CIDA Newsletter

Pacific Regional Office – Newsletter No. 112 (April 2010) CIDA News Releases The most recent news releases issued by the Minister of International Cooperation, are available on the home page of the CIDA website at http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca. Canada Applauds Global Effort to Improve Maternal and Child Health in Developing Countries (2010-04-14) Government of Canada Announces Additional Funding for Humanitarian Assistance and Key Projects to Support Haiti Action Plan (2010-04-08) Media Advisory ­ Accreditation Now Open for G8 Development Ministers Meeting (2010-04-01) For details about these initiatives, visit the “News” section on the home page of the CIDA website at http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/home  To review all other press releases issued by CIDA, click on “Media room” on CIDA’s website, then on “News releases”.  In this section, you will find the most recent press releases, as well as those issued by CIDA since 2001. ***IMPORTANT NEWS**** To Partners Interested in Applying to Voluntary Sector Fund or VSF The Canadian Partnership Branch is currently reviewing its programs to ensure that its priorities align with Canada’s Aid Effectiveness Agenda announced in 2009. As part of this Agenda, the Minister indicated that 80 percent of Canada’s bilateral assistance will be focused in 20 countries and that CIDA will concentrate on the following priority themes; increasing food security, stimulating sustainable economic growth and securing the future of children and youth. The two other priority themes – democratic governance and security – will be pursued across the government.  In the interim, you must use the existing application forms and the new Results-Based Management (RBM) Tools. The templates for the logic model, performance management framework and risk register must be used for all new proposals. The templates, guides and key policy documents for the new RBM tools are also available at http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/acdi-cida/ACDI-CIDA.nsf/eng/NIC-31595014-KEF For more information, contact: correspondence.cpb@acdi-cida.gc.ca. Countries of Focus Strategies now posted As part of its Aid Effectiveness Agenda, the Government of Canada announced in 2009 that it will be focusing 80 percent of bilateral resources in 20 countries of focus. These 20 countries were chosen based on their real needs, their capacity to benefit from aid, and their alignment with Canadian foreign policy priorities. The strategies and programming focus for these 20 countries can be found at http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/acdi-cida/ACDI-CIDA.nsf/eng/JUD-51895926-JEP Development for Results 2009 In order to better inform Canadians of the impact of CIDA’s efforts, improved reporting mechanisms were announced on May 20, 2009. This CIDA publication, is one of the ways that CIDA will increase its accountability to the public.Through this Report Canadians will learn more about how their international investments are achieving concrete results and making a real difference in the lives of those living in poverty. To read the report, please see http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/INET/IMAGES.NSF/vLUImages/Development-For-Results/$file/Development-Results-Report-2009-e.pdf CIDA’s Food Security Strategy Canada has a strong record of helping increase global food security through its decision to untie 100 percent of food aid in 2008 and was one of the first donor countries to increase support during the 2008 food security crisis in the developing world. The challenges to food security including low productivity, high costs, and a lack of modern techniques and technology are well known. CIDA’s Food Security Strategy and its actions on Food Aid and Nutrition; Sustainable Agricultural Development; and Research and Development responds to the demand for action. To read more, please check our website at http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/acdi-cida/ACDI-CIDA.nsf/eng/FRA-101515656-QEV#tphp Upcoming Events in the BC Region This section of our newsletter highlights upcoming events related to international development such as conferences, workshops, events and speakers.  If you wish us to include information on your event in our newsletter, please send us a very brief description of the event and how those who are interested can get more detailed information.   Since our newsletters are produced monthly, please provide as much advance notice as possible about your event. UN Regional Forum in Kelowna Hope for the Nations would like to invite you to attend a United Nations Regional Forum in Kelowna, BC. If you are an individual, non-profit organization,or foundation interested in working towards global and local humanitarian goals, you will want to attend this forum.  