Minister Paradis announces creation of Expert Working Group on Science and Technology for International Development
January 16, 2015 – Montréal, Québec - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
Today, at the 2015 Engineers Without Borders National Conference, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, emphasized the importance of finding new ways of integrating science, technology and innovation into Canada’s development efforts to maximize results for those most in need. To help achieve this, Minister Paradis announced the creation of the Expert Working Group on Science and Technology for International Development.
“Canada recognizes the transformative role science, technology and innovation can play to alleviate poverty, accelerate economic growth and improve the lives of people in developing countries,” said Minister Paradis. “Given Canada’s expertise and reputation both in science and technology and in international development, we must be a world leader in this area.”
After considering the many aspects of the role of science and technology (S&T) in foreign assistance, the mandate of the Expert Working Group will be to provide expert advice on specific programmatic, organizational, and personnel reforms that would make Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada a world leader in the effective use of S&T in international development.
The members of the Expert Working Group will be appointed by the Minister of International Development for their expertise in the field of science, technology and innovation. Through partnerships with the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders, they will gather knowledge to support Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada in the development of strategic policies and innovative programming to leverage S&T for development.
“Innovative approaches that bridge across sectors and continents are essential to help tackle poverty and inequitable development,” said Boris Martin, Chief Executive Officer of Engineers Without Borders. “We’re excited about the greater impact Canada can have in accelerating global development through innovation.”
Canada is committed to working with a diversity of partners, including the private sector, civil society, diaspora groups, and the S&T community to seek out innovative solutions to tackle the most pressing development challenges.
Maxime Robert
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
343-203-6582
maxime.robert@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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