New program will train more than 1,500 emerging leaders from developing countries to implement innovative solutions to development challenges

Justice Minister Peter MacKay, on behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and Minister for La Francophonie, today announced a new project in collaboration with the Coady International Institute that will equip emerging leaders from developing countries with the education they need to address development challenges and make a concrete difference in their communities.           

The Investing in Leadership and Learning for Development Effectiveness project will provide in-Canada training in leadership and development to more than 1,500 women and men from developing countries with a view to strengthening local economies, empowering women and girls, building resilient communities focused on food security and natural resource management, and promoting democracy.

The project will also establish a global alumni network to track Coady graduates’ progress, strengthen their capacities to deliver on development innovations, and ensure sustainability of training and results.

“Through building partnerships, we can share experiences, know-how and promote growth. This leadership and development training program right here at Coady, will provide participants from developing countries around the World with the knowledge, skills and expertise that can be reinvested in their communities to help maximize development results and bring parts of the world to Nova Scotia, further enriching our community and our lives.”

“Canada is proud to support the Coady International Institute in building the leadership capacities of emerging leaders in the developing world, enabling them to contribute to strong economic growth and sustainable development in their communities,” said Minister Paradis.

 “We are grateful for the support from the Government of Canada for programming at the Coady International Institute at St. Francis Xavier University,” said Dr. John Gaventa, Director of the Coady International Institute and Vice-President of St. Francis Xavier University. “Through this funding, the Institute will strengthen women’s leadership and support innovative tools, strategies and approaches across the network of Coady graduates—to date more than 6,000 people in more than 130 countries.”

Quick Facts

• Since 1981, the Government of Canada and the Coady International Institute have been working together to reduce poverty and help transform societies by building strong economies and resilient communities. The partnership has also contributed to women’s economic empowerment and improving the health of mothers and children.
• Canada has contributed more than $30 million to the Coady International Institute for more than 30 leadership and training development initiatives for mid-level professionals from developing countries.
• The Coady International Institute is an internationally renowned centre of excellence in community-based, citizen-driven development education, established by St. Francis Xavier University in 1959

src:news.gc.ca