International Development Week (IDW) is an annual initiative led by Global Affairs Canada that aims to celebrate and highlight Canada’s contributions to global development. It serves as a platform for Canadians to engage in activities and discussions that promote awareness and understanding of international development issues. IDW encourages Canadians to learn about and participate in efforts to eradicate poverty and create a more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous world.
Catalysing Knowledge Exchange and Looking Ahead
NAbSA participated in Global Affairs Canada’s International Development Week (IDW) to strengthen collaboration and advance its initiatives in climate change and energy transition. From February 3rd to 7th, the team engaged in bilateral meetings with GAC to discuss NAbSA and PODONG implementation. A key highlight was the hybrid workshop on February 6th, which convened partners such as GAC, IUCN, and IISD, along with 19 P4C and Nature-positive projects. This workshop facilitated 2025 planning discussions, knowledge sharing, and the launch of the first NAbSA Taskforce meetings, establishing clear goals and expectations. Additionally, NAbSA connected with other parties regarding Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for adaptation. On February 7th, the team presented NAbSA and PODONG in other IDW sessions, further enhancing linkages and partnerships. Key NAbSA members from the Climate Change & Energy Transition Team, Ali Raza Rizvi, Veronica Ruiz Garcia, Zoe Jafflin, and Rose Washington, attended and facilitated proceedings, sharing valuable insights and expertise from a collective sum of decades of experience in the field of NbS and EbA.
During the International Development Week (IDW) 2025, held in Ottawa, Canada, NAbSA orchestrated a series of impactful events that underscored their leadership in climate change and energy transition initiatives. This week-long engagement not only highlighted NAbSA’s commitment to sustainable development but also facilitated meaningful dialogues and collaborations among stakeholders. The proceedings began with a series of bilateral meetings with Global Affairs Canada, focusing on NAbSA and PODONG implementations. These discussions were pivotal in aligning the objectives and strategies of NAbSA with Canadian priorities, ensuring that the initiatives are well-integrated into broader international development efforts.
Conducive Collaboration
A significant highlight of the week was the hybrid workshop held on February 6th, which brought together a diverse group of partners, including GAC, IUCN, IISD, and representatives from 19 P4C and Nature-positive projects. This workshop served as a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences, allowing participants to discuss their approaches, identify common challenges, and exchange lessons learned. The collaborative environment fostered during the workshop was instrumental in facilitating the launch of the first NAbSA Taskforce meetings. These Taskforces were established to set clear goals and expectations, further enhancing the linkages between NAbSA projects and their partners. The workshop also featured discussions on the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions (NbS), where participants reviewed and provided feedback on the standards. This engagement ensured that the NbS framework remains relevant and effective in guiding adaptation and resilience efforts across various projects.
Another Step Forward in Embracing Nature-based Solutions
NAbSA’s participation in IDW 2025 extended beyond one-sided meetings and workshops. The team actively engaged with other parties regarding Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for adaptation, connecting with diverse stakeholders to explore new opportunities and collaborations. These interactions highlighted NAbSA’s role as a catalyst for innovation and partnership in the realm of climate action and energy transition. On February 7th, NAbSA concluded their activities by presenting and sharing insights on NAbSA and PODONG in other IDW sessions. This presentation not only showcased the progress and achievements of NAbSA’s initiatives but also reinforced their commitment to advancing sustainable development goals through collaborative efforts.
Overall, NAbSA’s orchestration of events at IDW 2025 was marked by a series of successes that emphasized their strategic role in promoting sustainable development. The informative experiences and collaborative engagements facilitated by NAbSA during the week underscored their ability to drive meaningful change and foster a dynamic platform for stakeholders to converge, share insights, and build resilient solutions for the future. This event not only highlighted NAbSA’s accomplishments but also set the stage for future initiatives aimed at enhancing climate resilience and energy transition efforts globally.
