The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, along with organizations and individuals from across Canada, celebrated International Development Week (IDW) between February 4 and 10. IDW, a Canadian tradition for more than 30 years, celebrates international development efforts at home and abroad. Through their work in climate action, health services, education and the promotion of gender equality, Canadian development workers, volunteers and partners play a critical role in supporting communities around the world.
Canada's international development efforts have changed millions of lives for the better. Canada's initiatives are centred on inclusion, dignity and sustainability. Accordingly, the Government of Canada works in partnership with experienced organizations and local communities to advance these goals. By investing in life-changing initiatives around the world, Canada is helping to build a brighter future for all. That's what IDW is all about-recognizing the impact the great work Canada's partners and people has on the rest of the world.
Kicking off his cross-Canada tour in the greater Toronto area, Minister Hussen met with students and professionals from Centennial College and Humber College. He heard directly from students about their aspirations and experiences regarding their careers and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
On February 6, Minister Hussen was in Victoria, British Columbia, to meet with the implementing partners of the International Youth Internship Program. While there, he announced $24.5 million in new funding to support the program and empower a new generation of agents of change to build a more prosperous world.
On February 7, Minister Hussen was in Edmonton, Alberta, to meet with members of the development sector, including representatives of the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation as they celebrated the organization's 50th year of continued work toward ending poverty and achieving a peaceful and healthy world. He also participated in a student panel on human rights at the University of Alberta.
On February 8, Minister Hussen met with the Saskatchewan Regional Centre on Expertise for Sustainable Development in Regina to discuss the important role education plays in achieving the sustainable development goals in our communities across Canada and abroad.
On February 9, the Minister concluded IDW in Toronto, where he announced funding for development projects in the Philippines. He announced an investment of $28.15 million in development programming, emphasizing support for nature-based solutions to climate change and biodiversity loss and for increased healthcare services.
In recent years, everyone has been affected by global issues, like rising conflict, economic instability, the climate crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. The impacts of these crises hit low- and middle-income countries particularly hard.
Canadians from across the country believe in a better world, and IDW invited them all to celebrate and join in on this pursuit of positive change.
