Coady to Celebrate International Development Week

As part of International Development Week (February 1 to 7), Coady Institute and the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation (ACIC) will be hosting public conversations with H.E. Elizabeth Spehar, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding and Peace Support.

The events, titled The Future of Multilateralism for Peacebuilding, will explore the evolving role of multilateral institutions in preventing conflict, sustaining peace, and supporting locally driven solutions in an increasingly complex global landscape. The conversations will take place in Halifax on Friday, February 6, from 2 to 4 pm at Paul O’Regan Hall | Halifax Central Library and Saturday, February 7, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at Dennis Hall, Coady Institute, St. Francis Xavier University.

Elizabeth Spehar serves as Assistant Secretary-General in the United Nations’ Peacebuilding and Peace Support Office, within the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations. In this role, she leads global efforts to advance inclusive, preventive, and nationally owned approaches to peacebuilding.

“This conversation aligns closely with Coady Institute’s long-standing commitment to community-led development and peacebuilding,” Eileen Alma, Executive Director of Coady Institute says. “International Development Week provides an important opportunity to reflect on how global systems must support local leadership, inclusion, and long-term peace.”

ACIC, a regional leader in international cooperation and global citizenship education, emphasized the relevance of the discussion for Atlantic Canadians.

“At a time of growing global uncertainty, multilateral cooperation remains essential,” Jennifer Sloot, Executive Director for Atlantic Council for International Cooperation, says. “Hosting this dialogue during International Development Week underscores Atlantic Canada’s engagement with global peace, justice, and solidarity.”

The event will bring together students, civil society organizations, practitioners, and members of the public to examine how vital multilateral peacebuilding is in facing emerging challenges, strengthening partnerships with local actors, and remaining responsive to communities most affected by conflict.

Since 1991, International Development Week (IDW) has been an annual initiative that takes place during the first full week of February. This year’s International Development Week will take place from February 1 to 7, 2026 under the theme Prosperity through Partnership, with events and activities across Atlantic Canada and the country.