Dialogue on Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy
OCIC’s Dialogue on Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) is organized in partnership with Global Affairs Canada (GAC) at the Centennial College Event Center in Scarborough, Ontario.
One of a series of complementary events convened by Cooperation Canada, l’Association québécoise des organismes de coopération internationale (AQOCI), and the British Columbia Council for International Cooperation (BCCIC), in 2024, it has been curated to provide an opportunity for diverse youth and representatives of OCIC member and other civil society organizations (CSOs) and academic institutions in Ontario with interest, relevant experience and expertise, to share perspectives and influence future possibilities.
Please note that this event is by invitation only.
Event Program
October 30, 2024 | Centennial College Event Centre (937 Progress Avenue, Scarborough, ON M1G 3T8)
10:00 – 10:30 | Participant Arrival & Registration |
10:30 – 11:00 | Welcome Shehara Athukorala Learning and Impact Specialist, OCIC Mishka Watin Membership and Administration Coordinator, OCIC Dr Vida Shehada Professor and International Development Program Coordinator, Centennial College |
11:00 – 12:30 | Introduction Kimberly Gibbons Executive Director, OCIC Aly-Khan Rajani Director, Indo-Pacific Strategy Secretariat, Global Affairs Canada |
Insights Panel Moderator Rano Mansurova Country Representative, Acted Canada Panelists Muzhda Akbari Member, OCIC Youth Policy-Makers Hub; Founder, CodeGreenAfghanistan Mike Bowles Co-Director, Programs and Partnerships (North America), Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC) Naba Gurung Humanitarian Response Coordinator, The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) Najia Zewari Founder, Global Women’s Network | |
12:30 – 1:15 | Lunch |
1:15 – 1:30 | Building Resilience to Disasters through Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy Lisa Swainston Director of Operations, OCIC Karlye Wong Senior Development Officer – DRR, Global Affairs Canada |
1:30 – 3:00 | Participant Dialogue Session
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3:00 – 3:20 | Health Break |
3:20 – 3:50 | Plenary Report-back |
3:50 – 4:00 | Closing Remarks Aly-Khan Rajani Director, Indo-Pacific Strategy Secretariat, Global Affairs Canada Kimberly Gibbons Executive Director, OCIC |
4:00 – 5:00 | Networking Reception |
Light refreshments and lunch will be provided, taking into consideration the dietary needs shared with OCIC during the registration process.
Host Bios
Aly-Khan Rajani
Aly-Khan Rajani (BA Hons [Political Science and International Development], University of Toronto, 2002; MPA [National Security], Royal Military College of Canada, 2013) worked for several years with UN-Habitat, CARE International and CARE Canada in numerous global roles in humanitarian emergency coordination and development program management before joining the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) in 2007.
During his time at Headquarters, Mr. Rajani has been senior adviser on the Afghanistan Task Force and seconded to the Privy Council Office, senior analyst for donor relations, senior adviser to the president of CIDA and departmental liaison to the Office of the Minister of International Development. Mr. Rajani’s assignments overseas have included Cairo and Beirut as head of cooperation and New Delhi as head of advocacy and public affairs and acting head of political and economic affairs for Mumbai. He recently completed his term as Canada’s Ambassador to the Republic of South Sudan and currently serves as the director for regional coordination, policy and planning of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy Secretariat at Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa.
Kimberly Gibbons
Kimberly Gibbons (she/her) has been the Executive Director of OCIC since 2005. Kimberly believes in supporting community-led development and an enabling environment for civil society organizations, and in mobilizing people in Canada to achieve universal sustainable development. As an active contributor to the Inter-Council Network of Provincial and Regional Councils for International Cooperation (ICN) and Cooperation Canada, a member of the Humber College International Programs Advisory Committee, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) Programs Advisory Committee, Knowledge for Change (K4C) Tkaronto Hub, and Global Affairs Canada Civil Society Partnerships Policy Advisory Group (CPAG), Kimberly is a vocal advocate for meaningful public engagement, and for the role of youth and small and medium-sized organizations (SMOs) in strengthening local to global connections, transformative partnerships, and solidarity.
Kimberly has worked in many formal and non-formal education settings with youth and adults of diverse backgrounds in Asia, Central America, Europe and Canada. She holds a Masters of Education in Adult Education and Transformative Learning from OISE, University of Toronto, and studied human rights at the graduate level at the Commonwealth Institute, University of London, England. Kimberly also has a Bachelor of Arts in International Development and Rural Extension Studies from the University of Guelph and completed her final undergraduate year of study at SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai, India.
