Cooperation Canada encourages members and other organizations from the sector to consult the following resources related to COVID-19.
Government Resources
Guidance on eligibility of COVID-19 potential costs (Global Affairs Canada)
Global Affairs Canada recognizes the impacts of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the delivery of international development assistance projects. The guidance available on this webpage is meant to ensure that there are no contractual or financial barriers to prevent international development and humanitarian assistance organizations from repatriating their employees (and their dependants), volunteers, interns and students to their home country and following government directions on mandatory self-isolation. The table also available on the webpage provides flexibility and guidance on the eligibility of costs for other situations that could be encountered due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This guidance applies only to contribution agreements under the International Development Assistance Program and will be updated as the crisis unfolds.
Recipient organizations are encouraged to review the questions and answers and discuss context-specific situations with their respective Global Affairs Canada project management team. In addition, please work with your Global Affairs Canada counterparts to maintain a record of all decisions, changes to your project’s implementation and project costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) (Government of Canada)
The Government of Canada’s official page for COVID-19. Canadians can find regular updates on the current situation, tools for self-assessment and evaluating your health, as well as information regarding financial and economic support, travel advisories and safety and security in Canada during the pandemic.
General Sector Resources
Tackling Coronavirus (COVID‑19) – Contributing to a global effort (OECD)
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s COVID-19 webpage. Learn about how the OECD is tackling the coronavirus and what the key impacts and policy responses are while facing a global pandemic. The OECD webpage graphs data collected in real-time, showing relationships between COVID-19 and other variables affected by the outbreak. A list of additional resources such as articles, data portals, economic research, videos and podcasts have also been linked on the site.
Principes d’une #RéponseJuste au COVID-19 (350.org)
An open letter initiated by 350.org and signed by dozens of organizations, calling for a coordinated international response that is fair for all, ensuring that those who have been hit the hardest by this crisis are offered a better future. The letter is addressed to all national governments and the international community, demanding to prioritize the following: the health of individuals, direct economic aid to the population, support for workers and communities, to improve resilience for future crises, and efforts to strengthen solidarity between individuals.
Covid-19 & Refugees Worldwide Status: cases, responses & actions taken (Techfugees)
A resource created by Techfugees with updated information on COVID-19 and refugee situations worldwide. The status of political changes due to the virus that impact refugees like, healthcare policies, measures affecting resettlement and asylum seeking. Detailed information on the number of positive cases including specific refugees’ populations and how they are receiving necessary support, as well as guidance on what you can do to help.
Evaluating the initial impact of COVID-19 containment measures on economic activity (OECD)
Evaluates common sectoral output and consumption patterns identified across countries during the COVID-19 crisis that is used to predict the direct economic consequences likely to result from a shutdown. This report offers a breakdown of the short-term effects and discusses the potential long-term consequences and impact on economic flows. The report contains graphs that predict probable market outcomes.
From Poverty to Power – What are African journalists, scholars and activists saying about Covid-19? (OXFAM)
This post from Poverty to Power is a reflection on how the general response to COVID-19 appears to be targeted at countries with limited restricting barriers. This analysis on COVID-19 response seeks to understand and share the reasoning behind the quiet and contrasting COVID response from other countries like many in Africa. Additional links and resources are also available throughout the post.
More Covid analysis by African authors, and a first instalment from India (OXFAM)
A follow-up analysis from Poverty to Power on the contrasting response to the COVID-19 crisis. Continuing to highlight the realities of a generic approach and arguing that more consideration is needed for communities with barriers that can restrict individuals from following new measures. This post includes more in-text resources and evidence to support the need for more awareness and guidance to all during a global crisis.
A statement initiated by Global Unions asking that the IMF and the World Bank produce a plan to coordinate economic stimulus, public health and debt relief for developing countries, ensuring that developing countries receive the support necessary to recover from the crises. The statement includes a list of reasoning supported by data as well as a list of possible recommendations to consider and to discuss during the upcoming Spring Meetings.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Pandemic (WHO)
The World Health Organization’s official page dedicated to the coronavirus disease. Updates on global reports, research development, travel advice, myth busters, situation reports, strategies, plans and operations relating to COVID-19 can be found here. Live press briefings and all information on this webpage is accessible to individuals and organizations looking for updates on the coronavirus on an international level.
