This year, the International Development Conference will highlight the theoretical development studies and policy research that play a predominant role in shaping development projects. When concrete, tangible policies and projects are implemented, theory and practice often fail to coincide. Development solutions and initiatives, as well as daily livelihood decisions, executed by an array of actors - from large development players to individual households - affect the lives of citizens and underdeveloped areas throughout the world. As such, critical reflections on ongoing development efforts, common consumption decisions and ingrained aspects of the world economy highlight that, while considerable victories have been attained to achieve a more just, prosperous and equitable world, attempts at reforms and aids are not without their drawbacks.
The controversy surrounding the involvement of religious aid organizations may politicize and undermine efforts to eliminate poverty and obtain relief. Attempts to regulate small scale gold mining, while environmentally necessary, may fail to address the dilemma of gold demand in shaping the persistence of artisans gold mining. Efforts to democratize and increase the transparency of the international trade regime may succeed in incorporating sustainability as a core principal of global commerce, but tedious institutional reform may not reflect the urgency of climate change. Alongside the IDC 2017’s thematic discussions, which will explore these and more concrete development efforts through a critical lens, the conference will also host a selection of Canadian NGOs, businesses, and student researchers to showcase the diversity and innovation of new ideas and efforts shaping the development sectors today.
International Development and Relief Foundation
IDRF (International Development and Relief Foundation) is a Canadian registered charitable organization dedicated to empowering the disadvantaged people of the world. IDRF provides effective humanitarian aid and sustainable development programs, without discrimination, based on the Islamic principles of human dignity, self-reliance, and social justice. www.IDRF.com
Mennonite Central Committe
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is a charitable organization that partners with churches and community organizations worldwide to walk with people who are disadvantaged. We work in partnership in order to meet local needs with local solutions. MCC supports activities in the areas of relief, development and peacebuilding that provide emergency assistance, reduce poverty, and promote healthy communities, sustainable living and alternatives to violence. It is a ministry of Anabaptist churches in Canada and the U.S. which includes Mennonites and Brethren in Christ denominations. www.mcccanada.ca
Compassion Canada
As one of the world’s leading child development organizations, Compassion partners with the local church in 26 countries to end poverty in the lives of children and their families. Today, more than 1.7 million children and their families are discovering lives full of promise and purpose as they develop in all aspects of their lives – minds, bodies and relationships – while discovering God’s love for them in the gospel of Jesus Christ. www.compassion.ca
Fair Trade Toronto
Fair Trade Toronto (FTT) is an independent, volunteer based organization. We promote Fair Trade in the City of Toronto and unify the Fair Trade community in the GTA to increase public awareness. We are also part of a greater Fair Trade organization (Fair Trade Canada) that allows us to connect with the national and international community.
http://fairtradetoronto.ca/about-us/
Results Canada
RESULTS Canada is a global movement of passionate citizens, committed to raising our voices for a world without extreme poverty. We combine the voices of our grassroots advocates with strategic advocacy efforts to leverage millions of dollars for programs and improved policies that give the world’s poorest people the health, education, and opportunity they need to thrive.
https://www.results-resultats.ca/en/
Undercurrent
International Development students are unique: their daily studies are, in base form, explorations of the most daunting challenges the world has ever faced. The questions faced by these individuals are immense; their ability to find answers to them will be pivotal. Entirely student-run, The Undercurrent exists to help Canadian students find those answers. Our flagship peer-reviewed journal publishes the best of undergraduate student writing, and publicizes the student perspective for the academic and practitioner communities.
http://undercurrentjournal.ca/
Hearty Catering
Hearty Catering has been "green" from our beginnings; our use of locally grown and organic food is a major component in creating our delicious cuisine. We are proud to feature the wholesome bounty of local farmers and producers in all our menus. By doing so, we have proven that delicious flavours and good nutrition result from a commitment to supporting local producers and a sustainable food chain. We choose local, organic, seasonal produce whenever possible. We adhere to a code of preparing only naturally and sustainably-raised meats and sourced seafoods. We select our ingredients from local farms and suppliers who emphasize organic and sustainable offerings. Our business practices have been affirmed by our certifications by the Coalition for Canadian Farm Animals, Local Food Plus, and Leaders in Environmentally Accountable Food Service (Level II) and the Ontario Culinary Tourist Association's Feast ON program. Our commitment is to offer nourishing, delicious cuisine that contributes to sustainable food systems and healthy communities.
http://heartycatering.com
Aga Khan
Established in 1980, AKFC is a registered Canadian charity and an agency of the worldwide Aga Khan Development Network, a group of development agencies with individual mandates that address social, economic and cultural dimensions of development. Active in 30 countries, these agencies share a mission to improve living conditions and opportunities for the poor, without regard to their faith, origin or gender.
Equity and Diversity Office, UTSC
In cooperation with its campus partners, the EDO promotes an equitable and inclusive campus community, free from discrimination or harassment based on age, disability, race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, family status, marital status, and / or record of offences.
International Students Centre, UTSC
The International Student Centre at UTSC will be promoting student opportunities for international internships.
