IISD interns take up leadership positions in developing countries
WINNIPEG—October 21, 2011—The International Institute for Sustainable Development is sending 12 Canadian interns to work in the developing world as part of its Young Leaders for a Sustainable Future (YLSF) international internship program. Two other interns will be based in IISD's Winnipeg and Ottawa offices.
The YLSF program offers young professionals an opportunity to participate in overseas internships in the global South. The jobs are located in Africa and Latin America, includingGhana, Kenya, South Africa, Malawi, Burkina Faso, Guyana, Panama, Brazil and Peru.
Interns are hosted by reputable international organizations, including the United Nations Environment Program, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Iwokrama International Rainforest Program, CARE International, the World Agroforestry Centre, the Association for Progressive Communications, the Human Development Network (REDEH) and LEAD International.
The successful interns were selected from over 160 applicants. They are recent graduates from Canadian universities and residents of various provinces, including British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec.
"This is a unique opportunity for me to gain developing country experience from another perspective," said Fatou Thioune of Quebec, who immigrated to Canada from Senegal seven years ago. "I want to learn more about how international development projects are managed."
"I am excited for a challenge that is going to broaden my horizons and give me more experience in the field of sustainable development," said British Columbia resident Jeremy McDaniels, a recent graduate from Vancouver's University of British Columbia.
"I am looking forward to gaining a firsthand understanding of what the rest of the world is like, especially the challenges and opportunities offered in developing countries," said Ontario resident Candice Link, a recent graduate from Toronto's York University.
IISD president and CEO Franz Tattenbach congratulated the interns at the conclusion of their one-week intensive training session at IISD's headquarters in Winnipeg. "The next six months offers interns a tremendous opportunity to deepen their understanding of the complexities of international development and make to an important contribution to poverty reduction and global collaboration towards better living for all through sustainable development."
-end-
Please contact Pauline Gerrard, IISD Training Coordinator for more information:
Phone: +1 (204) 958 7727 or email: pgerrard@iisd.ca, or
Nona Pelletier, IISD manager, public affairs: Phone +1 204 958-7740 Cell: +1 204 962-1303 or email npelletier@iisd.ca
About IISD
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning independent think tank working to accelerate solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resource management, and fair economies. Our work inspires better decisions and sparks meaningful action to help people and the planet thrive. We shine a light on what can be achieved when governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities come together. IISD’s staff of more than 250 experts come from across the globe and from many disciplines. With offices in Winnipeg, Geneva, Ottawa, and Toronto, our work affects lives in nearly 100 countries.
You might also be interested in
New Agreement Marks First Step in Addressing Energy Charter Treaty Legacy
This is an important move to prevent legacy arbitration claims under the treaty, but more remains to be done.
Canada's Sustainable Jobs Legislation: A milestone for workers and communities on the path to net-zero
IISD celebrates the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, Bill C-50, being officially passed into law as a significant milestone to engage and support workers and communities in moving to a low-carbon economy.
NDCs, long-term strategies should include roadmap for fossil fuel producers: IISD
Analysis by policy think tank IISD shows that seven of the 20 largest fossil fuel producing countries make no mention of fossil fuel production in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and six others stated an intention to continue or increase production.
Report Calls on Fossil Fuel Producers to Map “Transition Away” in NDCs
With governments due to submit the next generation of NDCs in 2025 a new report identifies five elements countries should include to reflect the outcome of the global stocktake.