Contributor Bios
Muzhda Akbari
Muzhda is a dedicated education and refugee rights activist and the founder of CodeGreenAfg (Afghanistan), a platform committed to advocating and providing educational resources to marginalized communities, particularly Afghan girls. She is also a member of the Ontario Council for International Cooperation’s Youth Policy Makers Hub (YPH), where she collaborates with other young leaders in Ontario to influence policy and drive meaningful change. Muzhda’s advocacy extends to roles with UNICEF Canada and the Aga Khan Foundation’s Youth Advisory Board, promoting inclusive education and advocacy efforts. She has represented Afghan youth at the UN Commission on the Status of Women and is passionate about creating spaces where every girl feels empowered to lead.
Shehara Athukorala
Shehara Athukorala (she/her) is a development professional with over 12 years of experience working with various donors, government institutions, non-profits, electoral management bodies, civil society, and community-based organizations in areas such as governance and advocacy, electoral reform, human rights, and inclusion of gender, disability, and youth in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Papua New Guinea. Shehara is a lawyer by profession (in Sri Lanka) and holds an Honours degree in Bachelor of Law from the University of Staffordshire, United Kingdom, and a post-graduate Certificate in International Development from Humber College. Prior to joining OCIC Shehara worked for the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) in Sri Lanka in various capacities, including as Program Manager for six years. At OCIC, Shehara provides leadership in capacity building programming, OCIC communities of practice, and monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL). She also represents OCIC at the Inter-Council Network of Provincial and Regional Councils (ICN) MEL Committee.
Mike Bowles
Mike Bowles is Co-Director of Programs and Partnerships, North America, with the Aga Khan Foundation Canada. Since joining AKF in 2005, Mike has held senior roles in programs and partnerships based in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Switzerland and Canada. From 2011 to 2024, prior to taking up his current role, Mike was a member of AKF’s Global Program Team co-leading its work and enterprise portfolio across Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Mike currently oversees AKF partnerships with GAC, World Bank, and other development partners in Canada and the USA. Mike holds a BPAPM from Carleton University, and an MA from the University of Guelph.
Venus Fung
Venus Fung (MA International Affairs [Diplomacy and Foreign Policy], Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, 2022; BA (Hons) Communications Studies, University of Calgary, 2019), is a policy analyst in the Indo-Pacific Strategy Secretariat’s Strategic Policy and Planning Unit at Global Affairs Canada. She has previously held roles in the department’s Greater China Political Division, as well as the public affairs and academic relations divisions of Canada’s High Commission to Australia in Canberra, ACT. Before joining the department, Ms. Fung was a budding communications and digital marketing professional, having worked for organizations including the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, the Canada West Foundation, the U.S. Consulate General in Calgary, and the University of Calgary. She was also a Young Professional Fellow with the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada – an alumna of the first cohort.
Naba Gurung
Naba Gurung is the Humanitarian Response Coordinator at The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF). He served on the Board of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and is actively involved in their Program Working Group. He has been serving on the Advisory Committee of the International Development Program at Centennial College. As a skilled humanitarian with nearly 3 decades of experience, Mr. Gurung nurtured partnerships and coordinated projects in various conflict and climate-induced emergencies globally. Naba holds Master of Science degree from the Center for International Environment and Development Studies, Norwegian University of Life Sciences. Originally from Nepal, Naba remains engaged in the Nepali Diaspora community in Canada and globally, especially around humanitarian issues.
Sarah Judd
Sarah Judd (she/her) joined OCIC in November 2022 as the Communications and Content Specialist. Sarah has a Bachelors of International Development from Humber College. During her time at Humber she led a campaign for Humber to become designated as a Fair Trade Campus by committing to sourcing Fairtrade certified products. Her previous experiences include building partnerships across the fair trade and social enterprise sector and working with students and educators at a community environmental non-profit. She brings communications, marketing and partnership-building skills to OCIC. She is an advocate for climate justice, human-centered development, and a fair and just economy.
Dr. Rano Mansurova
Dr. Rano Mansurova has over 20 years of experience in international development, focusing on humanitarian response, sustainable practices, and peace efforts. As the Country Representative for Acted Canada she oversees missions in Bangladesh, the Philippines, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, and Myanmar, collaborating closely with local teams to empower civil society and promote the 3Zero vision (zero exclusion, zero poverty, and zero carbon).
Rano has a strong background in strategic planning, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement. Her ability to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders and her commitment to values-driven leadership make her a key contributor to dialogues on Triple Nexus Programming.