Learn from an array of national and international speakers working ‘hands’ on and making a difference here at home and around the globe.  This forum will focus on Millennium Development Goal #3 (Gender Equality) while also helping you identify how you can strengthen your organization and engage tomorrows leaders. Please go to www.ngonetworks.com for more information. When:  April 23, 24 Where:        Kelowna, BC – Sandman Hotel Cost:        $30 in advance, $50 at the doo Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief (CPAR) Fundraiser Thursday, April 22, 2010 – 7:30pm – 9:30pm Please join the BC Chapter of Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief (CPAR) in their efforts to reduce the burden of malaria in children under 5 by supporting the distribution of treated bed nets. What: Wine and Cheese Fundraiser. Speakers For more information please contact Dr. Julia Raudzus at jraudzus@gmail.com Location: Medical Student Alumni Centre, 2750 Heather Street, Vancouver, BC Website: http://www.cpar.ca CNIS- Rotary Uganda Hearing and Healthcare Project Silent Auction April 24, 2010 Hear and There: Bid for Books-Cocktails/canapes and a silent auction to support  the Branch for International Surgery’s Dr. Brian Westerberg Rotary Uganda Hearing and Healthcare Project and the Rotary Quadra Multicultural Literacy Program.  Contact: bidforbooks@gmail.com to purchase your ticket, or make a donation. An Evening with Stephen Lewis Monday, May 3, 2010 – 6:30 pm (Start of reception) Centennial Theatre, North Vancouver Tickets are now available at http://www.centennialtheatre.com/ or 604-984-4484. Net proceeds are distributed by the Stephen Lewis Foundation to community projects that support African grandmothers and orphans affected by the AIDS pandemic in 15 sub-Saharan countries. Presented by the Greater Vancouver Gogos, a network of grandmother groups in the Vancouver area who belong to the Canada-wide Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. http://www.grandmotherscampaign.org We Can BC Invites you to “Uniting Diverse Communities to End Violence against Women” Fundraising Gala & Dinner Friday, May 28, 2010  Join us for a colourful evening featuring multicultural entertainment, fusion cuisine dinner and silent auction to fundraise for the work of the We Can End All Violence against Women BC campaign. There also will be door prizes and community display tables, so bring your friends, family and co-workers to support a great cause. The Pearl Palace, 201-13030 76 Avenue, Surrey, BC Doors – 6 pm / program – 7 pm / dinner – 7:30 pm Tickets: $50 per person, $400 per table of eight Contact Admin@WeCanBC.ca/ 604-760-5727 for sponsorship opportunities and to purchase tickets. www.WeCanBC.ca   Maria-Helena Foundation- Pakistan Development Forum A number of organizations are joining hands to display and present their development work in Pakistan. Saturday, June 5, 2010 Simon Fraser University, Surrey 13450 – 102nd Avenue , Room SUR 5240 (Located in Central City Mall; across from Surrey Central Sky Train Station) Free Admission This is not a fundraising event. However, pre-registration is encouraged. RSVP to info@bccic.ca or 604.899.4475 Website: mariahelenafoundation.org Canadian Network for International Surgery- A NIGHT ON THE NILE Date: June 11 Time: 7PM – Midnight Where: Performance Works, 1218 Cartwright Street, Granville Island, Vancouver Canadian Network for International Surgery’s A NIGHT ON THE NILE is an annual African fundraiser – set in a vintage movie theme. (This year, Agatha Christie’s ‘Death on the Nile’) The magical dinner and silent auction fundraiser aims to raise enough funds to build AND equip a surgical skills teaching lab in Moshi, Tanzania. Supported by the local film industry and local businesses, the event is not only a good cause, but also Carbon Neutral! Tickets available now. For more information, go to our event page. Contact: Karethe Linaae (CNIS Public Engagement Coordinator) phone 604-739-4708,  email office@cnis.ca, Website: www.cnis.ca 2nd INTERNATIONAL TRADE UNION CONFEDERATION World Congress Monday, June 21, 2010 – 9:00am – Friday, June 25, 2010 – 5:00pm The Canadian Labour Congress is hosting the World Congress of the International Trade Union Confederation at theVancouver Trade and Convention Centre from June 20 – 25, 2010. The ITUC is the world trade union body to which the CLC is affiliated, and the successor to the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), our historical world affiliation. The CLC is very proud to be hosting this prestigious Congress. Its theme is “Now the People – From the Crisis to Global Justice”. The World Congress will have approximately 1200 delegates from around the world, plus several hundred observers. Official translation will be in eight languages, with supplemental translation into five more – a total of thirteen. http://www.ituc-csi.org/IMG/pdf/No_06_-_2nd_ITUC_World_Congress.pd