Three ways to plan for equity during the coronavirus school closures (UNESCO)
An article written by Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education and Suzanne Grant Lewis, UNESCO-IIEP Director, and published on UNESCO’s World Education Blog, this article outlines three ways to plan school closures with attention to equity. Recommendations for those working in education and reminders of important considerations when teaching students in their new learning environments.
COVID-19 and Conflict sensitivity (OXFAM)
This tip sheet is a tool for systematically integrating conflict and peace awareness in humanitarian programming under a safe programming approach. The tip sheet covers three areas related to conflict sensitivity, which is central to Oxfam’s commitment to safe programming as pas od the COVID-19 humanitarian response: the potential conflict risks that could emerge as part of pandemic responses, key questions to ask as part of a rapid conflict analysis and ongoing monitoring efforts and conflict sensitive monitoring, accountability and feedback mechanisms.
In Conversation with Canada’s Foreign Minister: Foreign Policy Challenges and Opportunities in a Time of Pandemic (Centre for International Policy Studies – CIPS)
In this first virtual exchange as part of a series of video conferences, Canada’s Foreign Minister, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, shared his experience on the recent repatriation of Canadians travellers abroad, as well as his views on Canada’s role as a convening power in a time of global crisis and transformation. This event was also an opportunity for students to exchange with the Minister on Canada’s foreign policy and public diplomacy in addressing global crises and challenges while cooperating with other governments, multilateral organizations and international partners.
Human Rights, Guatemala and COVID-19 (Projet Accompagnement Québec-Guatemala, PAQG)
Developed by PAQG activists, this critical analysis integrates a human rights perspective in reflecting on the exceptional and unknown situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in Guatemala. The analysis provides an overview of NGO law, states of exception, criminalization, traditional justice, extractivism and international accompaniment.
Imagine Canada Sector Monitor: Charities & the COVID-19 Pandemic (Imagine Canada)
This report details the experiences of charities since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the impact of physical distancing, mandatory closure of non-essential businesses, and myriad other changes to the operating environment. The report enables readers to understand the impact of the pandemic on the financial health of charitable organizations, and the size of these shifts in comparison to the 2008/2009 economic downturn, changes in the demand for charitable services and associated effects on organizational capacities to respond to COVID-19, the types of organizations and income streams most impacted by the pandemic, and the extent and the kinds of innovation being used by charities to adapt to systemic changes.
After COVID-19: How to Pull Off the SDG Hat-Trick? (CGDEV)
In its latest working paper, CGDEV considers how realistic it is to pull off the SD hat-trick and ask, after the COVID-19 pandemic, what type of economic growth will be required to end global poverty and reduce inequality by 2030. The organization’s answer is sobering: countries will need to follow unprecedented growth trajectories not only to recover from the economic damage wrought by COVID-19 but in order to have any chance of achieving the poverty and inequality SDGs by 2030. Read the full paper here.
Six Ways COVID-19 Will Shape the Future of Education (CGDEV)
Most of us have been living with closed schools and some version of lockdown for four months now. For all the reimagining of education in the 21st century, nobody predicted that the greatest disruption of all would come from a virus. As education policymakers all over the world grapple with distance learning provision and safe school reopening, they will no doubt also be thinking about what the pandemic means for education in the longer term. In this commentary, CGDEV examines six ways COVID-19 is likely to shape the future of education.
Gender-Specific Resources
Gender Implications of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Development and Humanitarian Settings (CARE)
Analysis of the impacts of COVID-19 outbreaks on women and girls in development or humanitarian contexts. Short-term and long-term recommendations provided for health and service delivery actors, development and humanitarian organizations, national governments and international donors to inform programming. (Executive Summary)
New COVID-19 Global Rapid Gender Analysis Addresses Concerns of Women and Girls in Pandemic (CARE)
Highlights from the original analysis done by CARE on the gender implications of COVID-19 on women and girls and other marginalized people that are likely to suffer during the pandemic.