Rano holds a Doctorate from the Medical University of Abu Ali ibn Sino, a Postgraduate Diploma from the Child and Mother Protection Institute, and a Master’s degree in World Economy from the Commercial University of Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
Sid Naidu
Sid Naidu uses the camera to tell stories at the intersections of culture and change. As a media producer and creative entrepreneur, he builds and manages social impact projects to strengthen the representation of underserved communities and amplify important narratives. With close to a decade of experience working across different sectors, his creative agency supports civic institutions, non-profits, and cultural brands through media production, grant fundraising and digital marketing. Sid Naidu has been championing Toronto’s East for over five years through the Scarborough Made project. The social impact initiative, which focuses on documentary storytelling, public art, and creative employment for BIPOC youth, has raised over 250K for arts, culture and economic development. His photography and journalistic approach to storytelling have been published in Complex Canada, The Globe and Mail, The Narwhal, PhotoEd Magazine, and more. Sid recently launched “Change Made,” a new social enterprise focused on strengthening solutions-driven storytelling to build capacity and strengthen Canada’s creative economy.
Dr. Vida Shehada
Dr. Vida Shehada is a Professor and Program Coordinator for the International Development Postgraduate Program at Centennial College. She served as a Board Director for the Ontario Council for International Cooperation (OCIC) from 2016 to 2022 and for FCJ Refugees from 2014 to 2018. Currently, she is Vice President of the Canadian Association for the Study of International Development (CASID).
Dr. Shehada earned her Ph.D. as a Fulbright Scholar at the School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) at Rutgers University, New Jersey, and holds a Master’s degree in Democracy and Human Rights. She has held research and teaching positions, including serving as a dissertation advisor, at both Rutgers University and the State University of New York (SUNY) at Binghamton. Additionally, Dr. Shehada has collaborated with numerous NGOs on initiatives promoting gender equality, human rights, and organizational capacity building.
Lisa Swainston
Lisa Swainston (she/her) has worked at OCIC since 2008 in a number of capacities. In her role as Director of Operations she is responsible for developing and implementing operational processes and procedures that better enable the staff and Council to achieve our strategic directions and funded programs. Lisa also supports financial and administrative management of all operations, oversees membership renewal and development, and provides direction on operational and member service activities. Outside of OCIC Lisa is a Board Director for Amnesty International Toronto, and is an advocate for human rights, social justice, equality and inclusion, with a strong interest in Indigenous rights and corporate accountability. Lisa has an Honours B.A. with majors in Criminology and Sociology and minors in French and Indigenous Studies (formerly called Aboriginal Studies) from the University of Toronto, and Certificates in Project Management from Humber College; Fundraising and Volunteer Management, and Practical Management Strategies from George Brown College. Lisa has taken several courses in Organizational Management and Human Resources from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson).
Pragya Tikku
Pragya Tikku (she/her) is a development professional with extensive experience across civil society and the United Nations. Since November 2022, she has been working with the Ontario Council for International Cooperation (OCIC) as their Community Engagement and Gender Equality Specialist. Previously, she served as a Consultant for Inter-Governmental Processes, Humanitarian Action, and Women, Peace, and Security with UN Women India. Pragya holds a Master’s in Public Policy from McGill University and a Master’s in Human Development and Childhood Studies from the University of Delhi. With her academic background and professional experience, her expertise lies in development and policy issues impacting women and children, particularly in Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment, Child Rights, and Women, Peace, and Security.
Mishka Watin
Mishka Watin (she/her) holds postgraduate certificates in International Development and Marketing Management from Centennial College and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of the Philippines. Before joining OCIC, Mishka co-founded a volunteer group in the Philippines and led various community-centered initiatives focused on Permaculture, education, mental health, environmental conservation and rehabilitation, and cultural preservation. Her work included leading advocacy campaigns, providing expressive and eco-therapies to street children and victims of abuse and trafficking, creating therapeutic and educational spaces for underprivileged youth, and teaching social sciences. Mishka is also an experienced graphic designer and has served as a communications and CSR officer for Permaculture-inspired hotels and museums while acting as the lead conservation educator at a nature sanctuary. At OCIC, Mishka primarily drives member engagement, manages membership processes, provides administrative and logistical support, and assists with fund diversification efforts, communications, MEAL activities, and organizational development.
Karlye Wong
Karlye Wong is the Disaster Risk and Resilience Lead for the Indo-Pacific Strategy at Global Affairs Canada. Previously, Karlye managed the Climate Finance portfolio for the Tanzania program. Previously, she worked as a consultant with various NGOs and the World Bank in Dar es Salaam on climate adaptation, WASH, and water management projects. She has had 15 years of experience working on infrastructure and environmental projects in 25 countries, including the Canadian Arctic.
She holds a Master’s in Civil Engineering with a Collaborative Specialization in Environmental Health from the University of Toronto, and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Engineering and Public Health/Life Sciences from Queen’s University. Her expertise includes climate adaptation, integrated water management, environmental risk management and impact assessments, and technology adoption.