Youth Zone Cool Sites Are you interested in getting involved in international development? Are you looking for suggestions of where to start? This section offers a list of links to various sites that provide information on a diversity of development issues. Get connected. Get informed. Get involved. Move your world! http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/acdi-cida/ACDI-CIDA.nsf/eng/JUD-128143519-QYN Youth Partners Each year, CIDA provides thousands of young Canadians with the opportunity to gain valuable, hands-on international development experience. We support a variety of exciting international opportunities for youth through our partnerships with dynamic Canadian NGOs and exceptional educational institutions that can help you make a difference. http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/acdi-cida/ACDI-CIDA.nsf/eng/JUD-613125947-MXF Oxfam International Youth Partnership (OIYP) Oxfam Canada OYIP is a global network of young people working with their communities to create positive, equitable and sustainable change. Between 2010 and 2013, you will have opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and understanding and to talk and exchange with other young people from around the world. You will be able to use these opportunities to support your work with your community. Your participation in OIYP will start in March 2010. If selected, you must be available to attend an event in November 2010 in New Delhi, India. http://oiyp.oxfam.org/oiyp/index.html Opportunities MERX CIDA projects currently listed on MERX http://www.merx.com include: Ethiopia Safety Net Support Facility (SNSF) Voluntary Sector Capacity Building Canadian Facilitation for the “Congo Basin Forests Partnership” Results-Based Management Training Services Integrating Environment into Programming Training Services Cameroon:  Basket Fund of the Forest and Environment Sector Program (FESP) To find CIDA opportunities on MERX, visit the MERX website at http://www.merx.com/ .  In the “Search” box, enter “CIDA”, and click on the arrow or the enter key on your computer. A list of CIDA opportunities and standing offers will then appear. MERX is updated regularly, so you may want to bookmark this site and check it often. Students for Development 2010 internships Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada or AUCC just announced Students for Development 2010 internships. AUCC member institutions can submit their proposal to AUCC through the International Liaison Officer only to place eligible senior-level students (third and fourth-year undergraduates through to PhD students) in internships focused on CIDA’s priority themes of food security, children and youth, and sustainable economic growth. Students are NOT allowed to submit proposals directly to AUCC. For guidelines and more information, please check AUCC’s website at http://www.aucc.ca/programs/intprograms/sfd/sfd_2010_e.html IDRC’s Canadian Partnership Program The Canadian Partnerships Program seeks to ensure IDRC’s active presence in the Canadian development research community. In keeping with the Centre’s mandate of empowerment through knowledge, it supports the contribution of research and knowledge to Canada’s involvement in the global search for ways to build healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous societies. The partnerships program responds to proposals from Canadian academic and civil society organizations. It supports the growing interest in internationalizing research in Canadian universities and the trend among civil society organizations to undertake research to inform national and international policy and their own programming priorities. The program also encourages collaboration among the various sectors of the Canadian development research community: academic institutions, professional associations, nongovernmental organizations, government agencies, and private sector organizations. This collaboration frequently involves the participation of Southern partners, in the expectation that it will be of mutual benefit to Canada and the South. For more details, please check IDRC’s website at http://www.idrc.ca/en/ev-26386-201-1-DO_TOPIC.html The Canadian International Food Security Research Fund The Canadian International Food Security Research Fund (CIFSRF) is a joint program of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). The CIFSRF is a 5-year program that funds a wide variety of applied research projects that aims to solve immediate and concrete food security challenges on the ground in the developing world. The goal of the CIFSRF is to promote more productive and sustainable agricultural systems that make food more secure and nutritious. The CIFSRF funds partnerships between research organizations in Canada and in the developing world. For more information, please check