Cooperation Canada is proud to launch the 2025 Awards nomination cycle with a renewed focus: “Protecting Civic Space to Enable International Cooperation”. 

This year’s theme reflects the growing urgency to defend civic space—the freedom to organize, advocate, and participate in public life—as a cornerstone of global development and humanitarian action.  

The 2025 awards will honour individuals and organizations who: 

  • Advance civic action and inclusive leadership, especially in contexts where civic space is constrained 
  • Innovate to support public participation, accountability, and democratic values 
  • Inspire others to engage in international cooperation, from local to global levels 

Nominations are open now and will be accepted until Friday, December 19, 2025.

Award recipients will be recognized during International Development Week at a virtual ceremony on Thursday, February 5, 2026.  

Award recipients will also be featured at the Ottawa Civic Space Summit, April 21-23, 2026, co-convened by Cooperation Canada and Resilient Societies. 

The Karen Takacs Award  

Named in honour of Karen Takacs, a respected leader in Canada’s international cooperation community, this award commemorates her legacy of feminist advocacy and collaborative leadership. Karen was known for her unwavering commitment to women’s rights and her ability to build bridges across sectors and borders. 

This award recognizes an individual who has made a sustained and collaborative contribution to advancing gender equality and the rights of women, girls, and gender-diverse people.  

In 2025, it will spotlight intersectional feminist leadership that protects and reclaims civic space—especially where gender justice movements are under threat. 

In 2024, the award was presented to Katrina Leclerc, whose leadership in advancing women, peace, and security, and youth rights in global policy continues to inspire a generation of feminist peacebuilders. 

Submit a nomination for the Karen Takacs Award. 

Innovation & Impact Awards in Honour of Lewis Perinbam 

Individual Award 

Presented in partnership with the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) and the trustees of the Lewis Perinbam Award, this award celebrates a Canadian individual whose volunteer leadership demonstrates bold innovation and civic action—mobilizing communities, building bridges across borders, and inspiring Canadians to contribute to a more just and sustainable world. 

The 2024 award recognized Dr. Roopan Gill, co-founder of Vitala Global, for her pioneering work in digital health and reproductive rights.

Organizational Award 

This award honours a Canadian civil society organization pioneering transformative approaches to strengthen civic space, defend rights, and reimagine how international cooperation is done—whether through participatory governance, coalition-building, digital tools, or new models of collaboration. 

In 2024, Développement international Desjardins (DID) was recognized for its inclusive finance initiative, the Aequitas Fund, which advances gender equality, sustainable development, and climate action.

Submit a nomination for the Innovation & Impact Awards in Honour of Lewis Perinbam.  

Key Dates 

  • Nominations Open: October 29, 2025  
  • Deadline to Submit: December 19, 2025  
  • Award Ceremony (Online): February 5, 2026  
  • Awardee Showcase: April 21–23, 2026 (Ottawa Civic Space Summit) 

Submit Your Nominations Today 

Help us recognize the changemakers who are protecting civic space and advancing international cooperation. Explore all Cooperation Canada awards and submit your nominations. 

For questions or support, please contact the Membership Team. 

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