Guidance for Mainstreaming Gender Equality Actions in COVID-19 Response (Plan International Canada)
Practical guidance tool that sets out minimal and practical standards to be applied through all programming to mitigate and address those gendered impacts of COVID-19. The guide provides a quick glimpse of the known and expected socio-economic, health and gender specific impacts of COVID-19. Available in French and English.
Guidance for adapting Education Interventions in COVID-19 Response (Plan International Canada)
Practical guidance tool that aims to support country and project teams implementing education projects to adapt interventions, as needed, in order to help ensure children and their families are safe and secure, and children continue learning in a gender-responsive way during and after the COVID-19 crisis. This tool can also be used to guide discussions and program influencing with government and education partners as they design their own COVID-19 responses and can be applied in consonance with the Gender Equality Guidance for COVID-19 Response Programming guide. Available in French and English.
Reimagining equality: economic impact of an invisible enemy – covid-19 (Plan International Canada)
A discussion that paper highlights the economic impact of COVID-19 in developing countries and argues for innovative and radical action to transform food, agricultural and financial systems and to address social and economic inequalities, and trade imbalance that this global crisis has brought to bear.
Feminist Action Agenda: Canada’s Global Response to COVID-19 (Oxfam Canada)
In this policy brief, the leadership role Canada can take in the global response to COVID-19 with an intersectional feminist approach is discussed through 5 principles, unique challenges faced by women, girls and gender-diverse people, and examples of how organizations are shifting their work to fight the pandemic followed by six key recommendations. This Oxfam Canada’s policy brief is co-authored by Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights, Amnesty International Canada, Equality Fund, Inter Pares, and Nobel Women’s Initiative.
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and COVID-19: The Complexities of Responding to “The Shadow Pandemic” (CARE Canada)
This policy brief provides 15 recommendations for donors and all actors to recognize GBV services as an essential and lifesaving component of the humanitarian response to COVID-19. The brief also recommends actors ensure that women and girls are provided with meaningful opportunities to participate in leadership and decision-making around all areas of programming, policy design and implementation.
Where Are the Women? the Conspicuous Absence of Women in COVID-19 Response Teams and Plans, and Why We Need Them (CARE Canada)
Based on a survey of 30 countries, the report finds that Canada’s COVID response has been more gender-responsive than others’ - 50% of the national COVID-19 response team is made up of women. However, gaps in the way that Canada provides humanitarian assistance remain. The report seeks to emphasize that part of an inclusive response to the pandemic means supporting a localized, women-let response with funding reaching local women-led and women’s rights organizations. With little to no funding and programming paused or cancelled, women’s rights or women-led organizations are at risk of waning.
A Feminist Action Agenda For Canada’s Global Response To COVID-19 – Report (Equality Fund)
Released on May 21, 2020, produced by Oxfam Canada, Amnesty International, the Nobel Women’s Initiative, Inter Pares, Action Canada for Sexual and Health Rights, and the Equality Fund— the report states that Canada is well-placed to take a leadership role in ensuring that women’s rights and gender justice are at the heart of the global COVID-19 response. The Feminist Action Agenda makes several recommendations on how the government of Canada can employ a gender equality lens in its actions to combat the pandemic.
State of Civil Society Report 2020 (CIVICUS)
Since 2012, CIVICUS has published the annual State of Civil Society Report to analyse how contemporary events and trends are impacting on civil society, and how civil society is responding to the major issues and challenges of the day. This is the ninth edition of the report, focusing on civil society action and trends affecting civil society in 2019. The report is of, from and for civil society, drawing from 50 interviews with civil society activists, leaders and experts, and others close to the major stories of the day. The 2020 report is also informed by CIVICUS’s ongoing programme of research, analysis and advocacy, and the work of our members, networks and partners. This report provides a snapshot of a world that might just have changed irrevocably. The COVID-19 pandemic swept the world as this report was being finalised, and its impacts are already far-reaching. Read the report here.