the IDRC’s website at  http://www.idrc.ca/en/ev-148254-201-1-DO_TOPIC.html The Global Health Research Initiative GHRI is a research funding partnership of five agencies and departments of the Government of Canada, including the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Health Canada (HC), the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). GHRI funds research on global health, and strengthens the capacity to conduct global health research and to apply findings to address real world problems. The initiative brings together teams of researchers from Canada and low and middle income countries1 working on a broad range of topics that fall within four general areas of research. The four areas are prevention and control of pandemics and emerging infectious diseases; prevention and control of chronic diseases; health policy and health systems; and the interaction of health, environment and development. Please read more at www.ghri.ca or http://www.idrc.ca/en/ev-114548-201-1-DO_TOPIC.html UN Professional Placements (UNPP) Programme UNA-Canada’s mission is to engage the Canadian public in the work of the United Nations and global issues more generally. The UNPP Programme supports our mandate by enabling UNA-Canada to send representatives abroad who not only support UN activities, but also help foster an understanding of Canada’s pivotal role in the UN. UNA-Canada is seeking candidates who: 1. are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada; 2. are a graduate of a post-secondary institution with a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree; 3. have a proven interest in international development/affairs* ; 4. would be accepted to the programme by both UNA-Canada and the UN host organization following a suitability interview. Please note that, unlike our former IYIP programme, there are no upper age restrictions. Previous participation in a Canadian government funded Internship programme and/or previous paid work experience abroad does NOT disqualify you. Please check the UNA Canada at http://www.unac.org/en/projects/interns/apply/index.asp for more information. Amnesty International Volunteer Activities Amnesty International Vancouver, BC Amnesty International is looking for a number of volunteers to help out with public engagement events, in the office and fundraising projects. Please contact Don Wright at dwright@amnesty.ca for more information CUSO-VSO Volunteer Recruitment CUSO-VSO offers a variety of overseas volunteering placements. Are you ready to make the journey? We provide comprehensive training to help you prepare for your work overseas, and you will receive personal, professional and financial support throughout your placement. You can apply online at http://67.199.89.73/english/vol_AppForm.asp and our volunteer advisors will assess the current demand for your skills. Short-Term Consulting Opportunities with CIDA To make it easier to enter into low-cost contracts, CIDA has set up a database of private sector consultants. This database contains only consultants who specialize in international development. To register, you must have at least two (2) years of experience in international development assistance. For more information and to register, please visit CIDA’s website at http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/acdi-cida/ACDI-CIDA.nsf/eng/FRA-112193238-K3F Business Opportunities with Asian Development Bank ADB funds development projects and programs in the Asian and Pacific Regions. Such funding generates opportunities for the business communities of its member countries. Business Opportunities provides information on the requirements for goods, works, and services of projects under consideration by ADB. Please visit ADB’s website at http://www.adb.org/Business/Opportunities/default.asp Inter-American Development Bank Project Pipeline The IDB Group uses loans, grants, guarantees and investments to fund development programs. Please visit IDB’s procurement page for different types of financing at http://condc05.iadb.org/idbppi/aspx/ppProcurement.aspx?pLanguage=ENGLISH?language=EN&parid=6 Partners at CIDA Partners@CIDA is a new, easy-to-use and free web portal for organizations doing business with CIDA. Organizations create an Organization Profile using Partners@CIDA to benefit from speedier, more efficient business with CIDA. Organizations create and manage their own unique Organization Profile. Eventually, they will be able to submit funding proposals using this new system. To register your organization, please go to: https://paa-pac.acdi-cida.gc.ca/info/inscrire-register.ex?sid=17156 For more information, please visit https://paa-pac.acdi-cida.gc.ca/info/faq.ex?sid=17176 Resources IDRC’s Experts Directory Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) has more than 100 staff experts available to speak to the media on some of the world’s most