Canada and Global Knowledge Networks

The report outlines a strategic vision for Canada to become a global leader in knowledge sharing by 2010, emphasizing the integration of ICTs into foreign policy. It proposes 'packaging' Canadian expertise in health, environment, and governance for international use and calls for a shift toward a knowledge-based approach to sustainable development. Key recommendations include building partnerships with the private sector, enhancing capacity for global dialogue, and focusing on primary education and health care systems.

• The conference endorsed the recommendation that knowledge and the technologies used to advance it should be the central focus of Canada's international outreach and foreign policy.
• By 2010, Canada aims to have an increased capacity to create public dialogue and establish learning communities and networks involving governments, citizens, NGOs, and the private sector to meet knowledge needs in developing regions.
• The report suggests Canada create 'packages of knowledge' based on its domestic expertise to support capacity building globally, specifically in the fields of health (such as universal health care) and the environment (including environmental laws and market-based mechanisms).
• In the environmental sector, the report identifies three priority areas for a forward-moving framework: climate change, national compliance with international protocols on biodiversity and ozone, and the sustainable management of renewable resources.
• The conference proposed three major 'learning' initiatives: 'meta fora' for boundary-crossing dialogue, a program for capacity building in ICTs and knowledge management, and a learning demonstration for primary education involving partners like BRAC in Bangladesh.
• The report identifies the private sector as an essential but underutilized partner, noting that business participation requires a jointly set agenda rather than one dictated by the public sector.
• The document outlines 'Ten Commandments' for implementation, which include building a national strategy on ICTs through stakeholder processes, developing twinning arrangements with the developing world, and creating programs for youth such as 'Netcorps'.

APA

International Institute for Sustainable Development (1997). Canada and Global Knowledge Networks. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/networks_search_report.pdf

Chicago

International Institute for Sustainable Development. Canada and Global Knowledge Networks. 1997. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/networks_search_report.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=International Institute for Sustainable Development |title=Canada and Global Knowledge Networks |date=May 1997 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/networks_search_report.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{internationalinstituteforsustainabledevelopment1997canada, author = {{International Institute for Sustainable Development}}, title = {{Canada and Global Knowledge Networks}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {1997}, month = may, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/networks_search_report.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }