Connecting, Learning and Taking Collective Action Across the Sector Working Groups & Engagement Spaces Cooperation Canada’s Working Groups and Engagement Spaces are core spaces for collaboration, learning and collective action across the international cooperation sector. / Members & Coalitions / Working Groups & Engagement Spaces Together, these groups bring people together to share expertise, shape policy, strengthen practice and advance shared priorities. Some spaces are member‑led and open only to Cooperation Canada members, while others are open to the broader sector and the public. What unites them is a shared commitment to dialogue, equity and collective impact. All groups are supported by Cooperation Canada and hosted on Glue Up, our engagement platform for meetings, resources and ongoing collaboration. Two Types of Collaborative Spaces Cooperation Canada offers two kinds of collaborative spaces, each designed to serve different needs and audiences across the sector. Member‑led Working Groups Open Learning & Engagement Spaces Member‑led Working Groups Working Groups are member‑led spaces for staff and leaders from Cooperation Canada member organizations. They support collaboration on shared priorities, policy influence and coordinated sector action.These groups focus on specific thematic, functional or geographic areas of international cooperation and, in some cases, engage directly with policymakers, including Global Affairs Canada. Who It’s For Member‑led Working Groups are open to staff and leaders from Cooperation Canada member organizations. What to Expect Member‑led Working Groups provide structured opportunities to collaborate on the issues that matter most to the sector: Peer exchange and sector learning Coordination of policy and advocacy efforts Opportunities to shape collective priorities and positions Ongoing collaboration through Glue Up How to Get Involved To join a member‑led Working Group, follow these steps: Email to request to join a working group Once approved, you will be added to the group on Glue Up Cooperation Canada currently convenes the following member‑led Working Groups, each focused on a distinct area of international cooperation Africa–Canada Forum Working Group One of Cooperation Canada’s longest‑standing groups, the Africa–Canada Forum brings together organizations with a focus on international cooperation and social justice in sub‑Saharan Africa. The group supports shared learning, policy coordination and joint advocacy, while amplifying engagement with African partners and colleagues. Asia‑Pacific Working Group The Asia‑Pacific Working Group convenes organizations focused on development, social justice and human rights in Asia. The group emphasizes collaborative reflection, partner perspectives and coordinated policy dialogue. It is currently restructuring and will be relaunched soon. CEO/Executive Director Group A peer space for senior leaders from Cooperation Canada member organizations to exchange insights, navigate shared challenges and strengthen strategic leadership across the sector. CFO Working Group A forum for financial leaders to discuss and advance sector‑wide financial and administrative policy and practice, share information and engage with Global Affairs Canada. Communications Working Group A collaborative space for communications professionals to share best practices, align messaging, showcase campaigns and strengthen the collective voice of the sector. Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) The Emerging Leaders Network is a peer‑led and collaborative group supported by Cooperation Canada. It provides space for emerging professionals and changemakers to share ideas, build relationships and contribute to shaping Canada’s international cooperation agenda. The Network was formed in 2013 and relaunched at the 2024 International Cooperation Futures Forum, reflecting a renewed commitment to intergenerational leadership and sector renewal. Human Resources Working Group A space to share information, identify synergies and strengthen human resources practice across the international cooperation and humanitarian sector. Innovative Finance Working Group This group explores new and innovative financing mechanisms, capacity‑building opportunities, and engagement with government actors to diversify and strengthen funding approaches. Locally‑led Development Working Group A newly established group focused on advancing localization by strengthening locally led, equitable and accountable approaches to international cooperation. Policy & Advocacy Working Group Activated in 2024, this group leads and coordinates collaboration among members on key policy and advocacy issues and opportunities. GAC Information‑Sharing Group An information hub for timely Global Affairs Canada updates, including consultations, deadlines, training opportunities and events. Open Learning & Engagement Spaces Learning and Engagement Spaces are open, inclusive forums designed to foster learning, dialogue and practice‑sharing across the sector. They welcome participation from members, non‑members, partners and the public. These spaces bring together people with varied roles and experiences to support reflection, skill‑building and collective learning. Who It’s For These spaces welcome a broad range of participants from across and beyond the sector: Cooperation Canada members and non‑members Sector practitioners and leaders Partners, researchers and other interested actors What To Expect Open Learning & Engagement Spaces provide flexible, inclusive opportunities to learn and connect: Open dialogue and shared learning Access to peer support, training and resources Opportunities to connect across roles and organizations Engagement through regular meetings and online collaboration How to Get Involved Open spaces are available to anyone interested in participating: Join directly through Glue Up Participate in meetings, discussions and shared learning For questions, contact programs@cooperation.ca The following spaces are open to anyone working in or connected to the international cooperation sector: Indigenous Rights & Reconciliation PSEAH Community of Practice Shifting Power Trainings and Emerging Spaces Indigenous Rights & Reconciliation Facilitated with Indigenous leadership, this space supports dialogue, learning and practice‑change on advancing Indigenous rights and reconciliation across the sector. It is open to all sector actors and supported by an external Indigenous facilitator. PSEAH Community of Practice An open community for professionals working to prevent sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. This space supports peer exchange, alignment on best practices and access to training and resources. Shifting Power Trainings and Emerging Spaces Through new Shifting Power Trainings focused on PSEAH, anti‑racism and decolonization, locally led development, intersectional feminism and humanitarian action, Cooperation Canada is cultivating additional spaces for reflection and collaboration.