Backgrounder - Canada supports Myanmar’s capacity to adapt to climate change and democratic development

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, today announced $20 million in support for two five-year projects to increase Myanmar’s resilience to climate change and to strengthen the capacity for evidence-based policy making.

Climate and Disaster Resilience Myanmar - $10 million

Implemented by the Asian Development Bank, this initiative aims to improve the capacity of the Government of Myanmar, private sector and communities to better prepare and respond to extreme weather events. For example, selected community members in the Ayeyarwady region, especially women, will undertake pilot agricultural, rural development and microfinance initiatives focused on climate change and disaster resilience. This project is part of Canada’s G7 Initiative on Climate Risk Insurance, a $50-million commitment announced at Paris COP21.

Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar - $10 million

Implemented by the International Development Research Centre, this initiative will strengthen Myanmar’s local research and analytical capacity within universities, think tanks, government—including the legislature—and civil society at large. Working with other development partners, the initiative provides training and mentorship, funds research projects and creates opportunities for all stakeholders in Myanmar to come together and engage in economic and social development policy making.