2024 Theme: From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development

Digitalization is transforming our world, offering unprecedented opportunities to accelerate sustainable development. Digital technologies such as mobile devices, services, and artificial intelligence are instrumental in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Data generated from digital interactions supports evidence-based decision-making. With profound impact across economic, social and environmental dimensions, digital technologies and data contribute to at least 70 per cent of the 169 SDG targets while potentially reducing the cost of achieving these goals by up to USD 55 trillion.

Young people are leading the charge in digital adoption and innovation, with three-quarters of those aged 15 to 24 using the internet in 2022, a rate higher than other age groups. However, disparities persist, particularly in low-income countries and among young women, who often have less access to the internet and digital skills compared to their male counterparts. While there is an urgent need to enhance digital inclusion, youth are largely recognized as “digital natives,” using technology to drive change and create solutions. As the 2030 deadline for the SDGs approaches, the role of young people in digital innovation is essential for addressing global issues.

By celebrating the digital contributions of youth, we can inspire further innovation and collaboration towards achieving sustainable development. 

For more information: International Youth Day 2024

Our first-ever Annual General Meeting (AGM) is happening on April 23 at 6:30 pm ET (7:30 AT, 5:30 CT, 4:30 MT, 3:30 PT) via Zoom.

Meeting Details

The AGM 2024 will feature guest presentations, updates from the board, and members will vote on key organization matters. The agenda includes the following items:

1. Call to Order & Welcome

2. Guest Speakers

3. Annual Reports

4. By-Laws

5. Election of Directors

6. Question Period

7. Closing Remarks

Tahereh Granpayeh's presentation will focus on Housing & Land-Use Planning with a Feminist Lens. She will provide a brief analysis on how existing housing policies and practices perpetuate gender inequalities and offer some intersectional feminist perspectives on addressing these challenges, touching on topics such as:

• The feminization of poverty

• Unequal access to affordable housing

• The impacts of caregiving responsibilities on housing stability

• Feminist organizing and advocacy examples

• A database around municipal governance and gender disparities

Jane Jae-Kyung Shin’s presentation will delve into the critical intersection of Feminism & Race in the Context of Urban Planning. North American history of racial inequality will be reviewed before exploring the justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles through a feminist approach in policy, and culture changes needed in urban planning. Jane’s presentation will touch on topics such as:

• The racial disparities in urban planning

• The concept of 'Spatial Justice’

• The role of intersectional anti-racism and feminism in challenging and reshaping urban planning discourse

• Racially inclusive planning practices

The event will be virtual and both members and non-members are welcomed to attend (please note that only Engaged Members are eligible to vote, so if you want to contribute to our decision-making, we encourage you to get a membership!).⁠ ⁠

Register via Zoom here.

Flâneuse is a book club for those who love urban planning and transportation. The group is building a network to talk and reflect on walking, planning, and transportation, via a selection of books where women and walkability play a significant role. This is a safe space to amplify female-identified voices by reflecting on the role of women in public spaces.

In this session we'll talk about Happy City by Charles Montgomery. City Library has print and ebook copies, as do North Vancouver District Library and West Vancouver Memorial Library.

About the organization: Living Streets is one of three main programs under the Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) umbrella. BEST has a long history of promoting and enabling sustainable transportation through initiatives, collaboration and leadership. Living Streets promotes walking for myriad benefits: enriching and experiencing public spaces; creating community ties; as a feasible method of transportation, and as a catalyst for physical and mental health. Living Streets also works to identify opportunities for education and public engagement in the pedestrian realm.

Questions? Email info@nvcl.ca or call 604-998-3450. 

Register for the in-person event.

The final workshop of Women in Urbanism Canada’s ‘Creating Gender Inclusive Public Parks’ three-part series is focused on ‘Gender-Based Placemaking at Edworthy Park’.

This workshop is hosted by Women in Urbanism Canada’s Board Member, Varvara Belenko, and features presentations and Q&A with expert Calgary-based speakers:

Michelle James (she/her), MPH, Public Policy Specialist at the Women’s Centre of Calgary

Michelle is a settler living, working, learning and playing in Calgary (Moh’kinsstis) within Treaty 7 territory and the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Piikani and Kainai), TsuuT’ina and Îyârhe Nakoda (Goodstoney, Bearspaw and Chiniki) First Nations, as well as the Métis Nation of Alberta Region III. Michelle is a passionate public health professional and has over 10 years of experience working with equity analysis and decolonized public policy, social services, and evaluation methodologies in diverse settings, including the District of Squamish, Miskanawah Community Services Association, the World Health Organization, and presently the Women’s Centre of Calgary. In her current role, Michelle develops and analyzes social policy solutions through community-driven GBA+ and equity lenses by engaging with the diverse community of women served through the Women’s Centre every day. Michelle holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Victoria, where she specialized in Social Policy. When not at work, Michelle can usually be found enjoying the outdoors with her two young children and is a volunteer member of the City of Calgary’s Gender Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Subcommittee.