Khalil Shariff: Looking past the crisis (AKDN), posted June 4, 2020
Khalil Shariff, CEO of the Aga Khan Foundation Canada, speaks about the work of the Aga Khan Development Network, and how we can support others around the world through the crisis.
Legal and Financial Resources
COVID-19 Resources for Charities and NFPs (Carters)
Carters law firm’s collection of COVID-19 resources for charities and NFPs looking for legal, financial and other resources on information that has changed or impacted them due to the pandemic.
FinDev Canada and COVID-19 (FinDev Canada)
FinDev Canada’s COVID-19 microsite. Articles and knowledge-based resources on finance and the COVID-19 crisis. Articles on how financial institutions are responding to the crisis in developing countries, information for investors wanting to help those affected most during the pandemic and more.
6 Principles of a Just Recovery (Just Recovery for All)
As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 health crisis and prepare to rebuild, organizations across Canada want governments to know that we cannot go back to the way things were. For years, we have witnessed the results of chronic underinvestment and inaction in the face of the ongoing, pre-existing crises of colonialism, human rights abuses, social inequity, ecological degradation, and climate change. Now, the COVID-19 crisis is forcing governments and civil society alike to reckon with the inadequacies and inequities of our systems.
Fighting COVID-19: Seven Principles to Protect Our Privacy (International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group)
A short video about the seven guiding principles for all levels of government to follow in protecting our privacy and our health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Resources Compiled by Other Organizations
COVID-19 Information & Resources from Ontario International Cooperation Organizations (OCIC)
Ontario Council for International Cooperation’s collection of resources and credible news sources. Global news and links to sites like CBC, BBC, John Hopkins University and WHO that provide advice for individuals during the COVID-19 outbreak as well as updates on new coronavirus data, flu trackers, etc.
The Ontario Non-Profit Network Resources (ONN)
The Ontario Non-Profit Network has created a list of trusted resources and information relating to COVID-19 and public health in addition to the Government of Canada’s official webpage for the virus.
BCSDN Newsletter: Solidarity in Times of Corona Crisis (Balkan Civil Society Development Network)
Balkan Civil Society Development Network’s collection of regional and international stories and CSOs responses on the civil society sector during the Corona crisis; How organizations have new ways of working, are changing plans, goals, deliverables and finance, including the CSOs donor’s perspective.
COVID-19 Implications for Canada and the economic impact (The Conference Board of Canada)
Quick-read articles and the latest updates, data, forecasts, research on the growing spread of coronavirus, and useful tools that help support individuals and organizations during the coronavirus outbreak.
COVID-19 Resource List for International Cooperation Organizations (BCCIC)
BCCIC’s list of resources for International Cooperation Organizations. Resources include those relating to partnerships, fundraising, international community and support networks, resources specifically on the impacts of COVID-19, and more.
COVID-19 and Aid Resources (Civil Society Reference Group to the OECD-DAC)
Compilation of resources (articles, official and CSOs statements, analysis and others) related to COVID–19 and aid related issues.
Climate Caucus Community Action Handbook (CC)
Climate Caucus’ Community Action handbook is an ongoing collaborative effort by municipal leaders, civic organizations, public and private institutions and other community leaders to create a handbook of useful suggestions, solutions and experiences for other leaders to reference if faced with similar issues. The objective is to create a bigger community of leaders better equipped to respond quickly and more efficiently in their communities during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Resources for Indigenous Communities (First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada)
The First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada has created a list of resources to support Indigenous communities.
COVID19 Just Recovery Yellowpages / Le bottin des ressources en réponse à la COVID-19
This is a crowdsourced guide to COVID-19 action, community care, and activism in Canada. Une liste de ressources et initiatives communautaires et locales d’un peu partout Canada en réponse à la COVID-19.
