lasting Change.” Hosted by 2025 Top 30 alumni, Benjamin Kucher and Harveen Saini, and the event will feature speeches from dignitaries, a 15th anniversary panel discussion, and a Keynote Address by 2020 Top 30 alum Khalid Hashi.
- Date: Saturday, February 7th, 2026
- Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM MST
- Location: Fort Edmonton Park, Edmonton (Capitol Theatre & Blatchford Hangar) and virtual option available.
Tickets are free but limited. Reserve yours now to join the celebration!
University of Alberta I-Week
Join the University of Alberta as they celebrate International Week from February 2-7. View the full lineup here. This year, ACGC is proud to partner with University of Alberta International (UAI) for two events, see below for details:
ACGC x UAI Accessibility in Action Fireside Chat
Join us for an insightful fireside chat that explores the critical intersections of inclusive design and international development. Featuring a panel of experts from the University of Alberta and the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation, this session will examine the best practices and challenges of ensuring accessibility within global NGO programming. Whether you are joining us in person at the Alberta School of Business or via the live stream, you will gain practical perspectives on driving meaningful change and fostering thriving, equitable communities worldwide.
Date: Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM MST
Location: Business 1-06, University of Alberta, Edmonton
This is a free community event sponsored by UAI and ACGC.
ACGC x UAI Documentary Screening: Stop Filming Us
How do we move past Western stereotypes to see the “real” Congo? Stop Filming Us explores the struggle of young artists and filmmakers in Goma (DRC) as they reclaim their own narrative from the “Western gaze.” This provocative screening investigates the power dynamics of international storytelling and will be followed by a live panel discussion on the ethics of representation.
Date: Wednesday, February 4th, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM MST
Location: Metro Cinema at the Garneau, Edmonton
This is a free community event sponsored by UAI and ACGC, in partnership with NorthwestFilmFest.
Mental Health Ecuador: Mental Health First Aid Training
This three-workshop series (in English only) is designed to help institutions, professionals, and global-development practitioners explore exactly the shift towards prioritizing mental health. Through the introduction of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, lived-experience storytelling, and frontline insights from international aid workers, participants will learn how to integrate mental-health awareness into their work in practical, culturally grounded, and sustainable ways. The goal is simple: to build organizations and communities that are not only effective, but also compassionate, resilient, and human-centered.
Date: February 3rd-5th, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM MST
Location: Virtual
Learn Peace Canada: Empowering Women Empowers Change
Empowering Women Empowers Change explores the critical role of female leadership in building strong, inclusive communities. This online session highlights how collaboration, empathy, and empowerment enable women to lead meaningful community-based change.
Designed for nonprofits, community leaders, youth, and individuals engaged in international development, the session emphasizes empowering women and girls as key drivers of peace and social transformation, aligned with SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
Date: Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM MST
Location: Virtual
Learn Peace Canada x Expand Hope: Empowering Women 4 Peace
Empowering Women 4 Peace – Expand Hope: One School at a Time highlights how empowering women and girls through education drives lasting change in communities impacted by poverty and conflict. The session connects female leadership, education, and peacebuilding as essential pillars for sustainable development.
Presented in collaboration with Expand Hope One School at a Time, this event is part of International Development Week (IDW) and is supported by a digital storytelling initiative, including: 1-hour educational and interactive workshop
Date: Thursday, February 5th, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM MST
Location: Virtual
Pamir Canadian Multiculturalism Council: Global Connections – Local Voices for a Sustainable Future
Pamir Canadian Multiculturalism Council (PCMC) is hosting “Global Connections: Local Voices for a Sustainable Future”, an in-person community gathering that brings together youth, newcomers, families, and grassroots leaders to learn about Canada’s role in international development and explore the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event will include a short panel discussion with local voices, youth perspectives, cultural storytelling, and interactive SDG learning stations (e.g., climate action, quality education, gender equality, and partnerships). Our goal is to strengthen global citizenship and show how local actions connect to global development.
Date: Saturday, February 7th, 2026
Time: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM MST
Location: Multipurpose Room B, Genesis Centre, Calgary
Black Canadian Women in Action: Opportunities for Black Women Entrepreneurs Engaging with Africa
This virtual event will highlight opportunities, partnerships, and emerging considerations for Black women entrepreneurs interested in doing business in Africa. Through expert presentations and a panel discussion, the session will explore global trends, collaboration pathways, and practical insights aligned with Canada–Africa Strategy.
Date: Saturday, February 7th, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM MST
Location: Virtual
Edmonton Public Library Booklist
As an annual tradition, ACGC partners with the Edmonton Public Library to curate an IDW-themed booklist for 2026. ACGC and EPL aim to celebrate IDW by engaging communities with stories and ideas that shape global progress. This booklist encourages everyone to explore, reflect, and take part in building a more peaceful and prosperous planet.
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FOLLOW ACGC on social media for daily spotlights during the last week of January. Keep following in February for the 2026 Top 30 Under 30 social media campaign.
