We are encouraged to see that many of the review’s findings and recommendations align with priorities consistently raised by Canadian civil society. In particular, the report calls for better coordination across diplomacy, trade and development to ensure consistent priorities and more joined-up action; stronger support for locally led development through more direct funding, capacity sharing and meaningful inclusion of local actors; and more consistent, transparent engagement with civil society organizations, including through improved consultation practices and greater clarity on how feedback is used.
The report also emphasizes the need to strengthen public engagement and improve how results are communicated to Canadians, recommending that Canada enhance its narrative around the impact of international assistance and increase transparency on project performance.
- This review is a timely opportunity to reflect on Canada’s global role and recommit to ambitious, principled leadership.
- As the national coalition of international cooperation organizations, Cooperation Canada looks forward to working with Global Affairs Canada to:
- Act on key recommendations to enhance the effectiveness and quality of Canada’s international assistance
- Strengthen coordination across government and implement whole-of-society approaches to global engagement
- Improve transparency, predictability and accessibility in funding and partnerships
- Advance public engagement and better communicate the results and impact of Canada’s global efforts—working alongside our network of over 100 members across the country
“We appreciate the meaningful engagement of civil society throughout the peer review process and thank Global Affairs Canada and the OECD-DAC for their openness to dialogue,” said Shannon Kindornay, Deputy CEO of Cooperation Canada. “We look forward to working together to advance efforts to align Canada’s trade, diplomacy and development efforts, enable more locally led approaches and engage people in Canada on the impact of Canada’s strategic and principled investments in international cooperation.”
Notes to Editors
- Cooperation Canada is the national voice for Canadian international development and humanitarian organizations. Representing over 100 organizations, we convene, coordinate and advocate for effective, inclusive and accountable international cooperation that contributes to a fairer, safer and more sustainable world.
- The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Development Assistance Committee (DAC) conducts regular peer reviews of its member countries to assess the effectiveness, quality and impact of their international development cooperation. These reviews evaluate performance against DAC recommendations and international standards and provide guidance to improve future policies and practices. Peer reviews are conducted every five to six years.
- Cooperation Canada coordinated civil society engagement throughout the peer review process and provided input on priorities for Canadian development and humanitarian policy. Since 1968, Cooperation Canada has brought together civil society organizations working globally to build a fairer, safer and more sustainable world.