Minister Bibeau kicks off International Development Week 2019

February 3, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development, today issued the following statement:

“I have lost count of the number of times someone in the developing world has inspired me profoundly. The number of times I have met women, men and young leaders who dare to defy convention, stand up for human rights and speak out against inequality in their society.  

“You know, those times when you say to yourself, ‘That’s why I do what I do.’  

“It is for these people, and ultimately for all of us, that we must continue to fight poverty and make progress on Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy and the Sustainable Development Goals. Many Canadian women and men are helping to do just that every year.  

“International Development Week is dedicated to you, our partners—you who help women’s organizations grow, you who help girls and women stay in school and stay healthy, you who fight against gender-based violence and child marriage—whether you are working in an NGO, as a volunteer or as an influencer.

“Under the theme Together for Gender Equality, let’s shine a spotlight on your contributions and convictions! I invite you to take part in the #DevInspired Photo Challenge on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Post a photo that represents international development and tell us why it inspires you.

“The year 2019 will be an important one for gender equality in Canada. Next June in Vancouver, we will have the honour of welcoming the Women Deliver Conference, the largest global gathering on women’s and girls’ health, rights and well-being. Equality and inclusion benefit everyone the world over. Now more than ever, let’s speak with one voice in support of change and progress!”

Associated links

• International Development Week - February 3 to 9, 2019
• Take part in the #DevInspired Photo Challenge on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook
• Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy
• Call for proposals: Volunteer Cooperation Program
• Women Deliver 2019 Conference