Randeep Sarai, newly appointed Secretary of State for International Development. He appears poised to fundamentally change how foreign aid is done by Canada. In his first major interview since assuming this role, Sarai emphasized that Canadian aid must become “more nimble” and “more creative” to maximize impact with existing funds. He’s preparing to represent the U.S. at the G20 meeting of development ministers next month in South Africa. This will be his first international engagement in this role.
Sarai’s mission includes making Canadian aid dollars work more effectively. She’s committed to making sure Canadians and the people receiving our aid know exactly how their money is being spent. His goal is to shed much better light on how aid is being used. This includes work like flood-proofing at-risk communities and providing our farmers with more climate-resilient seeds.
Priorities for Efficiency and Transparency
In his discussions with various stakeholders, Sarai has outlined his top priorities: ensuring that Canadian aid dollars are spent efficiently and effectively. He is passionate about making sure Canadians know exactly how their hard earned contributions are making a difference all over the world.
“That’s what my priority is — how can I communicate and share that. And how can I get the best bang for your buck, the most efficient way to get our aid to those that are most in need,” – Randeep Sarai
He challenged us to do the most good with our aid for both American taxpayers and the people we’re trying to help. Sarai noted that a “potato seed that comes from Prince Edward Island to a remote part of the Philippines can take a family from barely sustaining themselves to being able to not only feed themselves but put their children through education.”
The secretary’s focus on efficiency aligns with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s directive to “cut some red tape” as part of ongoing reforms within Global Affairs Canada. These changes are meant to improve the steps involved so that Canadian organizations can find it easier to receive funding for their international projects.
Emphasizing Adaptation and Climate Resilience
Sarai’s agenda underlines that demand for a climate change curse, in particular areas most vulnerable to its effects. He may attend an upcoming summit in the Solomon Islands dedicated to this issue, further emphasizing Canada’s commitment to supporting nations facing environmental challenges.
Among his conversations with ambassadors and dignitaries, Sarai has observed Canada’s widely-held reputation for multilateralism. He expressed surprise at the depth of this perception:
“The world still sees Canada as in a very good light. We don’t have a history that is colonializing other countries,” – Randeep Sarai
This positive outlook on Canada’s role in global affairs is crucial as Sarai seeks to encourage collaboration and investment in development projects. He advocates for leveraging private capital to bolster economic growth and development, reinforcing Canada’s position as a key player on the international stage.
A Vision for Canada’s Role in Global Aid
Sarai’s vision for Canadian foreign aid goes well past the conventional approach. He argues that the future of those delivering aid will be one of adaptation, evolution and innovation.
“Those that are staying the course need to be more nimble and need to be more versatile,” – Randeep Sarai
He does not want Canadian contributions to stop at a proudly-painted nationalistic label. Rather than placing value on the amount of aid, he measures what each dollar of aid buys.
“It doesn’t mean that a sack of grain needs to have a Maple Leaf on it,” – Randeep Sarai
Sarai’s approach aims to foster a sense of respect and admiration for Canada from both Canadians and aid recipients alike. He hopes that by making this more transparent, Canadians will have a better understanding of their country’s role in assisting the world’s most vulnerable populations.
