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CIFAL York

About

CIFAL York is part of UNITAR's global network of training centers for knowledge-sharing, training, and capacity-building for leaders, local authorities, and civil society. Established in 2020 as a partnership between UNITAR, York University and York Region, CIFAL York started its operation in June 2021 as the first CIFAL Centre in Canada.

Vision

CIFAL York envisions a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable world, empowering communities to overcome global challenges, while integrating the UN Sustainable Development Goals for shaping a better future.

Mission

CIFAL York is dedicated to serve as a hub for knowledge exchange and capacity building among government officials, the private sector, academia, and civil society. CIFAL York works towards a global outreach and positive change through bridging gaps and facilitating a range of inspirational training and research opportunities.

CIFAL York Focusing Areas

  • Disaster Risk, Emergency Management and Humanitarian Actions
  • Health, Development, Environment & Climate Change
  • Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
  • Entrepreneurship, Digital Technology, and Economic Development
  • Advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals

Upcoming Events

Link to Event Page

Localizing the Canadian Supply Chain - Understanding Sector-Specific Impacts on U.S. Tariffs

SESSION 4 THURSDAY MAY 22 12:00PM-1:00PM (EDT)

Topic: From Mine to Market: How tariffs and trade tensions are reshaping Canada's critical minerals strategy

Link to Event Page

SATURDAYS APRIL 26; MAY 24; JUNE 28; JULY 26 8:30AM-4:00PM (EDT)

Drone Pilot Microcredit Course

Location: ADERSIM Lab, N004, Schulich Building, York University

Instructor: Dr. Ali Asgary, Professor, Disaster & Emergency Management, Director CIFAL York, Executive Director ADERSIM, York University, Holds Pilot Certificate for Advanced Operations 

Link to Course Page

The Psychosocial Response and Education Preparedness Program (PREPP): Trauma resilience for public safety personnel ad disaster and emergency management students

Date: May 27 & 28, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM EDT (Toronto)

Location: ADERSIM Lab, Schulich School of Business, Rm. N004 (Basement Floor), 111 Ian MacDonald Blvd, York University, Keele Campus

Link to Event Page

June 2-6, 2025.

Climate Migration Futures Summer Course

Location: Hybrid-In Person (York University) and Online

Instructors: Dr. Erica Bower, Dr. Yvonne Su, Dr. Opportuna Kweka, Dr. Frank Ojwang, Dr. Roger Zetter, and Dr. Vincenzo Bollettino

Link to Event Page

Drones for Public Health, Safety, Risk, Humanitarian and Emergency Management Speaker Series

SESSION 8 THURSDAY MAY 15 12:00PM-1:00PM (EDT)

Speakers:

Shahab Moeini, Director, SubSphere

Gabriela Salazar, Project Manager & Geospatial Scientist, SubSphere

Saeedeh Madani, Project Manager & Geospatial Scientist, SubSphere

Topic: AI-Enhanced Drone-Based Demining Solutions

Link to Event Page

Student Nurses' Voices Speaker Series

SESSION 7 DATE MAY 13 12:00PM-2:00PM (EDT)

Panelists:

Manuel Ballota, Policy Advisor, European Federation of Nurses Association (EFN)

Mary Malone, Professor, Florence Nightingale Faculty, King's College London

Dr. Alina Kushkyan, Founder, Erebuni Medical Academy Foundation, Yerevan, Armenia

Dr. Kristina Mikkoken, Professor, Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Finland

Moderators:

Dr. Deva-Marie Beck

Dr. Maria Theresa "Tess" Panizales

More

Link to Event Page

Emergency Management in Hospitals & Healthcare

SESSION 4 WEDNESDAY MAY 7 2 12:00PM-1:30PM (EDT)

Panelists:
Chris Teichroeb - Manager, Lower Mainland Fire Safety Program
Simon Bridgland, RN - Emergency Management Specialist, Niagara Health
Braeden Cockburn - Fire Marshall, Trillium Health Partners
Shawn Constantin - Security Supervisor, Health & Safety Advisor, Collingwood General & Marine Hospital
Mark McCormick - Fire Safety Officer, Halton Healthcare
Craig Brandon - Fire Life Safety Coordinator, Calgary & Central Zone, Alberta Health Services

Topic: Code Red: Fire Drills

Link to Event Page

VIRTUAL SESSION 21 MAY 5, 12:00-1:00PM EDT

Speakers:

  • Carlos Morell, B.Arch, MS Conservation, CAHP –Principal at Goldsmith Borgal & Company Ltd. Architects (GBCA)
  • Eric Charron, M.Arch, OAA, CAHP – Architect, Diamond and Schmitt Architects (DSAI)

Topic: Climate and Flood Resistance for Heritage Buildings

Link to Event Page

VR/XR Based Training & Education Speaker Series: Knowledge and Experience Sharing

SESSION 19 FRIDAY APRIL 25 12:00PM-1:00PM (EDT)

Speakers: Michael Rosas, Vice-President & General Manager, Virtualware; Fernando Blasco, Director of Sales in North America, Virtualware

Topic: Building an IL/VR (Immersive learning/Virtual reality) Training environment in Industry 5.0

Link to Course Page

Climate Change Displacement Dialogue Speaker Series

SESSION 6 WEDNESDAY MARCH 26 12:00PM-1:00PM (EDT)

Speaker: Dr. Hein de Haas

Professor, Sociology, University of Amsterdam; Professor, Migration and Development, University of Maastricht; Director, International Migration Institute, University of Oxford

Topic: Climate Refugees: The fabrication of a migration threat

Link to Event Page

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 07 08:30AM-4:00PM (EST)

Mass Vaccination Challenges: Lessons from Canadian First Nations and Remote Communities Symposium
&
Mass Vaccination Simulation Workshop