Cooperation Canada is inviting bold, forward-looking ideas to shape strategic discussions at the 2025 Leaders’ Forum.
We’re looking for big, catalytic concepts that reimagine the future of Canadian international cooperation — whether through new narratives, funding models, organizational approaches, or ways of working. This is your opportunity to influence high-level conversations among sector leaders and contribute to meaningful change.
What We’re Looking For
We welcome submissions on a wide range of themes, including (but not limited to):
- Public engagement and narrative change.
- Innovations in the delivery of Canadian aid.
- New funding models and philanthropic partnerships.
- Reinventing the Canadian Non-governmental Organization.
- Power-shifting and innovative partnership models.
- Strengthening civic space.
Submit a short letter of interest including:
- A concept summary (maximum 150 words) outlining your big idea.
- A brief description of your experience (lived, professional, academic, etc.) and/or your organization’s relevance to the idea (maximum 1 page).
We strongly encourage submissions from diverse voices. At least two of the five selected proposals will be allocated to youth (under 35). Please indicate if you are a youth in your letter of interest, should this apply to you.
What Happens Next
- Up to five selected proposals will receive a $2,000 honorarium to expand their idea into a short concept paper (maximum 1500 words).
- These concepts will be professionally designed, translated, and published on Cooperation Canada’s website by October 20, 2025.
- They will directly inform workshop discussions at the 2025 Leaders’ Forum, with top ideas spotlighted during the event.
- Big ideas invited for discussion at the Leaders’ Forum will be issued shortly after final versions are received.
Assessment Criteria
Proposals will be assessed based on:
- Clarity and boldness of the idea.
- Relevance to current challenges and opportunities in Canadian international cooperation.
- Potential for influence and practical application.
- Diversity of voice and perspective.
- Feasibility and originality of the proposed concept.
How to Submit
Please send us your letter of interest (including your concept summary and experience description). Submissions must be received by July 31, 2025.
Timeline – 2025
- Deadline to submit letter of interest: July 31
- Notification of selected proposals: August 8
- First draft due: September 2
- Feedback returned: September 10
- Final version due: September 22
- Publication: October 20
- Leaders Forum: October 29-30 (Ottawa, ON)