Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently visited New York City to discuss Canada’s feminist international assistance policy (FIAP) and its objectives of promoting gender equality, reducing poverty, and implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to build a more peaceful and healthy world. Trudeau emphasized that Canada will continue to support women’s rights organizations fighting for equality, not only in Canada but also around the world.
Canada has been a global leader in advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls. However, weakened democracies and geopolitical instability have threatened women’s rights and the safety of women’s rights organizations, women human rights defenders, women peacebuilders, and young feminists. Therefore, on Friday, Canada announced $195 million over five years for the renewal and expansion of the women’s voice and leadership program. This initiative will support women’s rights organizations and groups working for gender equality and women’s rights, especially in conflict and crisis-affected areas.
Prime Minister Trudeau also co-chaired the SDG Advocates Group with the prime minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, to accelerate work towards achieving the SDGs and creating momentum ahead of the SDG Summit in September 2023. Trudeau reiterated Canada’s commitment to implementing the SDGs and building a better future at home and abroad.
During his visit, Trudeau underscored Canada’s strong leadership on climate action and the need to advocate for women, who are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. He also emphasized the importance of leveraging multilateral development banks to improve the ability of low- and middle-income countries, especially those affected by the impacts of climate change, to access financing to confront unprecedented overlapping crises.
Finally, Trudeau delivered a keynote address at the Council on Foreign Relations to leaders in banking, finance, and policy. He highlighted Canada’s unique partnership with the United States and the importance of working together in areas of mutual interest, such as critical minerals, electric vehicles, semiconductors supply chains, and clean energy.
Overall, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s visit to New York City reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to promoting gender equality and human rights, supporting lasting peace and security, and implementing the SDGs to build a better world.