Najia Zewari
Najia is the founder of the Global Women’s Network (GWN). GWN is a grassroots initiative organized out of many consultations with immigrant and refugee women from diverse ethnocultural communities in Toronto, Canada. She has a wealth of international experience, working with non-government organizations and the United Nations in Afghanistan and Pakistan on gender equality, advocacy, institutional capacity development, and policy and law reform. Since she came to Canada ten years ago, she has been transferring the knowledge and experiences she has gained to the communities of the GWN. She has faced many struggles and turbulent experiences as a woman, but she drew her strength from these, sustaining her passion and commitment to peace, social justice, and gender equality. Najia is also the founder of the Women’s Cycling Network grass-root organization and aims to have an inclusive society for those who identify as female to feel safe and enjoy free mobility while working to challenge the concept of what it means to be a cyclist.
Najia’s volunteer and community services include being an instructor at the Toronto Centre for Community Learning & Development, Founder of Global Women’s Network, Founder of Women’s Cycling Network, Co-founder, Executive, and Advisory Committee Member, Afghan Women Network, Afghanistan Co-Capitan Cycle Don Valley Midtown. She is also the winner of Awards: Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award in January 2023, the Don Valley West Service Award by MPP in March 2023, and the King Charles III Award of Excellence in Sports in January 2024.
Click the following links for relevant reading and resources connected to Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.
Commuting via the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) | The campus is accessible by bus from different parts of the city. The following TTC transit lines have routes that pass near Centennial College – Progress Campus: Regular Buses 134, 134B, 134D, 102, 102A, and Express Buses 902, 902S, 903A, 920, 921. The nearest bus stops include:
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Commuting by GO Transit
| The Pickering GO Bus 41 that runs from Hamilton Go to Pickering Go has a stop directly at Centennial College Progress Campus. More information on the Centennial College GO Bus Station. The closest GO regional train stations to Centennial College Progress Campus is Guildwood and Eglinton on the GO Lakeshore East line and Kennedy and Agincourt on the GO Stoufville line. All of these train stations are a few kilometres away and you will still need to travel by car or transit to the venue. |
Travelling by VIA Rail | The VIA Rail Ontario-Québec line services specific stations between Windsor and Québec City. The closest VIA station is Guildwood, which is about 7km away from Centennial College Progress Campus. The next larger station is Toronto Union Station which is about 23km away but is in the middle of downtown Toronto with transit options to Centennial College Progress Campus and around the city. |
Vehicle Parking | Clients of the Centennial College Event Centre can park in Lot 3, which is located north of the building. If the parking lot is full, clients can park at 940 Progress Avenue, and walk across the road to the Event Centre. |
Accessibility | If you are at Progress Campus and in need of a wheelchair, please visit the Campus Security Office located in Room C1-04. You may also dial 416-289-5000, Ext. 5240. |
The event will be a mask-friendly environment for all participants. While not mandating the use of masks, we ask all participants to review the most recent Government of Canada and provincial guidance on COVID-19 and other communicable illnesses and kindly request that you refrain from attending should you have any symptoms or related concerns.
All participants are also requested to review the OCIC Anti-Oppression and Anti-Racism Policy, and the OCIC Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment Policy available on the About Us page in advance of the event, and to act accordingly throughout the event and in all following engagements with the Council and its members.
Questions? Contact Mishka Watin, OCIC Membership and Administration Coordinator, by email at mishka@ocic.on.ca
OCIC is committed to creating a safe and inclusive space. We ask all participants to commit to the following Code of Conduct, inspired by those of the Inter-Council Network (ICN) and Amnesty Canada, and adapted for OCIC’s content and approach to this event.
1 | RESPECT, I COMMIT to being respectful to all participants regardless of language, race, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, ability, and any other identity or belief, throughout this event. I understand that any discrimination or harassment will not be tolerated. |
2 | INCLUSION, I COMMIT to creating space for all to contribute and participate, to give prominence to the voices and stories of those who might be systemically excluded, and to make space for those that are more appropriately positioned to contribute. |
3 | HUMILITY, I COMMIT to participating with a spirit of openness to learn and a recognition of the broad diversity of participants. I recognize that creating space for lived experiences to inform this space is necessary and that hearing others’ stories is a privilege. |
4 | SAFETY, I COMMIT to ensuring the physical, emotional, mental, sexual and spiritual safety of all participants in the sessions, and reporting any incidents of harassment and discrimination to the organizers. |
5 | SOLIDARITY, I COMMIT to seeking common ground and inspiration to support collective action. |
6 | PATIENCE, I COMMIT to being patient with technology, organizers, and each other. I recognize that everyone is on their own journey of learning. |
7 | OPENNESS, I COMMIT to bringing an open heart and an open mind to my involvement in this event. I commit to being open to caring for others and myself, including taking space to decompress and realign my energy if needed. |