Secretary of State Sarai wraps up International Development Week 2026 with partnerships that deliver results

February 9, 2026 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

International Development Week (IDW) 2026, from February 1 through to February 7, showcased how Canadian partnerships deliver real results—from women’s economic empowerment and climate resilience to inclusive growth and strengthened community connections. Over the week, the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), met with organizations, youth leaders, Indigenous entrepreneurs, and diaspora communities across Canada and announced investments that will help Canadian partners scale their impact at home and abroad.

On Monday, in Winnipeg, Secretary of State Sarai delivered the keynote address at the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation’s launch of International Development Week and announced Canada LIFTs—Connecting Communities Matching Fund, a new project for Canadian small and medium organizations. The Canada LIFTs Fund will help multiply the impact of Canadians’ generosity by matching the money and in-kind support raised by organizations across Canada for development projects in the Global South.

On Tuesday, in Ottawa, Secretary of State Sarai joined Aga Khan Foundation Canada’s Speaker Series on Climate Change Resilience and Adaptation. He spoke on the importance of investing in climate action and biodiversity conservation to help address real risks for Canadians and the planet, and to improve economic stability and sustainable development through innovative partnerships that leverage Canadian expertise.

Later that day, he engaged young people from across the country at the Ontario Council for International Cooperation’s Youth Policy‑Makers Hub panel.

On Wednesday, also in Ottawa, Secretary of State Sarai continued engagements with civil society and sector leaders at the International Development Week parliamentary reception hosted by Cooperation Canada, CanWaCH, Results Canada, and ONE. Here, Secretary of State Sarai announced ENGAGE—a national program led by the Inter Council Network to broaden public engagement across Canada.

On Thursday, Secretary of State Sarai announced Coffee for Communities, a new project led by TFO Canada with Tim Hortons as a co-financing partner, that supports better livelihoods and more resilient coffee-growing communities, while securing stable supply of coffee for Canadians.

From Vancouver, he delivered remarks at Cooperation Canada’s International Development Awards Ceremony and took part in a meet and greet with the British Columbia Council for International Cooperation and its members as well as a networking event with the Canadian International Council, Vancouver Chapter.

On Friday, in Whitehorse, Secretary of State Sarai participated in the Yukon African Music Festival, joining the Northern Council for Global Cooperation and community leaders to celebrate cultural diplomacy, inclusion, and the role of diaspora communities in strengthening global citizenship. He also met with Indigenous youth entrepreneurs, members of EntrepreNorth, a Global Arctic Leadership Initiative funded by the Government of Canada, and other community partners to discuss Canada’s development priorities in the North.

On Saturday, in Edmonton, the Secretary delivered remarks at the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation’s Top 30 Under 30 Celebration, recognizing youth who are driving progress on sustainable development.