International Development Week | Nature-based Solutions, Partnerships, and Indigenous Knowledge
IN OTTAWA AND ONLINE
February 3, 2026
About
During International Development Week, Global Affairs Canada (GAC) organized two events in the framework of the Government of Canada’s Partnering for Climate initiative and the Nature and Climate Community of Practice (NCCP). This national knowledge-sharing event, organized in partnership with the Aga Khan Foundation Canada, brought together climate and development practitioners for a day of learning, exchange, and dialogue. It highlighted this year’s theme, Prosperity through Partnership, and the role of collaboration in advancing climate and development action. Throughout the day, participants engaged in high-level panels, interactive discussions, and facilitated breakout sessions focused on advancing inclusive and effective climate change adaptation.
Agenda
All times listed below are local.
Morning Session: Opportunities and Challenges for Nature-Based Finance and Partnerships
9 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
The morning session explored how nature-based solutions can be connected to carbon and nature revenue streams, value chains, blended finance, and private sector partnerships. Participants joining online also took part in facilitated breakout discussions with other virtual attendees, creating space for shared reflection, an exchange of perspectives, and collaborative learning.
Speakers
- Jason Taylor, Founder and CEO, Climate Finance Advisors
- Ali Raza Rizvi, Director of Global Climate Change and Energy Transition Team, IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature)
- Jane Boles, Land Use Carbon Professional, Tayo Climate Partners
- Trevor Jones, Forest Carbon and Geospatial Scientist, Tayo Climate Partners
- Jennifer O’Neill, Director of Nature-Based Solutions, Cascadia Seaweed
Emissions Analysis & Decarbonization Approach by Jason Taylor (Climate Finance Advisors)
Climate, Biodiversity & Innovative Finance, Value Chains, Private Sector by Ali Raza Rizvi (IUCN)
Climate Solutions by Tayo Climate Partners by Jane Boles and Trevor Jones (Tayo Climate Partners)
Cascadia Seaweed – Nature-based Solutions by Jennifer O’Neill (Cascadia Seaweed)
Afternoon Session: Insights from Indigenous Partnerships and Knowledge Sharing
1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
In the afternoon, programming resumed with a panel focused on Indigenous partnerships, program design, and governance in nature-based solutions. The day also featured the formal launch of the Global Affairs Canada-funded report, Working with Indigenous Knowledge Holders to Advance Equitable and Inclusive Nature and Climate Initiatives.
Speakers
- Graeme Reed, Strategic Advisor, Assembly of First Nations
- Megan Dicker, Program Manager, Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada
- Erin Myers, Director of Environment, Climate Change and Emergency Management, Métis National Council
- Terry Teegee, Regional Chief, British Columbia Assembly of First Nations
- Lewis Archer, Director National Reconciliation Program, Save the Children Canada
- Anita Tzec, Senior Program Manager, IUCN
- Veronica Lo, Senior Policy Advisor, International Institute for Sustainable Development
- Céline Heinbecker, Director, Global Affairs Canada
Building Climate Resilience from Indigenous Perspectives by Terry Teegee (British Colombia Assembly of First Nations) and Lewis Archer (Save the Children Canada)
Working with Indigenous Knowledge Holders to Advance Equitable and Inclusive Nature and Climate Initiatives by Veronica Lo (IISD)
Event Details
Date: February 3, 2026
Time: 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (GMT-5)
Location: Aga Khan Foundation Canada, The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, and online
Please note: While in-person participation is reserved for registered Community of Practice members, the virtual public audience is invited to observe and take part in key learning moments from the day.
