Regional Perspectives Report on Signs of Change and Visions of the Future of Global Cooperation

Regional Perspectives Report on Signs of Change and Visions of the Future of Global Cooperation

Cooperation Canada is proud to present the Regional Perspectives Report, a new release from the Global Cooperation Futures Initiative. The report reveals valuable insights and perspectives gathered from a series of regional dialogues conducted in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America and the Middle East and North African regions. It sheds light on critical signs of change at the regional and global levels, and unveils visions for global cooperation, each uniquely shaped by regional dynamics and historical contexts.

Explore the spectrum of perspectives and aspirations here.

 

Struggle Across Borders: Report on the Experience and Needs of Exiled Activists and Human Rights Defenders in Canada

Struggle Across Borders: Report on the Experience and Needs of Exiled Activists and Human Rights Defenders in Canada

Cooperation Canada and Resilient Societies are proud to launch Struggle Across Borders, a report on the experience of exiled activists and human rights defenders in Canada.

Funded by the International Development Research Centre, this report is based on research conducted involving 27 civic space activists and human rights defenders from twelve countries.

This project uncovered significant insights about:

1. Adaptation and support systems in Canada

Participants highlighted the need for robust support systems to foster the resilience of exiled activists and human rights defenders in Canada. Collaboration with relevant government agencies was deemed essential to streamline immigration pathways and provide sustainable support.

2. Risks of activism and transnational repression

This research underscored the unique risks faced by exiled activists and human rights defenders, necessitating tailored training for public safety institutions and the development of clear policies to safeguard fundamental freedoms and human rights

3. Recognition and capacity building

Improved integration within Canadian institutions, targeted training programs, and enhanced networking opportunities emerged as crucial elements for empowering exiled activists and human rights defenders and promoting collaboration within the community.

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Engaging Canadian Civil Society in the Implementation of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy

Engaging Canadian Civil Society in the Implementation of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy

The Indo-Pacific Strategy (hereafter the lPS or the Strategy), launched in November 2022, presents a comprehensive and integrated approach to expand Canada’s presence and strengthen partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region to effectively protect and promote Canadian interests. Given the rise of the Indo-Pacific region, and the profound impacts of the region on the lives of all Canadians, the Government of Canada recognized the need for a comprehensive, whole-of-society strategy to guide Canada’s actions in this important region. The Strategy outlines five interconnected strategic objectives:

  1. Promote peace, resilience and security
  2. Expand trade, investment and supply chain resilience
  3. Invest in and connect people
  4. Build a sustainable and green future
  5. Canada as an active and engaged partner to the Indo-Pacific

 

To achieve the third IPS objective of investing in and connecting people, Global Affairs Canada (GAC) collaborated with Cooperation Canada, an important convener of and voice for Canadian civil society organizations (CSOs) active in international cooperation, to organize a public consultation on the implementation of the IPS.

This report provides a synthesis of ‘what was heard’ through the consultation held on January 15, 2024, which brought together nearly 225 participants in Ottawa (80 participants) and online (124 participants) from the development, philanthropic, business, government, and diplomatic sectors.  The report seeks to reflect what was shared and discussed through the consultation.  It does not reflect official positions or recommendations of Cooperation Canada.

Invest in aid, secure the future: Canadian leadership in a deeply insecure world #IDW2024

Invest in aid, secure the future: Canadian leadership in a deeply insecure world #IDW2024

The world we have taken for granted for decades is being disrupted. And not in small ways. The basic pillars of democracy are being undermined, humanitarian needs are on the rise, hard-won rights are under attack, and we are witnessing the reversal of decades of progress on development, especially for the world’s most vulnerable.

These challenges pose direct threats to Canada and Canadian interests, by increasing global insecurity and stifling global prosperity.

 

Canada’s Legacy of Global Leadership

At the last IDW, Cooperation Canada and its members took to Parliament Hill to urge Canada to strengthen its global leadership ahead of the 2024 budget. They met with over 50 MPs, senators and political staff from the Bloc Québécois, Conservative Party, Green Party, New Democratic Party and Liberal Party.

Anti-racism, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Justice – Strategy and Action Plan

Anti-racism, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Justice – Strategy and Action Plan

Cooperation Canada’s new anti-racism, equity, diversity, inclusion and justice (AEDIJ) strategy and action plan are now available.

The AEDIJ Strategy and Action Plan will guide the organization’s journey, including the principles that guide our work, our key objectives and the concrete measures we will take in operations and administration, communications and the implementation of programs and activities.

Futures Initiative Reflection Report 2023

Futures Initiative Reflection Report 2023

One year has passed since Cooperation Canada embarked on its first ever strategic foresight project, the Futures Initiative. Since then, significant strides have been made, and in this report, we reflect on our journey, showcasing our advancements to date, insights gleaned from employing strategic foresight, and the methodologies instrumental in studying the global landscape, and identifying emerging trends, signals, and drivers of change within the international cooperation sector. The report underscores the indispensable role of foresight in navigating the complexities of the international development sector. It is our aspiration that this reflection report not only offers valuable insights but also serves as a guiding resource for organizations embarking on their own foresight endeavours.