A Week of Reflection and Action
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has officially ushered in International Development Week, running from February 4 to 10, 2024. This annual observance serves as a critical moment for Canadians to reflect on the significant strides made toward fostering a sustainable, resilient, and equitable world. For over three decades, International Development Week has been a cornerstone in celebrating Canada’s role and efforts in international development, spotlighting the crucial work of Canadian development workers, volunteers, and partners in supporting marginalized communities globally.
Canada’s Commitment to Global Development
In his statement, Trudeau underscored the importance of Canada’s contribution to international development, particularly in areas such as food security, health services, education, and gender equality. Moreover, he highlighted Canada’s ongoing efforts to combat climate change, promote inclusive communities, and strive towards a more prosperous world for all. As part of Canada’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Trudeau announced a significant investment of $4.5 billion to support global communities, with a special focus on empowering women and girls.
The Role of Canadians in International Development
Furthermore, the Prime Minister emphasized the role of every Canadian in contributing to international development. He encouraged Canadians to engage in local community activities, learn more about the nation’s efforts in this field, and join the conversation on social media using the hashtags #IDW2024 and #GoForTheGoals. This engagement not only celebrates the hard work of development workers but also fosters a collective pursuit of positive change.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement:
“Today marks the start of International Development Week – a time to reflect on the progress we have made and the work ahead to build a sustainable, resilient, and equitable world.
“A Canadian tradition for over 30 years, International Development Week celebrates international development efforts at home and around the world. From food security and health services to education and gender equality, Canadian development workers, volunteers, and partners are critical in supporting marginalized communities. These are Canadians from across the country who hold an extraordinary belief in a better world – and International Development Week invites all of us to celebrate and join in on this pursuit of positive change.
“Canada’s work to advance climate action, create inclusive communities, and build a more prosperous world for everyone remains critical. Canada is an important contributor to the United Nations, and as part of our commitment to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we are delivering on our promise to increase development aid. This year, we are committing $4.5 billion to ensure that communities across the globe, particularly women and girls, have a fair chance to reach their full potential. And as part of our Feminist International Assistance Policy, we have increased our investments to an average of $1.4 billion per year on global health, half of which will be dedicated to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health programs.
“Throughout this International Development Week, I encourage Canadians to learn more about Canada’s international development efforts, participate in local community activities, and join the conversation on social media by using the hashtags #IDW2024 and #GoForTheGoals. Let us thank the incredible work of international development workers, and work together to build a safer, more secure future for everyone.”
Sources: THX News & The Canadian Government.