Search

To Student Leadership home Student Leadership for Global Development

Be a world leader

Creating a global
classroom

  Environmental
change
 

  Leaders in action  

  Global Groundwork  

Global links




Websites provide resources for leadership
and global development issues  

 


Global links

Visit these websites to learn more about global development issues and leadership opportunities—for both educators and students. The list is separated into the following categories:

International development issues

Leaderships and education

 

 

Canadian and International Organizations

Canadian International Development Agency
Working with partners in the private and public sectors in Canada and in developing countries, and with international organizations and agencies, CIDA supports foreign aid projects and sustainable development activities in order to reduce poverty and to contribute to a more secure, equitable and prosperous world in more than 100 of the poorest countries of the world. Read about Canada making a difference in the world: A policy statement on strengthening aid effectiveness.

Canadian Red Cross
As part of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the Canadian Red Cross helps people in Canada and around the world deal with situations that threaten their safety, survival, wellbeing and human dignity.

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade represents Canada abroad through a network of embassies and offices around the world. DFAIT's objectives are to promote prosperity, ensure Canadians' security within a global framework and promote Canadian values and culture on the international stage.

United Nations
This is the international UN website. The UN performs many duties ranging from the decision of the Security Council to dispatch a peacekeeping operation in response to a dispute, to setting standards for air safety and communications compatibility; from rushing emergency supplies to victims of natural disaster, to co-ordinating the response to the AIDS pandemic; from helping countries carry out free and fair elections, to securing low-interest loans to develop the infrastructures of poorer countries. The UN's work is about making a healthier, more stable world with enhanced opportunities and justice for everyone. Learn about the UN and its governing bodies, and browse through the links to the different branches of the UN. Check out the link to the CyberSchoolBus and the briefing papers on global issues.

United Nations Association in Canada
UNA-Canada is a national non-profit organization promoting UN programs and activities within Canada. The association offers individual Canadians a window into the work of the UN, and a channel through which to become engaged in the critical international issues affecting us all. By creating links between the work of the UN and the lives of Canadians, UNA-Canada is helping to build a better United Nations.

United Nations Children’s Fund
Created by the United Nations General Assembly in 1946, UNICEF works to help children living in poverty in developing countries and strives to reduce childhood death and illness and to protect children in the midst of war and natural disaster. UNICEF also works with national governments, non-governmental organizations, other United Nations agencies and private-sector partners to protect children and their rights by providing services and supplies and by helping shape policy agendas and budgets in the best interests of children.

back to top

 

 

Economic, Social and Sustainable Development

Canadian Centre for International Studies and Cooperation
The Canadian Centre for International Studies and Cooperation is a non-profit organization with a mission to fight poverty and exclusion in the developing world.

CARE Canada
CARE Canada is a humanitarian organization that fights global poverty and is dedicated to helping the world's poor children and their families to solve their most threatening problems. CARE Canada is an operational member of the CARE International network, supporting and implementing development projects and relief efforts around the world.

Falls Brook Centre
Falls Brook Centre works on a range of successful regional and international programs that support local communities and organizations to adapt to a sustainable future. Through the development and promotion of meaningful demonstrations, the centre hopes to show it is possible to live more lightly in our environment while contributing positively to the local economy.

International Development Research Centre
The International Development Research Centre is a public corporation created by the Canadian government to help communities in the developing world find solutions to social, economic, and environmental problems through research. Links include articles, research papers and dossiers on the current developmental issues around the world.

Kids Can Free the Children
Kids Can Free the Children is an international network of children helping children through representation, leadership and action. KCFTC has two main purposes: to free children from poverty, exploitation and abuse, and to give children a voice, leadership training and opportunities to take action on issues which affect them from a local to an international level.

Make Trade Fair
Make Trade Fair gives a voice to the farmers, labourers, and factory workers who are being cheated by the blatantly unfair rules of world trade. And it gives a voice to you, the consumer, if you want to join them in the call to end exploitation and make trade fair.

