2023 WUSC International Seminar in Accra, Ghana: Applications Now Open!

Green, Resilient and Inclusive Development: Diverse Perspectives in Ghana

Do you have a passion for sustainable development? Are you interested in green entrepreneurship? Are you a Canadian citizen or permanent resident between the ages of 18 and 30?

If you are looking for an international opportunity to deepen your understanding of economic inclusion, the green economy, resilience, and entrepreneurship from diverse points of view, then the WUSC International Seminar is for you!

The International Seminar is an annual WUSC event for young leaders from around the world to collaborate, share ideas, and create long lasting relationships. Each year explores a different contemporary development issue through youth-driven ideas, research and solutions. Since its first iteration in 1948, the International Seminar has seen thousands of participants collaborate on projects linked to women in entrepreneurship, refugee self-reliance and other important global issues.

Why Should You Participate?

Held in Accra, Ghana, from July 31st to August 25th, the 2023 International Seminar will bring together youths from Canada, Ghana and other countries with a keen interest in sustainable and inclusive development to collaborate on a research topic.

Through presentations, workshops and peer-led activities, you will deepen your understanding of economic inclusion, the green economy, resilience and entrepreneurship from diverse points of view including youth and women. At the end of the seminar, you and your fellow participants will share your findings and provide recommendations to WUSC, our partner organizations and other stakeholders to improve the quality and impact of global development programs in this sector, and help reach sustainable development goals by their 2030 target.

This year’s International Seminar specifically aims to:

• Create a unique opportunity for young leaders from around the world to collaborate, share ideas and create long-lasting relationships
• Identify barriers to sustainable and inclusive development and to explore innovative, youth-driven solutions
• Provide stakeholders with a better understanding of green entrepreneurship as a viable developmental approach
• Develop recommendations for sustainable, impactful and inclusive green economic development

Why Ghana?

With a GDP that surpasses $77 billion, Ghana is one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa. The country partly owes its remarkable growth and development over the past 15 years to local entrepreneurs, particularly female entrepreneurs who play a key role in Ghana’s striving agriculture and manufacturing sectors among others. Yet, the market-focused strategies behind this growth have led to the overexploitation of natural resources and to the deterioration of the environment. Moreover, although self-employment provides an income, women and youth face numerous challenges in growing their businesses. These challenges are compounded for women climate entrepreneurs (WCEs), but there is limited research that assesses the issues or presents any actionable recommendations to the wider ecosystem.

To apply, please send your CV and cover letter with your statement of interest to [email protected] 

In your cover letter, please tell us what would make you a valuable contributor to this year’s WUSC International Seminar. Include any experience, knowledge, skills and attitudes that you deem relevant.

*Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada are eligible to apply. We look forward to receiving your application!

Application deadline: April 1, 2023 at 11:59pm EST

If you have any questions, please send an email to [email protected].

Support Package

• Support and guidance from the WUSC Volunteer Mobilization Team prior to departure and from WUSC Country Team while on assignment
• Pre-departure training to learn about the volunteering for development program, gain practical skills for living and working in an intercultural context and network with other volunteers
• In-country orientation upon arrival in country of assignment
• Language training in country of assignment, where required
• Modest monthly living and accommodation allowance
• Airfare to and from the assignment country
• Visa/work permit
• Pre-departure medical exam
• Health insurance
• Vaccinations and antimalarial medication
• COVID-19 PCR testing
• Criminal record verification
• Debriefing after completion of assignment
• An incredible opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to global development, enhance your professional skills and participate in an experience of a lifetime!