By Abel Marius Oulaï, Youth Ambassador for Quebec
On December 5 and 6, 2025, Montreal hosted the International Solidarity and Development Forum (ISDF), a major event involving public actors, civil society organizations, entrepreneurs, representatives of diasporas and experts in international development. (see website in French) At the event, held at the Centre Mont-Royal, local, national and international participants gathered to discuss major contemporary issues in international solidarity and sustainable development. The FISD aims to foster constructive dialogue, stimulate cooperation, strengthen advocacy and promote concrete actions for more equitable, inclusive and solidarity-based development on a global scale.
It was in this context that a team from Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada, comprising animators and volunteers, took part in the event to highlight our organization’s mission and the impact of its actions in the areas of international solidarity and humanitarian aid. Their participation also raised awareness among attendees about the Turn Debt into Hope campaign, which calls for greater economic justice and debt relief for the most vulnerable countries.
A rich and diverse program
The forum’s program included:
Networking sessions like “ISDF Connect,” which offered entrepreneurs, organizations and financial institutions the opportunity to forge strategic links for collaborative projects
Thematic panels on topics such as the effectiveness of international aid; geopolitical issues that influence development policies; and opportunities for diasporas to contribute to economic development
The event was much more than a series of discussions. It served as a dynamic platform for solidifying commitments to cooperation and social, economic and humanitarian development.
The role of Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada
Among the many organizations present or represented at the forum, ours played a significant role. As the official international development organization of the Catholic Church in Canada, Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada highlighted the solidarity-based and inclusive approach of its programs, which are designed with and for local communities through a vast network of international partners. Our presence, through the hosting of a booth and participation in various activities, highlighted the importance of linking field experiences to high-level political and economic discussions, thereby strengthening the voice of solidarity actors in international forums.