IICA presents its most relevant achievements in Canada
Canada. The value of keeping stakeholders informed on the plans, activities and achievements of IICA throughout the hemisphere is fully appreciated by IICA’s teams who in turn utilize a variety of tools to dispense information. Key among these is the Annual Accountability Seminar.
The IICA office in Canada use the occasion of the Seminar to :
- Present results and achievements of 2014
- Highlight a theme in the current Medium Term Plan of the Institute
- Network with partners and potential partners
This year was no exception. Members of the Diplomatic Corps representing Latin America & the Caribbean provided full support, with each of the regions in the hemisphere being amply represented. The diverse group of participants also included Government officials from the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Ministry as well as the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD), and the International Development and Research Centre (IDRC). Non-Governmental Organizations and private sector representatives complemented our guest list.
A refreshing addition to our stakeholders list, due in part to the theme highlighted in the Panel Discussion, was that of young professionals involved at various points of the agri-food system. The short but very engaging video clip “Dreams Can Come True in Agriculture” prepared by Ontario Agri-Food Education on professions in Agriculture and food gave both substance and rhythm to the proceedings and prepared the audience for the dynamic panel discussion.
Country Representative, Audia Barnett served as MC and set the stage for the morning’s event with welcome and greetings from the Director General. With the rapt attention of the diverse audience, which was present on site, and on the web, Technical and Performance Coordinator, Trudy Werry, presented the Annual Report for 2014. Achievements during the period were quite impressive, belying the fact that 2014 was a transitional period within the organization. Members of the audience were reminded of the objectives in the 2010 – 2020 Strategic Plan of the Institute and the new Technical Cooperation model which had been endorsed for the 2014 – 2018 period.
The IICA Canada office was able to make a smooth transition with the themes identified for the Institute’s Flagship Projects, particularly since they reflected some of the priorities already being addressed by the office. High on the checklist of achievements was the successful implementation and delivery of the SPS project in Peru and Colombia, designed to enhance trade opportunities for several agricultural commodities. Eye-catching brochures summarizing results of the project complemented the presentation.
Similarly, information on outputs of the interns supported by IICA Canada during the reporting period was also displayed in the mini-exposition, which doubled as a focal point for networking. As there were individuals being introduced to IICA for the first time, the networking session was significant. Numerous and varied connections were made - between IICA Canada’s team and guests as well as among the guests themselves, ensuring that the morning was considered well spent by all.
Accountability seminar video:
See also: Video of the Panel discussion.
More information: