Local Impact,
Global Partnerships.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in collaboration with Livelihood Development International Initiatives (LDII), held the first International Post COVID Conference in Toronto from 11 to 13 July 2024.

The IGAD delegation, led by Fathia A. Alwan, Director of IGAD’s Health and Social Development Division, took part as co-convener and co-organizer. Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary, she described how IGAD upgraded national laboratories and cross-border health facilities and worked with international partners to strengthen its response.

The conference drew delegates from around the world, including African Union member states, regional blocs, and Canadian academics and universities. The City of Brampton presented IGAD with a certificate of recognition and appreciation.

The three-day conference closed with recommendations and commitments to improve coordination and communication for the recovery and reconstruction phase.

The African Union Sixth Region Global (AU6RG), an organization of the African diaspora, invited its members to the First International Post COVID-19 Conference, held July 11–13, 2024, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

AU6RG described the conference as a platform for global experts to develop strategies for a coordinated response to future global shocks, and for diaspora voices to shape global policy after a pandemic that hit communities in the Global South hardest.

Its announcement highlighted knowledge exchange between Global North and Global South experts, addressing inequities, inclusive policy for women, youth and the elderly, stronger health infrastructure, pandemic financing and equitable access to technology.

On October 1, 2023, Toronto hosted the world’s first COVID-19 Remembrance Parade and Candlelight Vigil, organized by Livelihood Development International Initiatives (LDII) under the theme “Walking for Humanity, Healing, and Compassion, with Unity, Hope, and Renewal Beyond COVID-19.”

The parade began at Christie Pits Park, where participants representing nations from around the world gathered to pay tribute to the impact of the pandemic, led by St. Andrews Pipes & Drums from Mississauga.

Rev. Dr. Wendell Gibbs offered words of solace and led an interfaith prayer, and City Councillor Chris Moise conveyed the local government’s support. During the parade, LDII announced its plan to extend the annual event to other countries, including Uganda, the UK, the USA, Italy and Spain.

Student Jordan Katuntu recited a poem as the parade became a candlelight vigil. Candles arranged on the ground formed a tribute symbolizing unity, hope, healing and compassion. Participants from many backgrounds, including representatives of RBC and the Ethiopian community, honoured the lives lost and the healthcare workers and volunteers who served during the pandemic.