Inter-Council Network Welcomes $36M Canadian Investment in Advancing Global Citizenship
February 5, 2026
The Inter-Council Network of Provincial and Regional Councils for International Cooperation (ICN) congratulates the Government of Canada for its announcement of a $36M Canadian investment in the new ICN ‘Engage: Global Citizens, Global Impact’ initiative shared by the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State for International Development, at the International Development Week 2026 Parliamentary Reception in Ottawa last night.
“This initiative seeks to catalyze a transformative shift in how people across Canada understand and act upon their role as global citizens in support of Canada’s international assistance priorities and responsibilities, gender equality, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” shares Kimberly Gibbons, Executive Director of the Ontario Council for International Cooperation (OCIC), on behalf of the ICN. “It recognises Canada’s role in an increasingly interconnected world, and the importance of engaging Canadians in global issues.”
This initiative will build on shared momentum and lessons learned from the ICN’s ‘Inspiring Action’, ‘Spur Change’, and ‘FIT’ programs, which have supported diverse civil society organizations, youth, educators, and other community-based actors over the past seven years. Together, the Councils will strengthen pan-Canadian coordination through facilitated convenings, collective advocacy, and shared resources, with a focus on deepening the inclusion and engagement of historically underrepresented communities in Canada’s international cooperation efforts.
The ICN approach includes both breadth-focused activities that create broad visibility and access, and depth-focused engagement opportunities that foster sustained learning, leadership and collaboration.
As noted by the Secretary of State for International Development during his announcement: “This program is expected to reach over 4 million Canadians, particularly underrepresented communities such as Indigenous Peoples, Diaspora groups, rural populations and youth.” Through it the ICN hopes to inspire engagement of people from coast to coast to coast of all ages and backgrounds in issues that impact us all, locally and globally.
For more information contact the Council in your region:
About
The Inter-Council Network (ICN) is a coalition of the eight Provincial and Regional Councils for International Cooperation. These independent member-based Councils are committed to global social justice and social change and represent more than 350 diverse civil society organizations from across Canada.
Global Affairs Canada manages Canada’s diplomatic relations, provides consular services to Canadians, promotes the country’s international trade, and leads Canada’s international development and humanitarian assistance.