OneWorld
OneWorld aims to be the online media gateway that most effectively informs a global audience about human rights and sustainable development. OneWorld envisions a world where resources are shared fairly and sustainably, where human rights are nurtured and protected, and where democratic governance structures enable people to shape their own lives.

Ontario Council for International Co-operation
OCIC is a membership association of Ontario-based, non-profit, voluntary organizations and individual associates working both in the North and South for global justice. OCIC strives to increase the effectiveness and collective impact of all its members' efforts to promote sustainable, people-centred development, and to educate and engage the Ontario public on global issues. The 'Development Links' section provides a comprehensive database of links to websites about global issues and development.

Oxfam International
Oxfam International is a confederation of 12 organizations – including Oxfam Canada – working together in more than 100 countries to find lasting solutions to poverty, suffering and injustice. The 12 Oxfam organizations link up their work on development programs, humanitarian response and lobbying for policy changes at the national and global level.

NetAid
In September 2000, world leaders committed themselves to cutting poverty in half by 2015. A non-profit corporation based in New York, NetAid brings people together in ways that will help achieve this goal. NetAid's mission is to build an active network of people and organizations in developed countries committed to ending extreme poverty around the world. Two of NetAid's key programs include: NetAid World Schoolhouse and NetAid Online Volunteering.

Plan International
Plan International is a humanitarian, child-focused development organization working with families and their communities to meet the needs of children around the world. Plan International works in 45 developing countries in the areas of health, education, livelihood, housing, water and sanitation projects, and cross-cultural learning. Child sponsorship is the foundation of the organization. Foster Parents Plan is the Canadian member of Plan International.

Pueblito Canada
Pueblito Canada is an NGO committed to the well-being of children in Latin America. A leader in the care and development of young children in poor communities, Pueblito works in partnership with local organizations in Latin America work to continuously advocate for the rights of the child, supporting the development of local health care, childcare and education programs.

Street Kids International
An international charity based in Toronto, Street Kids International aims to give street kids around the world the choices, skills and opportunities to make a better life for themselves.

UNICEF
UNICEF was created in 1946 by the UN General Assembly to bring emergency relief to children and their families in post-war Europe. In 1953, its emphasis was shifted from relief work to programs of long range benefit to children. Working in over 150 developing countries, UNICEF is guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. UNICEF programs address the full range of children's rights, covering areas from health care, clean water and education to recreation, access to information and freedom of expression.

UNICEF Canada
Founded in 1955 as a volunteer driven organization, UNICEF Canada works to mobilize the support of all Canadians to realize the rights of the world's most vulnerable children.

United Nations Development Programme
At the United Nations Millennium Summit, world leaders put development at the heart of the global agenda by adopting the Millennium Development Goals, which set clear targets for reducing poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation and discrimination against women by 2015. On the ground in 166 countries, UNDP uses its global network to help the UN system and its partners to raise awareness and track progress, while connecting countries to the knowledge and resources needed to achieve these goals.

The United States Agency for International Development
USAID is an independent federal government agency that receives foreign policy guidance from the Secretary of State. It is the principal United States agency that extends assistance to countries recovering from disaster, trying to escape poverty and engaging in democratic reforms.


USC Canada
Established in 1945, USC Canada is the oldest solely Canadian international development agency. Highly respected for its innovative project programming, USC Canada seeks out the expertise and partnership of local peoples in Africa and Asia to effect long term solutions to poverty.

WaterCan
WaterCan helps citizens of developing countries build sustainable water supply and sanitation services, and encourages Canadians to lend support. WaterCan identifies and supports local partners to carry out small-scale water and sanitation projects.

World Accord
World Accord is a not-for-profit, non-governmental, international development organization. The organization works with partners in Canada and overseas to provide sustainable education, training and self-help programs for the poor in the developing world. World Accord supports community groups who work at the grassroots level to provide services that will help participants to improve their standard of living in a sustainable manner.