100 Days of a Pandemic: Report (CanWaCH)
As Canadian organizations respond to the impacts of COVID-19 around the world, they are reporting a crisis within a crisis. Alongside the virus, fragile health systems, incomplete data and untrustworthy information threaten to reverse critical gains made in global health and rights and the most vulnerable have become further isolated. How will we respond? How can we do better? Here’s what they told CanWaCH through 100 Days of a Pandemic: The Full Report, a webinar following the launch of the report, and list of resources, all accessible here.
The chapters collected in this edited volume reflect and further the discussions HLAB members have had on a wide range of development trends and issues of critical importance to the achievement of the SDGs and the recovery from COVID-19. The observations and recommendations reported can inform COVID-19 responses so that countries build back better and avoid returning to a pre-pandemic pathway, where progress towards important objectives was not rapid enough, or was happening at the cost of significant reversals on others. Taken together, they reflect an understanding of key underlying trends that will need to be leveraged and managed as we design and implement policies for the pandemic response and recovery.
#TogetherAlberta Stories Series 2020: Responding to COVID-19
As a network of organizations and individuals, the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation is pleased to highlight the work of Albertan organizations that have successfully pivoted in response to community needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic. This page is dedicated to stories of responses to assist the most vulnerable communities, beginning in Alberta.
Virtual Events and Webinars
What is the best way to stop a pandemic? (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine) Virtual Event – Livestream has passed; recording available
A global health lab discussion with LSHTM researchers on “what is the best way to stop a pandemic?” It focuses on strategies to prevent and respond to a pandemic. including mass health communication, border controls, forms of confinement or quarantine, food chain interventions and vaccination programmes. Recording available.
Post-COVID-19: Implications for International Cooperation Webinar (USPC)
The USPC Seoul Policy Centre has posted a three-part webinar series where experts from Southern and Northern think tanks come together to discuss the idea that the COVID-19 pandemic could have a positive effect on international cooperation going forward. Possible scenarios and mitigating measures post-COVID-19 are analyzed with an emphasis on development cooperation globally.
Global Access to Vaccines: the Politics of Negotiations and the Global South (New School) – May 28, 2020 – Livestream has passed; recording available
The second installment in the Global Pandemics in an Unequal World Webinar Series. When a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is developed, will it be a “peoples vaccine” produced in time and scale, affordably priced, and available for all countries and all people? This will not be possible if the vaccines are produced and distributed under the prevailing market model of private finance and monopoly protection. As world leaders commit to ensuring equitable access to vaccines, treatment, and diagnostics, what are the politics of negotiations amongst governments, industry, financing agencies, and public health institutions health equity activists on a new model of financing, production, and patent protection? How are the Global South and civil society groups engaging, and how are their voices being heard?
Senegal’s Response to COVID-19 (CGDEV), May 29, 2020 – Livestream has passed; recording available
In this online event, panelists discussed Senegal’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic impact and addressed challenges facing Senegal’s policymakers in reviving the economy. The conversation focused on the key elements of the policy package (including the budgetary measures) implemented by Senegal since the advent of the crisis.
Asia’s Economic Outlook and Policy Responses Under COVID-19: Views from Beijing, Manila, and Washington, June 2, 2020 (CGDEV) – Livestream has passed; recording available
Countries in Asia experienced the COVID-19 outbreak earlier than in other regions. This session considered the experience of the pandemic within the region to date, Asia’s economic outlook during this crisis period, and the outlook for policy responses to the health and economic crises. Senior officials from two leading regional development institutions, the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, as well as a leading DC-based Asia watcher from the Wilson Center were in attendance to answer pressing questions.
Safeguarding Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic, June 3, 2020 (CGDEV) – Livestream has passed; recording available
This webinar approached the anticipated adverse impacts of COVID-19 on access to contraceptives and sexual and reproductive health more broadly—and possible mitigation strategies to protect hard-won gains for women and girls. Panelists examined existing structural and systemic barriers to service provision and access that may be amplified by COVID-19, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized groups. The panel also addressed how low- and middle-income country policymakers, with the support of donors, the private sector, and other development partners, can reinforce the centrality of sexual and reproductive health as an essential healthcare service through the pandemic and beyond.
Harnessing Digital Technology and Payments to Support People and Small Businesses Through COVID-19 and Beyond, June 11, 2020 (CGDEV) – Livestream has passed; recording available
Drawing on the global, regional, and national experiences, this event highlighted the opportunities and challenges of building a better digital infrastructure to help individuals and SMEs in developing countries during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
The future of civil society organisations in the light of the coronavirus, June 17, 2020 (Bond) – Livestream has passed; recording available
This webinar brought together leaders from a range of sectors and backgrounds to share their observations and thoughts on the implications of the Covid-19 crisis for civil society organisations. Panelists also identified possible directions for civil society organisations to emerge stronger. This webinar is a collaboration between the following international civil society networks: Bond, CIVICUS, CONCORD Europe, Forus International, ICSC, Climate Action Network, ICVA, InterAction, NEAR, and VANI.
Build back equal: Canada’s unique response to hunger, COVID-19 and the climate crisis (CARE and UN FAO), June 29, 2020 – Livestream has passed; recording available
Listen to leaders from the UN, the Government of Canada, parliament and international organizations to explore what Canada can do to support a strong response to food and nutrition impacts of COVID-19 - and how you can get involved.
Africa Beyond COVID-19 (CGDEV), June 30, 2020 – Livestream has passed; recording available
This event explored the various economic and health impacts of COVID-19 across different regions in Africa, the responses our sectors have seen thus far, and the way forward. The discussion focused on economic growth and development in Africa beyond COVID-19. The speakers examined the debt implications of recovery, digitalization of the economy, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
COVID-19 and Gender-Based Violence in the Global South (Women’s Empowerment in Development), July 2, 2020 – Livestream has passed; recording will be made available soon
COVID-19 has become an unprecedented global crisis. The pandemic and its associated economic crisis have exposed deep structural inequalities around the world, with disproportionate effects on women and girls. This webinar discussed current issues around COVID-19 and gender-based violence for women in the Global South. A diverse panel of experts from the worlds of international development research and practice discussed research priorities and possible policy solutions to address COVID-19 and gender-based violence.
The Role of Parliamentarians in Strengthening COVID-19 Response & Recovery (CGDEV), July 15, 2020 – Livestream has passed; recording available
Members of Parliament have an important role to play in tackling COVID-19 and assuring the health and wellbeing of their citizens, especially as they consider resource allocation decisions specific to their national, economic, and social contexts. Listen to this session’s recording for a discussion with several Members of Parliament engaged in global, regional, and national parliamentary networks focused on global health to discuss the challenges presented by COVID-19 in their countries and communities, parliamentary actions taken thus far, opportunities for increased accountability and effectiveness of COVID-19 response efforts, and potential implications on domestic financing for health and the global health landscape. Building on CGD’s recent work around the net health impact of COVID-19 policies, the session also examined the effects of the outbreak on essential healthcare services, such as HIV, TB, and malaria.
When Schools Reopen: What are the Priorities for the Education Sector Post-COVID? (CGDEV), July 17, 2020 – Livestream has passed; recording available
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on almost every school system in the world. As schools start to reopen, education policy makers are faced with the dual challenge of getting children back into school and planning for the long-term consequences of the pandemic on the sector. During this event, panelists will discuss what some of the long-term shifts in education will be as a result of COVID-19 and examine consequences for education globally and domestically, including the impact on finance and how to mitigate the adverse effects of the pandemic on the most vulnerable children.
Building Back Better: Risk-informed COVID-19 Recovery and Rehabilitation and Strengthening Resilience to Climate Change-Related Disasters in Africa and the Caribbean, Concept Note (UN Foundation), July 23, 2020 – Livestream has passed; recording available
The event will bring together representatives of Governments, UN Agencies, and development and humanitarian partners, and encourage the exchange of views, sharing of experiences, and setting of common goals and targets in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly those related to sustainable cities, the Sendai Framework and the Paris Agreement. Watch the recording here.