Message from the Chairperson

IDRC launched a new strategy, Strategy 2030, in early 2021 just as it was becoming clear that the world’ s poorest and most vulnerable people were being left further behind due to the acute impact of the COVID-19 pandemic combined with the growing effects of climate change and persistent realities of inequality and exclusion.

Strategy 2030 affirms IDRC’ s goal of a more sustainable and inclusive world, building on its 50 years of experience helping to advance science and innovation in developing countries and achieve impact at scale. It commits the Centre to focus where development needs and knowledge gaps are greatest, and where IDRC’ s investments in research, partnerships, and sharing knowledge can make the greatest difference.

The Centre will strengthen its contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by sharing knowledge, mobilizing alliances, and encouraging uptake of scalable innovations and solutions. Strategy 2030’ s 10year timeframe aligns with the SDG’ s Agenda 2030 and reflects the need for a multi-year commitment to address critical knowledge gaps, find breakthrough solutions, and accelerate progress.

Global collaboration is essential to overcome a pandemic that knows no borders. IDRC is working closely with existing partners and launching new partnerships to identify, implement, and scale-up solutions. This collaborative approach is the foundation for quality research, sound evidence, and effective policymaking that will produce a global COVID-19 response and recovery. IDRC is serving a critical role as part of Canada ’ s overall COVID-19 response. The Centre is bringing together Canadian and global partners to support research and evidence that is responsive to local needs, concentrated on the most vulnerable, and focused on strengthening longterm resilience and sustainability.

IDRC’ s innovative, rapid response to COVID-19 and robust Strategy 2030 would not have been possible without the tremendous commitment and leadership demonstrated by IDRC’ s Board of Governors, IDRC’ s President and senior management team, and all its employees in Canada and across its five regional offices.

As we look to 2030, the urgency and importance of making the right choices has never been greater. Now more than ever the world needs the kind of research and innovation IDRC has fostered for decades. The Centre ’ s focus on sustainability and inclusion will ensure IDRC remains at the forefront of research for development and a key actor in the effort to achieve the SDGs by 2030.

Margaret Biggs Chairperson