The World Bank
The World Bank is one of the world’s largest sources of development assistance. Its primary focus is on helping the poorest people and the poorest countries. This site provides an overview of how the Bank uses its financial resources, its highly trained staff and its extensive knowledge base to help developing countries onto paths of stable, sustainable and equitable growth.

back to top

 

 

Human Rights

Amnesty International Canada (part of Amnesty International)
Amnesty International Canada is part of the worldwide movement of human rights activists and financial supporters. AI works to prevent violations of fundamental human and political rights by governments and opposition groups. AI received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977 and today is among the most highly respected human rights organizations in the world.

Association for Women's Rights in Development
The Association for Women's Rights in Development connects, informs and mobilizes people and organizations committed to achieving gender equality, sustainable development and women's human rights. By facilitating ongoing debates on fundamental and provocative issues and by building the individual and organizational capacities of those working for women's empowerment and social justice, AWID's goal is to cause policy, institutional and individual change that will improve the lives of women and girls everywhere.

Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children
The mandate of the Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children is to ensure a collective voice for Canadian organizations and youth concerned with the rights of children as described in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the World Summit for Children Declaration. The Coalition has grown to include over 50 national and provincial NGOs committed to promoting and protecting the rights of children in Canada and abroad.

Canadian Human Rights Commission
The Commission's business is to make the Canadian Human Rights Act work for the benefit of all Canadians. The three main aspects to its work are to provide effective and timely means for resolving individual complaints, promote knowledge of human rights in Canada and to encourage people to follow principles of equality, and help reduce barriers to equality in employment and access to services. The government website for the CHRC outlines current issues and policies on the human rights of Canadians.

Canadian Human Rights Foundation (CHRF)
The CHRF was established as a non-profit, non-governmental organization in 1967 by a group of leading Canadian scholars, jurists and human rights advocates with a mandate to advance democracy, human development, peace and social justice through educational programs. CHRF is a global leader in human rights education with over 37 years experience.

Global March Against Child Labour
The Global March Against Child Labour movement began on January 17, 1998 when thousands of people marched together to put forth a message against child labour. The organization is involved in assessing and lobbying for the ratification and implementation of the ILO Convention against the worst forms of child labour (Convention 182). The organization is also involved in the Global Campaign for Education which aims to provide education for all.

Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch is an independent NGO dedicated to protecting the human rights of people around the world. The organization stands with victims and activists to prevent discrimination, to uphold political freedom, to protect people from inhumane conduct in wartime and to bring offenders to justice.

International Labour Organization
The International Labour Organization is the UN specialized agency which seeks the promotion of social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights. It was founded in 1919 and is the only surviving major creation of the Treaty of Versailles, which brought the League of Nations into being, and it became the first specialized agency of the UN in 1946.

International Save the Children Alliance
The International Save the Children Alliance is the world's leading independent children's rights organization with 29 members working in over 120 countries. Save the Children fights for children's rights, delivering immediate and lasting improvements to children's lives worldwide. Save the Children Canada pursues its mission through community development and advocacy in partnership with local communities in Canada and overseas to assist, enable and empower them to improve the quality of life of children.

back to top

 

 

Hunger

Canadian Feed The Children
Canadian Feed The Children is an independent, registered charity whose goal is to alleviate the impact of poverty on children. The charity works with local partners overseas and in Canada to enhance the wellbeing of children and the self-sufficiency of their families and communities.

CHF – Partners in Rural Development
The CHF – Partners in Rural Development is a non-profit organization dedicated to enabling poor rural communities in developing countries to attain sustainable livelihoods. CHF envisions a world in which the rural poor have access to land, water, energy, technology and other resources they need to improve their living conditions in a sustainable manner.

Food First: Institute for Food and Development Policy
Food First is a member-supported, non-profit 'peoples' think tank and education-for-action centre. It works to highlight root causes and value-based solutions to hunger and poverty around the world, with a commitment to establishing food as a fundamental human right. Links on this website provide access to case studies and a 'Take Action' link to help you get involved.

Freedom from Hunger
Freedom from Hunger is an international development organization working in fifteen countries across the globe. The organization brings innovative and sustainable self-help solutions to the fight against chronic hunger and poverty. Together with local partners, Freedom from Hunger equips families with the resources they need to build futures of health, hope and dignity.

