The Canadian International Resources and Development Institute (CIRDI)

Partners
University of British Columbia (Lead)
Simon Fraser University
École Polytechnique de Montréal  

Funder:
Global Affairs Canada (GAC)

Description

CIRDI is a centre of expertise in improving and strengthening resource governance. Its mission is to improve, in a measurable way, the ability of developing countries to manage and benefit from their extractive sectors in order to catalyze sustainable economic growth and reduce poverty.

CIRDI was established in 2013 by three universities – The University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU) and École Polytechnique de Montréal (EPM) – under a Contribution Agreement with Global Affairs Canada (GAC). The Governing Agreement that guided the partnership ended in May 2019. SFU took as initial leadership role to create the Institute, and to define and roll-out international delivery systems and content for applied Canadian academic expertise in resource development. UBC has agreed to continue to serve as CIRDI's institutional home.

During the life of the project, CIRDI provided programming in 22 countries, connecting with almost 200 organizations from various UN bodies to government agencies to civil-society organizations, while forging new working relationships among the three founding institutions (SFU, Polytechnique Montréal, and UBC).

CIRDI worked with all levels of governments to develop training, tools and approaches that address their unique circumstances and needs. Guided by the local partners, CIRDI accessed expertise from their coalition of three leading Canadian universities and from international knowledge networks to:

• Provide advisory services
• Design and implement applied research
• Foster education and training
• Convene multi-stakeholder collaborations

CIRDI’s stakeholders encompassed local, regional and national governments as well as communities and companies involved in the extractive sector. With projects that range from mineral auditing to water stewardship to training centres for artisanal miners, CIRDI focused their work in three thematic areas: fiscal and regulatory governance; integrated resource management; and livelihoods and employment. For more detailed information on CIRDI’s work, visit: www.cirdi.ca

In addition to being part of the CIRDI coalition, SFU was part of the The Co-Laboratorio Project in Peru, funded through CIRDI. The Co-Lab's goal was to strengthen innovation and collaboration among policy-makers, local government, universities, industry, NGOs and community leaders.

Contact

Email: international_development@sfu.ca