Anti-racism

Anti-racist action focuses on confronting systemic racism and colonial legacies that shape how international cooperation is designed and delivered, and on advancing more equitable and accountable approaches across the sector.

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In a sector shaped by historical and ongoing inequities, anti-racist approaches are essential to building more just, effective and accountable international cooperation. This means examining and changing policies, practices and power relations, while centring the voices, leadership and lived experiences of Black, Indigenous and racialized people in Canada and globally.

Cooperation Canada advances anti-racist action by supporting organizations across the sector to address systemic barriers, strengthen accountability and adopt more equitable ways of working.

Guided by our Anti-Racism in Cooperation (ARC) Framework, we focus on three core areas: organizational culture and human resources, communications and knowledge sharing, and program design and delivery. The Framework emphasizes continuous learning, accountability and sustained action.

Through convening, coordination and collaboration, we bring organizations together to share learning, address common challenges and strengthen collective approaches to anti-racism. Our work supports a sector that is better equipped to move from commitment to meaningful and lasting change.

The 2025 Collective Commitment report highlights both progress and persistent challenges, including limited resources and capacity. By strengthening leadership, improving measurement and amplifying locally-led approaches, we support the sector to advance sustained change—so that international cooperation promotes dignity, equity and self-determination for all.

What We Work On

Anti-racist action is essential to advancing more equitable and accountable international cooperation. Our work supports the sector to confront systemic racism, strengthen practices and build the knowledge and connections needed to drive sustained change.

Strengthening the capacity of Canada’s international cooperation sector

by equipping organizations with practical tools, resources and learning opportunities

Convening the sector to foster collaboration, shared learning and collective action

Advancing anti-racism through the Anti-Racism in Cooperation (ARC) Framework

by strengthening organizational culture, communications and program delivery while centering racialized leadership and ensuring continuous learning and accountability

Strengthening sector-wide progress through the Collective Commitment report

by addressing resource challenges, enhancing leadership and measurement and advancing locally led approaches to anti-racis

Why It’s Important

Anti-racist approaches are critical to building more just, effective and accountable international cooperation. By addressing systemic inequities and colonial legacies, the sector can strengthen its impact and better align with principles of dignity, equity and self-determination. This work drives meaningful change across how organizations operate, partner and deliver programs, including

  • Confronting systemic racism strengthens accountability, transparency and trust across the sector

  • Centering the leadership and voices of Black, Indigenous and racialized people leads to more relevant, inclusive and effective approaches

  • Stronger organizational practices and shared learning support sustained progress and help move from commitment to action

  • Advancing anti-racism—alongside Indigenous rights and reconciliation approaches—contributes to more equitable partnerships and long-term impact

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