SFU dialogue on international aid accountability
Shaheen Nanji, SFU International Development director, 778.782.5576, shaheen_nanji@sfu.ca
Carol Thorbes, PAMR, 778.782.3035, cthorbes@sfu.ca
Simon Fraser University International and government/non-government organizations are holding a free public dialogue on the accountability of Canada’s international aid providers at SFU’s Segal Graduate School of Business on Monday, Feb. 7, 5:30-8 p.m.
Accountability in Canada’s International Assistance: Accountable to whom and for what?, is a key event during SFU International Week 2011 (Feb. 7-11). SFU International students, faculty and staff mount the annual showcase of their activities.
SFU International, the Canadian International Development Agency, the B.C. Council for International Cooperation and Engineers Without Borders will engage the public in pondering the effectiveness of Canada’s international development efforts during the accountability event. “Governments, non-government agencies, academics, aid recipients and even the media have diverse stakeholders and goals in delivering aid,” says Shaheen Nanji, director of international development at SFU International.
As an example, Nanji notes that the delivery of millions of Canadian dollars to relieve the plight of countries — such as Haiti — devastated by natural disasters and political upheaval is a very layered and complex process. She adds: “Given the high stakes involved, Canadian taxpayers, donors and international stakeholders need to know who is accountable to whom and for what.”
Jonathan Manthorpe, the Vancouver Sun’s international affairs columnist and a foreign correspondent for nearly 25 years, will moderate the dialogue. Several high profile speakers will offer perspectives for debate. They are:
- John Harriss, SFU School of International Studies director;
- Darren Schemmer, Canadian International Development Agency, Partnerships with Canadians branch vice-president;
- James Kamau, Youth Initiative Canada executive director;
- Sara Mohammad Pour, Engineers Without Borders advocacy representative;
- Jon Tinker, Panos Canada executive director; and
- Susanne Duska, Dada International chief evaluator and president.
Registration is required to attend this free event. Unclaimed seats will be given away 10 minutes before the start time.
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