February 7, 2021 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of International Development, today issued the following statement on International Development Week 2021, which runs from February 7 to 13:
“Today, as we launch International Development Week across Canada, we reflect on the development gains made around the world over the past decades by the tireless efforts of Canadian development workers, volunteers and partners.
“During International Development Week—Global Affairs Canada’s flagship public engagement initiative—I encourage Canadians from coast to coast to coast to engage more deeply in exploring development issues. I also encourage Canadians to learn about how global challenges and local Canadian issues are linked and how Canada’s international efforts contribute to directly addressing these global challenges.
“The way forward is lit by our clear intent to rethink our steps to build a better, more resilient, and more peaceful world by pulling together and by using the roadmap laid out by the UN Sustainable Development Goals. That is why our theme this year is Go for the Goals.
“In light of the heightened needs of vulnerable people around the world during this pandemic, our activities focus on education, gender equality, health and climate action. We see that efforts to build stronger, more resilient health systems are for the good of everyone. We see that the social safety net needs repair so that everyone everywhere, including at home here in Canada, has reliable access to food security, health and security. And we see now how much we need to connect the health of the planet and biodiversity with the systems that support human beings. It’s all connected.
“The pandemic has shown us the huge difference our collective efforts are making in support of the most vulnerable people, including women and girls, in this time of need. We are being tested, but we have the ability to turn the situation around with shared commitment and necessary effort. Our international development efforts have given us a template for building back better. This week we celebrate our victories—large and small—and the people whose dedication and vision have brought them home.
“Even though we can’t gather to show our appreciation, we can tune in, reach out and write about this important work in imaginative and virtual activities taking place this week. Please join us as we Go for the Goals.
Guillaume Dumas
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development
[email protected]
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
[email protected]
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