Follow Michelle on LinkedIn.

Afrin Islam (she/her), B.Arch, MLA Candidate at the University of Calgary, CSLA-AALA Student Member

Afrin, a native of Bangladesh, is pursuing a master's degree in landscape architecture at the University of Calgary. She completed her bachelor’s in architecture and volunteered in different humanitarian work in her country. Her passion for architecture, landscape, environment, and public realm design has consistently provided her with opportunities to engage in diverse research projects both at home and abroad. Inspired by her father's role as a freedom fighter, she aims to serve others and design inclusive spaces that enhance the emotional connection between people and their surroundings and bring positive changes in the urban environment. Afrin actively volunteers for the design and research of pollinator-friendly planters on campus as part of the UofC Avant Garden team. She gained hands-on experience working on a project for child-friendly streetscapes in Calgary's urban context as an intern with Sustainable Calgary. Afrin also fosters a sense of community among students through collaboration with the SAPL Student Association, while also enjoying her cultural celebrations, eco-friendly crafting, and spending time with family and plants.

Follow Afrin on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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The session focuses on Edworthy Park, a 169 hectare park located in southwest Calgary, bordered by the Bow River and the community of Wildwood. The park includes the Douglas Fir Trail and Lawrey Gardens, with amenities such as an off-leash dog park, native grasslands, paved pathways, picnic sites and shelters, and accessible playgrounds.

Art, Equity and Climate Change (AECC) is an arts-based project that will include the NIA tower communities of Thorncliffe and Flemingdon Park. In the Don Valley West ward where Thorncliffe is located, 5% of immigrants are from Pakistan, it is the top birthplace of immigrants in this ward. 2022 was the 75th anniversary of the birth of Pakistan and in August 2022, Pakistan was affected by the worst floods in its history due to Climate Change. 1500 people died and many communities have not yet recovered. The community will learn about and depict art through a Climate Change and equity lens and Climate Change and equity through an artistic lens. Five local South Asian artists who practice different mediums of art; abstract, comics, glass painting, landscape and calligraphy will each spend a one hour session in the park each week and along with FCSS and CEED Canada will work with the community to talk about climate change and create art that connects Pakistan (if that’s where they come from), or whatever their homeland is to Canada. They will talk about the impacts of Climate Change and what difference they can make. Participants will learn about climate change and create an art piece depicting Climate Change connections in Pakistan (or whatever their homeland is) and Canada.

Description:

Universal mobility is a basic human right. Safe, comfortable, affordable and accessible transportation is essential for living healthy, happy, independent lives. Shifting how we design and program mobility systems requires approaching them in a holistic manner that connects the dots between transportation, equity, human rights, and climate justice.

This webinar will explore the basic tenants of what it means to view mobility through a human rights lens, and how mobility systems intersect with accessibility rights and gender equtiy. Speakers from community organizations Ecopath Planning, Live Educate Transform Society (LET’S) and Women in Urbanism Canada will share their approaches and experiences working in mobility from the perspective of human rights, accessibility rights, and gender equity.

Date + Time:

Friday, July 14th @ 12:00 pm-1:15 pm

Location:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87664934594?pwd=ZU4xOVcrOFZGd0x4ajRKa3RSNjFKUT09

Join the current president of Toronto Field Naturalists, Zunaid Khan and past president Ellen Schwartzel as we will explore the nature pockets in and around The Bentway starting at 250 Fort York Blvd. We will identify local plants and species and discuss how wildlife interacts within these areas and how we can experience nature in an urban environment while minimizing our impact on wildlife.

Workshops are free to attend; visitors are welcome to register for one or all sessions. 

Learn more.

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous peoples.

Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.

In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Aboriginal Day, now known as National Indigenous Peoples Day. For generations, many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.

To amplify and centre Indigenous voices at the cutting-edge of climate research and policy, the Canadian Climate Institute, in partnership with the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources, will host a roundtable discussion on June 15 with the authors of three new case studies in our Indigenous Perspectives series.

These case studies showcase the work of Indigenous researchers, Knowledge Holders, water protectors, and community members. The discussion will highlight how Indigenous self-determination and knowledge are integral to designing effective regional, provincial, territorial, and national climate policies.

Learn more.

After much anticipation and preparation, Women in Urbanism Canada is thrilled to announce that we are now open to members! This is a major step in growing our network across the country and bringing together exceptional women who are passionate about urbanism. 

June is Pride Month in Canada and marks the start of Pride Season.

Last year, Canada announced the launch of Pride Season, which runs from June to September, to celebrate 2SLGBTQAI+ people all across the country. Throughout Pride Season, communities and allies come together to highlight the resilience, celebrate the talent and recognize the contributions of 2SLGBTQAI+ communities.

Historically in Canada, Pride gatherings emerged from large-scale protests for 2SLGBTQAI+ rights and freedoms.

More information.