3 Things to Note this May in Global Development News

Here are some of the stories on global development that caught our attention in May:

1. New report highlights practical and creative ways to deliver on Canada’s commitment to a feminist international assistance policy.

The MATCH International Women’s Fund and Nobel Women’s Initiative released a new report, Shifting the Power: Opportunities for Innovative Partnerships with Women’s Movements. This report summarizes the outcomes of an event co-hosted by the two organizations, along with Global Affairs Canada, this past January. It presents lessons learned within four key areas: funding architecture, partnership strategies, movement building, and supporting human rights defenders and those living in fragile contexts.

As part of its feminist approach to global development, the Government of Canada recently launched new consultations on the creation of a unique partnership to catalyze new investments in support of gender equality and women’s rights in developing countries. Recognizing the importance of strategic partnerships, the announcement says, “This initiative will draw on the strengths of the Government of Canada, the philanthropic community, the private sector and civil society to mobilize unprecedented levels of resources in support of this goal.”

2. Other countries take note of Canada’s successes in the private sponsorship of refugees.

A group of organizations in Australia have launched a campaign, #MyNewNeighbour, to encourage their government to expand its community refugee sponsorship program. The Canadian private sponsorship of refugees program, including unique models such as our Student Refugee Program, served as inspiration for the proposed Australian expansion. We have been working alongside the Government of Canada and UNHCR to show other countries – including Australia – how initiatives like the Student Refugee Program can engage individuals in the resettlement of refugee youth. Read more here.

3. New tool maps innovative policies, programs, and technologies in the pursuit of economic stability around the world.

Following a global research and crowdsourcing effort, FHI 360 and The Rockefeller Foundation have released The Atlas of Innovation for Economic Stability. This new tool highlights 63 promising innovations for more inclusive economies. They draw out key trends that enable innovative approaches, including the rapid expansion of mobile phone technology and increased engagement across the financial sector. Read their five recommendations for the future of innovation in economic stability, and the full report, here.

More news from WUSC:

Fatuma’s petition to educate girls in crises has collected over 155,000 signatures!

In case you missed it, Student Refugee Program alumnus, Fatuma Omar Ismail created a petition calling on G7 leaders to make a clear commitment to educating girls in crises. Read her call to action and add your voice to the conversation.

WUSC welcomes the Kwantlen Polytechnic University to the Student Refugee Program.

We are very pleased to share that the students, staff, and faculty members at the Kwantlen Polytechnic University are among the latest post-secondary education communities in Canada to join our Student Refugee Program. We are looking forward to working with them to expand the number of resettlement and higher education opportunities available to refugee youth.