Shaping the Future Together: Canadian International Cooperation
On September 18, the closing of TAP-EDM’s initiative and final Knowledge Harvest event in Montreal brought together Canadian experts, partners, and Global Affairs officials for an unforgettable evening of celebration. Organized in collaboration with UQAM – Université du Québec à Montréal, “Shaping the Future Together: Canadian International Cooperation” highlighted Canada’s vital role in advancing inclusive and equitable cooperation amid mounting global challenges.
Charlie Patton, a Mohawk Elder, opened the gathering with an Indigenous welcome that grounded the evening in tradition. Lucie Ménard, Vice-President of Research, Creation and Dissemination at UQAM, and Christopher MacLennan, Deputy Minister of International Development at Global Affairs Canada, offered opening remarks that set the tone for meaningful dialogue. François Audet, Director of the Institut d’études internationales de Montréal, delivered the keynote address, framing the critical conversations that followed. Finally, the program closed out with an engaging round table moderated by journalist, Omarya Issa with two TAP-EDM experts, Sébastien Hamel and Shanae Smith, and special guest Michèle Asselin, from the Association québécoise des organismes en coopération international (AQOCI).
The atmosphere was one of profound reflection, gratitude and inspiration. Participants like Shkendije Himaj from Kosovo left Montreal feeling deeply grateful, renewed with energy, and inspired by the important efforts the initiative is making locally to create lasting impact globally. “The responses shared at the close of the workshop, when asked, ‘What was the TAP-EDM Journey for you?’, perfectly captured the essence of what I carried home with me,” noted Shkendije. Though my own journey with Alinea and TAP-EDM was brief, you made me feel at home, and for that I am sincerely thankful.”
Throughout the evening, discussions focused on a human-centered approach to development, addressing the rights of Indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities, gender equality, and freedom of expression. In an international context marked by persistent poverty and mounting threats to human rights, democracy, and peace, participants discussed how Canadian development leaders can shape a more inclusive, equitable, and solidarity-based vision of technical assistance.
The project’s impact extended beyond Montreal. In a written submission, Dahlialyn D. Dait–Cawed, Director of Foreign Assisted Programs & International Relations Office, Office of the President, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines, highlighted how the partnership strengthened her agency’s capacity and prepared Indigenous leaders to drive inclusive economic development, marking the first international technical assistance initiative in the mining context for NCIP in over two decades.
“I would like to take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation for the meaningful partnership with Alinea, which aligns closely with our agency’s coordination and collaboration framework,” Dahlialyn shared. “We commend Alinea, together with the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines and the Government of Canada, for the successful implementation of the TAP-EDM project for NCIP. Notably, it was also the first time a platform was created that brought together Indigenous leaders, our technical staff, representatives from key Philippine government agencies, and Indigenous Peoples from other countries to exchange insights and experiences on TAP-EDM activities and this important topic. For these reasons, we truly value the partnership with Alinea and consider it both meaningful and impactful. We look forward to sustaining the gains of the NCIP TAP-EDM.”
As the evening drew to a close, one message resonated clearly: TAP-EDM’s legacy demonstrates that Canada’s role in advancing just, inclusive, and accountable cooperation globally remains vital, a testament to the power of sharing expertise, building partnerships, and creating lasting change together.
A sincere thank you to the members of the Organizing Committee : Jean-Philippe Waaub, Sally Yacoub, Carmela Prinzo, Pauline Atta-Coulibaly, Justine Vaillancourt and Christopher Yeomans.
Watch the Livestream of the event here.
Browse the event’s photo gallery below to witness the meaningful connections and transformative moments that defined this milestone for TAP project stakeholders.