The Hunger Project – Canada
The Hunger Project is a strategic organization and global movement committed to the sustainable end of world hunger. In Africa, Asia and Latin America, the organization empowers local people to create lasting society-wide progress in health, education, nutrition and family incomes.


United Nations World Food Program (WFP)
Scheduled to go into operation in 1963 as a three-year experimental program, the World Food Program has since become the world's largest food aid organization. An earthquake hit Iran in September 1962, followed by a hurricane in Thailand in October. Newly independent Algeria was resettling five million refugees. Food aid was urgently needed and WFP supplied it. It has never stopped. This site will give you information about the hardest-hit areas, current news and an interactive Hunger Map to teach you about hunger issues. Check out Food Force while you are on this site. It is the amazing online humanitarian video game that helps educate children about the issue of global hunger.

World Hunger Education Service – Hunger Notes
Since its founding in 1975, the mission of World Hunger Education Service is to inform the public and policymakers about the issues of and the causes, extent and efforts to end hunger and poverty in the United States and the world. The 'Learn more about Hunger' link provides access to fact sheets and educational resources.

World Hunger Year
WHY attacks the root causes of hunger and poverty by promoting effective and innovative community-based solutions that create self-reliance, economic justice and food security.

back to top

 

 

International Health and Development

Advocates for Youth
Advocates for Youth is dedicated to creating programs and advocating for policies that help young people make informed and responsible decisions about their reproductive and sexual health. The organization provides information, training, and strategic assistance to youth-serving organizations, policy makers, youth activists, and the media in the United States and the developing world.

AEGiS (AIDS Education Global Information System)
Founded in the mid-1980s, AEGiS is a web-based reference for HIV/AIDS-related information. Through the keyword-searchable knowledge-base, AEGiS offers cutting edge information via HIV/AIDS-specific publications and news sources from around the world.

Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief
CPAR develops primary health care, water and sanitation, income generation, peace building, emergency assistance, natural resource management and food security programs to help support vulnerable communities in Africa. The majority of CPAR's work is focused on integrated health and sustainable development programs in Uganda, Ethiopia, Malawi and Tanzania.

Family Health International
Family Health International works to improve reproductive and family health around the world through biomedical and social science research, innovative health service delivery interventions, training and information programs. FHI works in partnership with universities, ministries of health, non-governmental organizations and faith-based organizations to conduct ongoing projects in the United States and more than 60 developing countries.

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis & Malaria
The Global Fund has been established to attract, manage and disburse additional resources through a new partnership that will make a sustainable and significant contribution to the reduction of infections, illness and death caused by HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

Interagency Coalition on AIDS and Development
ICAD is a network of over 120 Canadian international development non-governmental organizations, AIDS service organizations and individuals who are concerned about the global HIV/AIDS issues. ICAD exists to help Canadians contribute to international HIV/AIDS work.

Médecins Sans Frontières – Doctors Without Borders
MSF was established in 1971 by a small group of French doctors who were determined to find a way to respond rapidly and effectively to public health emergencies, with complete independence from political, economic and religious influences. MSF is the world's leading international independent emergency medical relief organization. Since its establishment in 1991, MSF-Canada has sent more than 500 Canadian volunteers to work in emergency medical aid projects amidst conflicts, epidemics or natural disasters in over 80 countries.

Right to Play
Right To Play is a humanitarian organization using sport and play programs to encourage the healthy physical, social and emotional development of the world's most disadvantaged children. Right To Play is committed to improving the lives of these children and to strengthening their communities by translating the best values of sport into opportunities to promote development, health and peace.

UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS)
As the leading advocate for worldwide action against HIV/AIDS, the global mission of UNAIDS is to lead, strengthen and support an expanded response to the epidemic that will, prevent the spread of HIV, provide care and support for those infected and affected by the disease, reduce the vulnerability of individuals and communities to HIV/AIDS and alleviate the socioeconomic and human impact of the epidemic.

