The UBC Institute and the Canadian Council on Africa will work together in catalyzing resource governance as a tool to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals
February 3, 2020 – UBC’s Canadian International Resources and Development Institute (CIRDI) is delighted to announce a new strategic partnership with the Canadian Council on Africa (CCAfrica) that will focus on coordination and cooperation between industry, civil society, mining communities and governments towards meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The partnership was announced on 3rd February at the opening of the Canadian Pavilion during the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2020 in Cape Town, South Africa.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which are an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership.
Through this partnership, CCAfrica and CIRDI affirm their shared commitments to advancing inclusive and sustainable development through better natural resource management and governance. Both organizations acknowledge that meaningful progress on this front requires a dual emphasis on the diffusion and institutionalization of actionable, technical knowledge on these topics and strengthening of multi-stakeholder partnerships.
According to Nola Kianza, President and CEO of CCAfrica, “Resources belong to the people; however, a well-structured system is required for everyone, including women, youth and the community in general, to better benefit from these resources. The partnership agreement between the Canadian Council on Africa and CIRDI will further our collaboration in areas of common interest, facilitating responsible and balanced resource development – include industrial and artisanal mining – and simultaneously attracting foreign investment.”
“Partnerships are a critical aspect of CIRDI’s growth plan,” says Elaine Pura, CEO of CIRDI. “We are pleased to be in a position to work closely with CCA and leverage their significant know-how and capacity. We are also delighted to work more closely with the industry network that CCA brings, and to enable the industry’s contribution in meeting the SDGs.”