Minister Gould concludes virtual visit to Colombia and announces new projects

March 5, 2021 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Canada is a long-standing partner of Colombia. Together, they are working to advance the Sustainable Development Goals in the region.

Today, the Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of International Development, concluded a 2-day virtual visit to Colombia by announcing investments in 6 projects that respond to the considerable challenges facing the country, including those stemming from the crisis in Venezuela and the COVID-19 pandemic.

These investments in Colombia, valued at $29.5 million, will respond to the impact of the pandemic on education, especially for those facing the greatest needs and vulnerabilities, and support peace and security in the areas most affected by conflict. In line with its Feminist International Assistance Policy, Canada will also support the economic empowerment of rural women and youth, who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

By videoconference, the Minister “visited” existing projects funded by Canada and met with Colombian ministers and partners from both private sector and development organizations. The Minister spoke directly to some of the people most affected by the challenges and opportunities facing Colombia, including women social leaders, migrants and young people.

Minister Gould also announced that Canada will host the next international donors’ conference on June 17, 2021, in collaboration with the United Nations Refugee Agency and the International Organization for Migration, in solidarity with Venezuelan refugees and migrants. The conference will aim to raise awareness of the Venezuelan refugee and migrant crisis at the international level and mobilize additional resources.