Strong Task Force: Current and Future Follow-up

The document details a set of 12 recommendations aimed at positioning Canada as a 'creator & broker of knowledge for SD' through the use of ICTs, info-based networks, and strategic funding. It tracks progress made by sponsoring institutions—IISD, IDRC, and the North-South Institute—and proposes future steps, including the allocation of at least 15% of Canada's Official Development Assistance (ODA) to knowledge-related programs and the creation of youth opportunities in the ICT sector.

• The task force recommends that Canada prioritize knowledge and ICTs in its foreign policy to act as a 'creator & broker of knowledge for SD'. Current actions include briefing the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs & International Trade and participating in DFAIT consultations.
• The document proposes specific financial targets for development, arguing that a minimum of 15% of Canada's Official Development Assistance (ODA) should be dedicated to knowledge-related development programs.
• To support the dissemination of practical knowledge, the task force advocates for the creation of dynamic, participatory info-based networks both within Canada and internationally, citing initiatives such as Bellanet, Acacia, and the 'Spinning the Web' project.
• The sponsoring institutions (IISD, IDRC, and NSI) are encouraged to lead by example through a joint communications program and by advising the Canadian government on knowledge-based initiatives, including staff secondments with CIDA.

APA

International Institute for Sustainable Development (1997). Strong Task Force: Current and Future Follow-up. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/networks_strongmatrix.pdf

Chicago

International Institute for Sustainable Development. Strong Task Force: Current and Future Follow-up. 1997. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/networks_strongmatrix.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=International Institute for Sustainable Development |title=Strong Task Force: Current and Future Follow-up |date=May 1997 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/networks_strongmatrix.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{internationalinstituteforsustainabledevelopment1997strong, author = {{International Institute for Sustainable Development}}, title = {{Strong Task Force: Current and Future Follow-up}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {1997}, month = may, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/networks_strongmatrix.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }