Cool Sites

Are you interested in getting involved in international development? Are you looking for suggestions of where to start? This section offers a list of links to various sites that provide information on a diversity of development issues. Get connected. Get informed. Get involved. Move your world!

CIDA, in partnership with Canadian Geographic, has created A Developing World, a map that presents a colourful and informative look at the state of the planet and its 6.3 billion people based on the United Nations Human Development Index. It also provides a glimpse of some of the challenges in developing countries and the progress made toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

Apathy is Boring is a national, non-profit organization that utilizes art, music and media technology to encourage active citizenry and political engagement in young people.

The United Nations Cyberschoolbus was created in 1996 as the online education component of the Global Teaching and Learning Project, whose mission is to promote education about international issues and the United Nations.

Elements is an online environmental magazine published by the New Brunswick Environmental Network that focuses on environmental issues in Canada and developing countries. There's something here for every age group, including a great kid's page.

Équiterre is an organization dedicated to promoting ecological and socially just choices through action, education, and research. One of its projects is the promotion of fair trade practices. Using the coffee trade as an example, this site explains how fair trade practices can be used to counter human and environmental exploitation in Southern countries.

Global Citizens for Change is about making the connection between learning about global issues and doing something about them. Find out more about the face of international development in the 21st century. Take the virtual tour. Read personal stories from past volunteers.

Global Youth Action Network (GYAN) is a youth-led organization that unites the efforts of young people working to improve our world. The network connects many thousands of organizations in over 190 countries, and a growing membership is now helping to shape the future direction of GYAN.

The Infoyouth network was set up to provide an overview of youth policies and programmes throughout the world. Designed as a network of networks, it is an effective tool to access, select, and disseminate relevant information at international, national, and local levels.

The In-Terre-Actif network is an educational tool permitting youth to become informed about current world issues, and to play a part in international solidarity.

In Canada, Just Youth-Development and Peace works to educate Canadians about the causes of poverty and injustice that affect people in developing countries. Development and Peace pushes for alternatives to stop unjust situations that affect us all.

Mines Action Canada Youth is a place everyone can visit to help end the landmine crisis and check it off the global 'to-do' list! Many students and other young people across the globe are already involved in the campaign against landmines. Go to the website and get more information on the recently launched international Youth Leadership, Education and Action Program (LEAP)!

Oxfam International Youth Parliament is a network of young leaders in 92 countries working for positive and lasting change in their communities.

The 411 Initiative for Change is working to create a world in which all global citizens, and specifically young people, have a say and a role to play in their community and their country, and are active participants in all areas and levels of society.

TUNZA for Youth-United Nations Environment Programme Young people bring a fresh outlook to environmental activism. TUNZA is about empowering you to act. It draws upon the experiences of other young environmentalists to find solutions and inspire action. Check out the TUNZA site and interact with the speaker's corner, share your story, and learn more about the TUNZA Youth Council.

United Nations Environment Program provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

The Uniterra program provides numerous opportunities for Canadian citizens and landed immigrants to volunteer abroad in their field of experience. They work with local partners in 13 countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia. Uniterra's objective is to support development initiatives that address world poverty. Volunteers share their experiences with their community, encourage international solidarity, and help shape policies towards meeting the UN Millennium Development Goals.

Voices of Youth is a youth community website created by UNICEF. It is a platform where young people can explore, discuss, and partner on issues related to human rights and social change by using tools like e-discussion boards, guidelines, and news.

The World Bank helps governments in developing countries to reduce poverty by providing them with the money and technical expertise that they need for a wide range of projects, such as education, health, infrastructure, communications, and government reforms, as well as for many other purposes. Visit the Youthink section of the World Bank site to learn the facts, share your stories and connect with other youth.

World Vision 30 Hour Famine. Every day, thousands of children die because they are hungry or cannot afford to see a doctor. Canadian teens can make a difference by signing up for the 30 Hour Famine. One person can make a difference. Refuse to do nothing!

Other Related Sites

• Back of the Moon
• The BIG Guide to Living Overseas
• Canadian Commission for UNESCO
• Canadian Undergraduate Journal of Development Studies
• International Development Research Centre - Training and Awards Program
• Québec sans frontières
• United World Colleges
• Verge Magazine
• Youth Employment Network
• Youth Flash