United Nations Population Fund
The United Nations Population Fund is the world's largest international source of funding for population and reproductive health programs. Since beginning operations in 1969, the Fund has provided nearly $6 billion in assistance to developing countries. UNFPA works with governments and NGOs in over 140 countries to support programs that help women, men and young people plan their families and avoid accidental pregnancies, undergo pregnancy and childbirth safely, avoid sexually transmitted diseases, and combat violence against women.

The World Health Organization
As the United Nations' specialized agency for health, the World Health Organization was established in 1948. WHO's objective is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. Health is defined in WHO's constitution as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

back to top

 

 

Peace and Security

Abolition 2000
Global Council of Abolition 2000 is a global network of over 2,000 organizations and municipalities in more than 90 countries that are working for a global treaty to eliminate nuclear weapons.

Adopt-A-Minefield – Canadian Landmine Foundation
The Canadian Landmine Foundation is a private sector foundation that continues to exemplify Canada's commitment to a global ban on landmines. The foundation offers programs through which individuals and groups can contribute to clearing landmine fields, sponsor landmine detection dogs and visit a website to click daily to make a free donation for landmine clearance. The foundation raises public profile and produces revenue for humanitarian demining.

Canadian Association for Mine and Explosive Ordnance
CAMEO Landmine Clearance is a registered Canadian charitable organization with a mission to provide safe, professional and cost-effective humanitarian land mine clearance and explosive ordnance disposal services in war-torn societies.

The Center for Defense Information
CDI is a non-partisan, non-profit organization committed to independent research on the social, economic, environmental, political and military components of global security.

NATO
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's website offers access to information on NATO's policies and structures, official documents, press releases, speeches and publications and links to other relevant sites. The site looks at key topics and the latest developments on NATO's agenda.

NGO Committee on Disarmament
The Non-Governmental Organizations' (NGO) Committee on Disarmament is a private voluntary organization based at the United Nations in New York. It has provided services and facilities to hundreds of citizens' groups concerned with peace and disarmament activities of the United Nations. The committee is regarded as a primary ally of the international movement for arms control and peace and disarmament.

Waging Peace – Nuclear Age Peace Foundation
The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation pursues the goal of creating a safer, more secure world through a variety of programs. These program areas address issues of violence, weapons of mass destruction, international law, the constructive uses of science and technology, education and youth empowerment.

Seeds of Peace
Seeds of Peace is a non-profit, non-political organization dedicated to helping teenagers from areas of conflict by providing the leadership skills required to promote coexistence and peace. While the organization focuses primarily on the Middle East, its programs have expanded to include other regions of conflict. As of 2003, participants come from the Middle East, the Balkans, South Asia and Cyprus.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Established in 1945, UNESCO currently has more than 185 member states. UNESCO's main objective is to contribute to peace and security in the world by promoting collaboration among nations through education, science, culture and communication.

back to top

 

 

Leadership, Education and Volunteering

These websites will give you information about leadership, education and volunteering opportunities around the world. Some of the sites will also provide stories and testimonials from individuals who are taking action to make a difference.

AFS Interculture Canada
AFS Interculture Canada is an educational movement that promotes global education and intercultural understanding through quality exchange programs for youth and adults. AFS offers school base programs for youth and volunteer work/internship opportunities abroad for young adults, allowing participants to act as responsible, global citizens working for peace and understanding in a diverse world.

Canada World Youth
Canada World Youth is a leader in the field of non-formal international education. It provides young people with opportunities to become active players in community development in Canada and overseas by learning about other cultures and ways of life, exploring community and international development issues first hand and acquiring practical work experience.

Canadian Crossroads International
Canadian Crossroads International is an international non-profit organization dedicated to building a constituency of global citizens committed to voluntarism, international development and social action in the new millennium. CCI actively contributes to creating a sustainable and equitable world by working in partnership, facilitating learning and exchange across cultures, and raising awareness of global issues.

