Deadline: February 14, 2024

Call for Interest: CICan Pre-Conference Forum, Charting a Path to Net Zero

Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), invites proposals for presentations for the Pre-Conference Forum, Charting a Path to Net Zero: education’s role in delivering a green transition.

Join Canadian and international leaders, educators, practitioners, policymakers as we focus on the role of colleges and institutes in meeting the climate change commitments of the Paris Climate Accords.

Over 1.5 days, up to 400 attendees from across Canada and around the world will gather to challenge the status quo, explore and envisage innovative solutions, and learn how domestic and international partnerships can and will work together to unleash the green potential of technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

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Symposium Objectives

  • Create tangible inspiration for all, regardless of size or budget of the institution, through communication and awareness-raising.
  • Empower behaviour change that is within reach for all through collaborative projects and research.
  • Equip delegates with the knowledge, skills and resources to address greenhouse gas emissions on campus and in curriculum.
  • Explore opportunities to build climate resilience by integrating Indigenous knowledge about environmental guardianship and stewardship, nationally and internationally.
  • Share insights into what it takes to unleash the potential of colleges and institutes to contribute to fighting climate change around the world, how creativity, flexibility, and innovation are behind our forward movement.
  • Confirm the place of rural, remote and northern colleges and institutes in national climate policies and their pivotal role in training the workforce required to reach net zero.

Symposium Guidelines

Presentation Format

Presentation blocks are a total of 60 minutes in length.

Each 60-minute block of time is expected to be shared by a maximum of three panelists, either across departments/perspectives or from multiple institutions.

Collaboration between and among colleges and with industry or community partners is strongly encouraged, however if you cannot fill the 60-minute block, CICan reserves the right to combine your proposal with another complementary speaker. In this case you will be informed well in advance and put in touch with the other member.

Slide projection and standard AV connection will be available to all presenters. Slides should be prepared in PowerPoint format and stored on USB.

Presentations may be given in English or French, although simultaneous interpretation is offered in a select number of session rooms.

Important Information

In keeping with CICan’s commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, panels should include speakers from a diverse background and range of experiences. And, to ensure fair access and inclusivity, and recognise the carbon footprint associated with travel, CICan will accept a limited number of virtual panelists or presenters. To maintain an excellent in-person ambiance, CICan will not allow fully virtual panels or workshops.

Submission Information & Evaluation Criteria

Submissions must:

  • include the title of the presentation.
  • include a short abstract (750-1000 character).
  • include the name(s) of the presenters, title(s) and institution(s)/organization(s).

Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Does the presentation:

  • Create tangible inspiration for all, regardless of size or budget of the institution through communication and awareness-raising.
  • Empower behaviour change that is within reach for all through collaborative projects and research.
  • Equip delegates with the knowledge, skills and resources to address greenhouse gas emissions on campus and in curriculum.
  • Explore opportunities to build climate resilience, integrating Indigenous knowledge about environmental guardianship and stewardship, nationally and internationally.
  • Share insights into what it takes to unleash the potential of colleges and institutes to contribute to fighting climate change around the world, how creativity, flexibility, and innovation are behind our forward movement.
  • Confirm the place of rural, remote and northern colleges and institutes in national climate policies and their pivotal role in training the workforce required to reach net zero.

Submission Deadline

Submissions must be received by February 14, 2024. Notifications of acceptance will be provided two weeks following the submission deadline.

For questions regarding this call for interest, please contact: Kathryn Moore, Senior Program Officer

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CICan Pre-Conference Forum: Charting a Path to Net Zero – The role of education in delivering a green transition

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