Canada and Global Knowledge Networks

This report summarizes a May 1997 search conference convened by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and the North-South Institute (NSI). The conference aimed to implement recommendations from the November 1996 'Connecting with the World' report, advocating for the integration of knowledge and information and communication technologies (ICTs) into Canadian foreign policy to enhance international development and Canada's transition to a knowledge-based economy.

• The conference endorsed the recommendation that knowledge and information and communication technologies (ICTs) should be central to Canada's foreign policy and international outreach. The goal is for Canada to become a leader in global knowledge sharing and to develop an enhanced capacity by 2010 to create networks, partnerships, and learning communities linking Canadians with global partners, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector.
• The report proposes the creation of 'packages of knowledge' based on Canadian expertise to be exported for global capacity building. Specific priority areas include health (e.g., universal health care), environmental governance (including sustainable management of renewable resources and climate change), and public participation and good governance.
• Three major 'learning' initiatives were proposed: 'meta fora' (combining online dialogue and face-to-face meetings to resolve issues), a comprehensive program for capacity building in ICTs and knowledge management, and a learning demonstration for primary education involving partners like BRAC in Bangladesh and the Aga Khan Foundation.
• The conference identified the private sector as an essential but currently underutilized partner. A primary constraint is that the agenda is currently set by the public sector; meaningful business participation requires that agendas be developed jointly.
• The report outlines 'Ten Commandments' for implementation, which include building on existing Canadian policies, developing a national strategy on knowledge and ICTs via stakeholder processes, creating twinning arrangements with the developing world, and developing programs for youth such as 'Netcorps'.
• Participants noted a tension regarding 'knowledge brokering'. While some see it as a valuable function of filtering and packaging information for users, others argue that in a 'wired world', acting as a gatekeeper may be viewed with suspicion, suggesting terms like 'synthesizer' or 'packager' instead.

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} }