Cooperation Canada’s

Leaders Forum

Where Leadership Meets Collective Action in International Cooperation

The Cooperation Canada Leaders’ Forum is a flagship gathering that brings together senior leaders to reflect, connect and shape the future of Canadian international cooperation.

At a time of global disruption—from climate crises to geopolitical instability—the Forum offers something increasingly rare: space to pause, think strategically and act collectively. It is not a traditional conference, but a curated leadership experience grounded in trust, dialogue and shared purpose.

Each year, the Forum convenes a diverse group of leaders committed to strengthening Canada’s contribution to a more just, sustainable and inclusive world.

A Story of Collective Leadership

In recent years, the Leaders’ Forum has become a space where the sector comes together to ask difficult questions—and imagine new possibilities.

At the 2025 Forum, more than 120 leaders from across Canada gathered in Ottawa for two days of frank, forward-looking conversations about the future of international cooperation. The Forum also welcomed emerging leaders, bringing fresh perspectives into the dialogue and strengthening intergenerational exchange.
Participants reflected on a rapidly shifting global context and explored how Canada’s international cooperation community can work differently—together.

What emerged was not a single solution, but a shared recognition:

That the challenges facing the sector are too complex for any one organization to solve alone
That collaboration, partnership and new models of leadership are essential
That Canada has both an opportunity—and a responsibility—to rethink its global role

The energy of the Forum extended beyond the room. Ideas generated through dialogue, workshops and co-creation sessions continue to inform Cooperation Canada’s work with members and partners—helping identify where collective action can have the greatest impact.

Who It’s For

The Forum is intentionally designed to bring together a mix of perspectives and experiences:

Senior leaders from Cooperation Canada member organizations
Sector influencers and decision-makers, including partners, policy actors and funders

What To Expect

Participants engage in a dynamic, highly interactive experience:

Space for strategic reflection and dialogue: Honest conversations about the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the sector
Relationships that last beyond the Forum: Connections across organizations, regions and generations
Collaborative approaches to shared challenges: Co-creation of ideas and initiatives on issues like localization, equity and climate
Peer learning and leadership development: Opportunities to learn from others navigating complexity and change