Canadians Making a Difference in the World – CIDA
Ordinary Canadians are doing extraordinary things to reduce poverty in countries around the world. These stories demonstrate how Canadians of all ages and from all walks of life—from firefighters and teachers to flight attendants and youth interns—are taking action.

Coady International Institute
The Coady International Institute is a learning organization dedicated to identifying, developing and sharing knowledge on effective development practice. As a leader in the study and practice of community-based development, the Coady provides relevant programs that help others make a positive difference in their own communities.

CUSO
CUSO was founded in 1961 to coordinate the overseas volunteer programs of several Canadian universities. More than 12,000 Canadians have travelled to Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America and the South Pacific to provide development aid. CUSO works primarily with local, non-government groups. In addition to direct people-to-people assistance, CUSO plays an increasingly important role in strengthening local organizations by providing training and links to other organizations for mutual support.

The Global Youth ACTION Network
This website provides information, resources, links and solutions to promoting greater youth interaction.

Leaders Today
Leaders Today is an international organization dedicated to helping young people realize their potential through leadership, education and development. This website provides information about the organization, links to resources and leadership seminars, and opportunities in Canada and around the world.

Pearson Peacekeeping Centre
The Pearson Peacekeeping Centre is an internationally recognized training centre for individuals and organizations involved in peace operations. Established in 1994 by the Government of Canada, the centre is an independent, non-profit organization whose mandate is to support Canada's contribution to international peace and security. The centre conducts education, training and research on all aspects of peace operations at campuses in Nova Scotia, Quebec and at locations around the world.

TakingITGlobal
TakingITGlobal is an international organization led by youth and empowered by technology. TIG brings together young people in more than 200 countries within international networks to collaborate on concrete projects addressing global problems and creating positive change.

Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) Canada
VSO Canada is a national partner of VSO, the world's largest independent international development agency working through volunteers. Since 1958, more than 29,000 men and women have participated in VSO by sharing their skills with people in developing countries.

World University Service of Canada
WUSC is a network of individuals and post-secondary institutions who believe that all peoples are entitled to the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to a more equitable world. Its mission is to foster human development and global understanding through education and training.

Youth Action Network
A national non-profit youth organization based in Toronto, Youth Action Network (YAN) is dedicated to helping youth become more informed and actively involved citizens.

Youth Challenge International
Youth Challenge International combines community development, health promotion and environmental education in adventurous projects conducted by international teams of volunteers aged 18-25 years. Youth participants come from every region of Canada and represent all walks of life. International programs take place throughout the year in both Guyana and Costa Rica.

back to top

 

 

Online newspapers and journals

African Studies Quarterly
This site is the University of Florida's online journal for African Studies. ASQ is an interdisciplinary, fully refereed, online journal that publishes scholarly articles relating to the African continent.

Country at a Glance
This site provides information to help you learn more about your chosen country. By selecting a country on this list, you can access links to the nation's newspapers.

Find Newspapers.com
This website is your Internet guide to newspapers online. Read up on current events by accessing newspapers in more than 70 countries—including all Canadian dailies.

Human Rights Brief
The Human Rights Brief is a publication of the Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at the Washington College of Law. This online journal covers development issues in international human rights and humanitarian law, and provides concise legal analysis of current human rights issues.

Peace and Conflict Studies
The journal is published by the Lentz Peace Research Association on behalf of the Network of Peace and Conflict Studies. The goal of the publication is to discuss various issues in peace research and conflict analysis. Articles deal with the environment, social change, grassroots movements, poverty and hunger, human security, economic equity, non-violence, disarmament, cultural studies and conflict resolution.

back to top

 

 

World Maps

Country at a Glance
This is a link on the United Nations CyberSchoolBus site to "Country at a Glance." By selecting a country on the map or the list, you can access information about the country's flag, links to the nation's newspapers, information about the country's economy, environment, health and technology, and contact information for the country's Mission in New York and Geneva.

Holt, Rinehart and Winston
This site provides many country and world maps, lists and statistics.

WorldAtlas.com
This site provides many country and world maps, lists and statistics.

back to top

 

Students Photo