pressing development challenges – from climate change, to food security, to global finance. IDRC staff work together with researchers from the developing world to build healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous societies. This resource is designed to help journalists connect with these experts, who are based at IDRC’s head office in Ottawa, Canada, and at regional offices in Montevideo, Uruguay; Dakar, Senegal; Nairobi, Kenya; Cairo, Egypt; New Delhi, India; and Singapore. IDRC can also help journalists access extensive networks of researchers and decision-makers in the developing world. To read more check http://www.idrc.ca/en/ev-134305-201-1-DO_TOPIC.html Health Sciences Online The non-profit Health Sciences Online ( www.hso.info), the first website to deliver authoritative, comprehensive, free, and ad-free health sciences knowledge (with over 50,000 hand-selected resources, and 1,000 visits/day).  Our founding collaborators and funders include the American College of Preventive Medicine, CDC, NATO, UBC, World Bank, WHO, and the World Medical Association. Ethnomed Website The Ethnomed website -www.ethnomed.org. The website gives information about cultural beliefs, medical issues, and other topics pertinent to the health care of people from many countries and cultures and has been recently redesigned. Poverty Revolution­FH Canada’s Revolutionary Solution to the Poverty Crisis. Beginning January 1st 2009, FH Canada is proud to announce the launch of a new and interactive online platform to engage Canadians in the development process called Poverty Revolution. FH Canada’s new website will feature profiles of their current developing communities and allows Canadians to join one or more of these online communities for free. www.povertyrevolution.org Building Local and Global Democracy BUILDING LOCAL AND GLOBAL DEMOCRACY presents unique case studies, topical analysis and reflections on engaging citizens in building local and global democracy. It explores the relationships between local and global initiatives in enhancing citizen engagement and participatory democracy, within the framework of globalization and an increased emphasis on security. The publication is the result of a learning circles series initiated by the Carold Institute in 2004 bringing together academics, civil society and education practitioners from Canada, the US and Brazil. Download the report at http://www.carold.ca/www/home/publicationenx Who’s Who? The Canadian Council for International Cooperation (CCIC) website has a comprehensive directory of their members, about 100 Canadian voluntary sector organizations. “Who’s Who in International Development” has an interactive world map showing which members work in what regions and is searchable by country/region or sector of development. For more information, please visit www.ccic.ca/whoswho Useful Website – Travel Reports & Warnings Travel reports provide Canadians with official information and advice from the Government of Canada on situations that may affect their safety and well-being abroad.  Travel Reports may include a Travel Warning for a country, or region(s) of a country, where security conditions put Canadians at heightened risk. Travel Reports help Canadians make their own informed decisions in order to minimize risk while travelling abroad.  For more details, visit http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/menu-eng.asp Act Globally, Connect Locally! New online community for volunteers overseas and in Canada A new online community has been launched by Global Citizens for Change – a joint project of Canada’s eight leading international volunteer cooperation agencies, including Council for International Cooperation (CIC)  members such as CUSO/VSO, WUSC, Canadian Crossroads International, and Canada World Youth. This website http://www.citizens4change.org/en/getinvolved/getinv-in_canada.php provides a chance for Canadians who have volunteered overseas or who are active in their communities to connect, share, and talk about their experiences here and abroad. This project represents a unique platform in the country for global citizens and their friends to interact and learn more about international development issues. Finally If you have any comments or questions about this newsletter or CIDA’s programs or if you would like to include an event, success story or information pertaining to international development in this publication, please contact Azita Alavi at (604) 666-5697 or by e-mail at azita.alavi@acdi-cida.gc.ca . For more general information about CIDA, visit the Agency’s website at  http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/ . If you would like your name removed from this e-mail newsletter, please contact Azita Alavi at the number mentioned above.  Conversely, if you or someone you know would like a name added, please let us know.