Honouring Black History: Advancing Equity, Inclusion and Decolonization in International Cooperation

As we celebrate Black History Month 2025, Cooperation Canada reaffirms its commitment to anti-racism, equity, diversity, inclusion, justice and decolonization. This year, under the theme unveiled by the Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities—“Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations”—we reflect on the invaluable contributions of Black communities in Canada to international cooperation. We continue to advance these values within our organization and the broader sector, while supporting efforts to dismantle systems of oppression and build a more just and equitable future.

This Black History Month, we are proud to launch the second edition of our digital campaign spotlighting remarkable Black change-makers, innovators and disruptors shaping Canada’s international cooperation landscape. Through this campaign, we aim to celebrate the profound impact of Black Canadians on our sector and highlight stories that inspire meaningful change. The campaign will culminate in the event, Redefining Global Development: Black Leadership in International Cooperation, which will serve as a powerful platform to honor and amplify the voices of Black leaders driving change in global cooperation.

Cooperation Canada remains steadfast in our belief that addressing the legacy of racial prejudice and colonialism in international cooperation requires concrete and sustained action. We encourage all of our 100+ members, and the broader sector, to engage with and be inspired by the Anti-Racism Framework for Canada’s International Cooperation Sector, which serves as a guiding document for collective transformation. We also invite everyone to explore our Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Justice (AEDIJ) Strategy and Action Plan (2023-2026), underscoring our dedication to systemic change and equity in international cooperation.

Throughout February, our team will reflect on the historical violence, systemic injustices and resilience of African, Black and Caribbean communities. We acknowledge that these reflections must extend beyond Black History Month and be incorporated into our daily actions and long-term strategies. Cooperation Canada remains committed to championing equity, amplifying the voices of those living on the margins, dismantling structures of oppression and advancing the decolonization of international cooperation not only during Black History Month but every day of the year.