Cooperation Canada congratulates Anita Anand on her appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs. We look forward to working with Minister Anand to advance Canada’s role in global cooperation, diplomacy and development.
We also extend our congratulations to Randeep Sarai on his appointment as Secretary of State for International Development. His leadership will play an important role in driving Canada’s commitments for a more just world.
With international development now positioned within the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ portfolio, we take note of the appointment of a dedicated Secretary of State to ensure sustained leadership and attention to Canada’s international development efforts.
Cooperation Canada and our members are committed to collaborating with both Minister Anand and Secretary of State Sarai to ensure that international development remains a key priority for Canada and reflects the needs of our global partners.
Together with over 65 Canadian international development and humanitarian partners, Cooperation Canada welcomes the government’s commitment to international cooperation and a strengthened role for Canada on the world stage. We look forward to working with the government to help shape a coherent and future-oriented foreign policy – one that leverages international development as a key pillar of Canada’s global engagement alongside diplomacy, defence and trade.
The government’s commitment to maintaining — at a minimum — current levels of international humanitarian assistance and official development assistance is an essential step. These investments are critical for saving lives, protecting civilians and contributing to rebuilding a rules-based international order. They are also fundamental to advancing Canada’s leadership on gender equality, climate change, human rights, peace and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The current global landscape is marked by both profound instability and significant opportunity. In this context, Canada cannot afford to retreat from global cooperation. Rising humanitarian needs driven by conflict, climate-related disasters and economic volatility demand urgent attention. Simultaneously, fundamental rights — including gender equality, democracy and civic space — are under threat in many parts of the world. Yet, through strategic international partnerships, Canada has the opportunity to foster economic growth, strengthen alliances and contribute to preventing future crises.
“At a time when many are retreating from international cooperation – and as Canada leads the G7 – we have a unique opportunity to lead with principle and purpose,” said Kate Higgins, CEO of Cooperation Canada. “Cooperation Canada looks forward to working with Minister Anand, Secretary of State Sarai, and the government — together with our members and partners in Canada and globally — to advance values-driven and effective international cooperation. Our shared goal is to support the resilience and needs of the most vulnerable communities, maximize impact, leverage expertise and help shape a better future,” she said.