Secretary of State Randeep Sarai on Monday announced the appointment of the Honourable Bob Rae as chairperson of the Board of Governors of the International Development Research Centre. Global Affairs Canada said the Government of Canada made the appointment. The news release was issued in Ottawa, Ontario.
Rae recently served as ambassador and permanent representative of Canada to the United Nations, the release said. In that post, he helped advance international cooperation on humanitarian, development and global governance issues. Drawing on a career in diplomacy, public service and politics, including as premier of Ontario and as interim leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, he will bring extensive leadership experience to the role, according to Global Affairs Canada.
The department said his commitment to multilateral cooperation and evidence-based policy making aligns closely with the centre’s mission of supporting research and innovation that contribute to sustainable development around the world. It said that investing in knowledge, innovation and international cooperation remains essential, in a rapidly changing global landscape, to advancing shared prosperity and building mutually beneficial partnerships with low- and middle-income countries.
Global Affairs Canada said the appointment will support the centre’s continued efforts to advance its mandate and strengthen Canada’s contributions to effective international development. Those efforts, the release said, foster global cooperation and advance the well-being of the world’s most vulnerable and marginalized people. The release did not say when the appointment takes effect or how long Rae will serve.
Sarai, secretary of state for international development, said global challenges demand collaboration, innovation and strong leadership. “His commitment to multilateral cooperation and his understanding of the issues facing communities around the world will be tremendous assets to the centre as it advances its mission of supporting research that creates lasting development impacts,” he said.
Julie Delahanty, president of the International Development Research Centre, said she was pleased to welcome Rae as chairperson. “His leadership, international experience and commitment to evidence-based policy making will bring valuable insights to our work as we invest in research and innovation and build partnerships that contribute to a more prosperous, sustainable and resilient world,” Delahanty said.
The centre was established in 1970, according to the release. It is a federal Crown corporation that reports to Parliament through the secretary of state for international development, and Global Affairs Canada called it a core part of Canada’s international assistance efforts. The Board of Governors comprises up to 14 members who provide strategic direction, stewardship and oversight.
The centre invests in high-quality research in developing countries, shares knowledge with researchers and policy makers, and mobilizes global alliances to build a more sustainable and inclusive world, the release said. It did not name other board members or say whom Rae replaces. It also did not announce new funding or new research programs with the appointment.