
Description
Are we doing enough to provide quality education for all in Canada?
With an urgency to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies to meet the emerging needs and demands of a more sustainable economy and society, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 plays a fundamental role in reducing barriers to skills development and technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

Speakers

Director of Secretariat, Canadian Commission for UNESCO
David Schimpky is Director of Secretariat at the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. Born and raised in the Niagara region, David provides senior management oversight to the Commission’s five sectors: Education, Culture, Social and Human Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Communications and Information. A former executive with the Canada Council for the Arts, he played a key role in the historic re-design of its arts funding programs. He was educated at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario, and Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, BC. He is inspired in his work by UNESCO’s values around peace building and inclusion.

Chair, Youth Advisory Group Member, Executive Committee Canadian Commission for UNESCO

Manager, ImpAct Partnership Services, Colleges and Institutes Canada
Judi Varga-Toth joined CICan in March 2019 as the Projet Lead for ImpAct: Colleges and institutes collaborating for social impact. In October 2019, a new team was created to carry forward this work more holistically and Judi leads the team as manager. ImpAct aims to strengthen and accelerate CICan member institutions’ contributions towards achieving social and economic inclusion for under-represented groups. The project is inspired by CICan’s new strategic plan and vision of Better Futures for Peoples and Communities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals and 2030 Agenda.
Prior to joining CICan, Judi led Vélo Canada Bikes, where she contributed towards a greener, more inclusive Canada through advocating for safe, convenient and accessible active transportation infrastructure and policies for all Canadians. She has also worked in social policy research, sustainability and social programs, entrepreneurship and tourism.
Judi has an MA in European Studies and a BA in Political Science.