Updated on: August 18, 2025

The Center for International Policy and Sustainability (CIPS) (“CIPS,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) values your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information of our visitors, applicants, and participants. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and safeguard your data when you access our website (www.thecips.org), subscribe to our communications, or take part in our programs and events.

Information We Collect

When engaging with CIPS online or through our programs, you may provide personal information such as:

• Name, email address, and phone number.
• Demographic or professional details (e.g., age, country, occupation).
• Application or registration details for programs and events.
• Payment details (processed securely through third-party providers).

We may also collect limited, non-identifiable information automatically when you use our website, including IP addresses, browser type, and website usage patterns.

How We Use Your Information

We use personal information to:

• Process applications, registrations, and event participation.
• Communicate updates, newsletters, and program announcements.
• Manage event logistics and participant services.
• Improve our website, programs, and user experience.
• Fulfill legal and compliance obligations.

CIPS does not sell or rent your personal information. Any data shared with partners is anonymized or aggregated.

Automatically Collected Data & Tracking

To improve our website and services, we may use:

• Cookies – to store preferences and enhance functionality.
• Log files – to record technical information such as IP addresses, pages visited, and timestamps.
• Web beacons or analytics tools – to measure engagement and effectiveness of our communications.

You can manage or disable cookies in your browser settings. Please note that doing so may affect your browsing experience.

Children’s Privacy

Our website and programs are not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect data from children. If you believe a child has provided personal information to us, please contact us at contact@thecips.org , and we will delete it promptly.

Communications & Your Choices

If you provide your contact details, CIPS may send you:

• Newsletters and policy updates.
• Invitations to events, workshops, and fellowships.
• Promotional materials related to our mission.

Opt-out options:

• You can unsubscribe from newsletters or promotional emails at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” link or contacting us directly.
• Even if you opt out, we may still send essential communications (e.g., program confirmations, policy updates).

6. Information Sharing & Third Parties

We may share your information in the following cases:

• Service providers: With vendors (such as payment processors, event platforms, or web developers) who help us deliver our services.
• Legal obligations: If required by law, court order, or government request.
• Aggregate reporting: Non-identifiable data may be shared with partners for research or evaluation purposes.

CIPS is not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party providers or linked external websites.

7. Data Security

We use commercially reasonable measures to protect personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, or misuse. However, no method of online transmission is fully secure, and CIPS cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Compliance with Canadian Data Privacy Law (PIPEDA)

As a Canada-based organization, CIPS complies with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), Canada’s federal privacy law governing the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information.

This means that:

• We collect personal data only for purposes a reasonable person would consider appropriate under the circumstances.
• We obtain consent before collecting, using, or disclosing your personal information, except where otherwise permitted by law.
• You have the right to access and correct your personal information held by us.
• We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill identified purposes or as required by law.

If you are based outside Canada, you acknowledge and agree that your personal information may be transferred to and processed in Canada, where privacy laws may differ from those in your country.

9. Correcting or Updating Your Information

If you wish to update, correct, or remove your personal information, please contact us at contact@thecips.org. We will take reasonable steps to verify your identity before processing your request.

10. International Programs & Data Transfers

As an international organization, CIPS may process data across borders. By engaging with our website or programs, you consent to the transfer of your information to Canada and, where applicable, other countries where CIPS operates events.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

CIPS reserves the right to update or revise this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on www.thecips.org, with the “last updated” date clearly indicated.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

📧 Email: contact@thecips.org
🌐 Website: www.thecips.org