semicircle_left

Global Governance

Our work on global governance focuses on strengthening international cooperation frameworks to address shared global challenges, including sustainable development and rising inequalities

semicircle_right

Global governance shapes how countries and institutions collaborate to respond to complex, interconnected issues—from climate change to economic inequality. Strong, inclusive systems are essential to ensure that global decisions are fair, effective and responsive to diverse realities.

Cooperation Canada works with its members and engages decision-makers to advance inclusive, effective and accountable global governance systems that reflect civil society priorities and support the achievement of internationally agreed development goals.

Through advocacy, coordination and engagement, we help ensure that Canadian perspectives contribute meaningfully to multilateral processes. Our work centers civil society voices—particularly from the Global Majority—to promote more equitable and representative global systems.

By connecting members with policy spaces and strengthening collective input, we support more coherent and impactful international cooperation. This work helps align Canada’s global engagement with shared values of equity, sustainability and human rights.

What We Work On

Canada’s role in multilateral institutions directly shapes global outcomes. Our global governance work ensures that the expertise and priorities of Canadian civil society are heard in those spaces.

Advocating for strong Canadian leadership in multilateral spaces

Supporting inclusive global governance systems

by amplifying the voices and leadership of the Global Majority

Advancing policy coherence across development and international cooperation agendas

Facilitating peer learning and sector coordination spaces

such as Cooperation Canada’s Policy & Advocacy Working Group

Why It’s Important

Effective multilateral systems do not happen by default—they require sustained engagement from civil society to remain inclusive and accountable.

  • Canadian civil society plays a critical role in multilateral spaces, and stronger global governance systems ensure their expertise and partnerships inform international decision-making

  • Canada’s influence in global forums depends on coherent and values-driven engagement, where inclusive policies can advance human rights, gender equality and sustainable development outcomes

  • Effective multilateral cooperation amplifies Canada’s impact, enabling organizations to align efforts, access funding and contribute to collective solutions to global challenges

Get Involved

Connect with Cooperation Canada’s global governance work and contribute to shaping Canada’s multilateral engagement.

Cooperation Canada Policy and Advocacy Working Group

News & Updates

Related Resources

Browse recent publications, statements and resources on global governance and multilateral engagement.