British Columbia Council for International Cooperation

Published purpose

The project forms part of Engage: Global Citizens, Global Impact, a national initiative implemented over five years (2026–2031) by the Inter-Council Network (ICN), a coalition of eight provincial and regional councils for international cooperation across Canada. Led by the British Columbia Council for International Cooperation (BCCIC), The initiative is designed to strengthen public support for Canada’s international development assistance priorities, including gender equality, and to encourage greater engagement of people across Canada as active global citizens through coordinated public engagement, capacity-building, policy dialogue, and youth-focused initiatives. The project responds to the growing need for inclusive and accessible opportunities for Canadians to engage with international development issues and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It recognizes that many communities remain underserved by traditional public engagement models, including Indigenous communities, diaspora populations, young people, rural communities, professional associations, grassroots organizations, and other underrepresented groups. Through innovative and community-driven approaches, the project seeks to ensure that a broader range of voices contribute to discussions and actions related to international cooperation, social justice, gender equality, and sustainable development. BCCIC engages civil society organizations, community leaders, Indigenous Peoples, diaspora communities, youth, and other partners to advance global citizenship and international cooperation across British Columbia. The Project activities include: (1) expanding inclusive, gender-responsive, and justice-rooted participation in global citizenship initiatives by co-creating engagement opportunities with communities and increasing public awareness of international development assistance; (2) fostering dialogue, learning, and collective action through community-led storytelling, public engagement activities, and inclusive spaces that connect local and global issues while amplifying underrepresented voices; and (3) enhancing the capacity of organizations and partners to deliver effective, inclusive, and justice-rooted global citizenship initiatives through training, mentorship, peer learning, collaboration, research, and policy engagement activities.