Canada: Strategic developments in Ottawa
World: Secretary of State Sarai reaffirms Canada’s support for United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Countries: World, Canada Source: Government of Canada November 3, 2026 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada The Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), today welcomed Tom Fletcher, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, to Ottawa during his visit to Canada. Secretary of State Sarai and Mr. Fletcher discussed the increasingly complex global humanitarian landscape, characterized by rising humanitarian needs, declining respect for international humanitarian law and growing financial pressures on the international humanitarian system. They exchanged views on major humanitarian emergencies and emerging challenges anticipated in the coming year, as well as opportunities to strengthen coordinated international responses. Secretary of State Sarai underscored Canada’s long-standing partnership with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which plays an indispensable role in enabling life-saving humanitarian assistance worldwide. In 2025, OCHA helped humanitarian partners collectively reach nearly 98 million people through coordinated responses. He also reaffirmed Canada’s support for OCHA’s critical work in global humanitarian coordination and advocacy on behalf of people affected by conflicts and disasters and announced the renewal of $6 million in funding for institutional support over three years. This funding will help OCHA ensure that people affected by conflict, disasters and displacement can access timely and effective humanitarian assistance. Looking ahead, Secretary of State Sarai highlighted Canada’s commitment to supporting the reform of the humanitarian system as it prepares to chair the OCHA Donor Support Group. He emphasized the importance of sustained international cooperation to address growing humanitarian needs and enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian action worldwide. The meeting reaffirmed the strong partnership between Canada and OCHA and the shared commitment to alleviating human suffering, protecting civilians and strengthening the global humanitarian response. Quotes “Canada is a long-standing partner of OCHA, and its leadership is more important than ever as humanitarian needs grow. Tom Fletcher and I discussed how we can continue strengthening the humanitarian system, which is depended on by millions of people affected by crisis.” - Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development) “Canada puts its generosity to work where it matters most with US$430 million so far this year towards helping people at the highest levels of humanitarian need. Your renewed multi-year support for OCHA will also help us coordinate more aid to more people, faster. I am grateful for Canada’s leadership and determined to make our partnership even stronger.” - Tom Fletcher, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Quick facts OCHA is a key humanitarian partner for Canada, playing a central role in coordinating effective and principled humanitarian assistance to alleviate human suffering in crises around the world. Canada is contributing US$430 million (approximately C$600 million) toward the most urgent humanitarian needs, as identified in OCHA’s 2026 Global Humanitarian Overview, supporting life-saving assistance for people affected by crises around the world. Canada will be chairing the OCHA Donor Support Group as of July 2027. In this role, Canada will lead and coordinate engagement between OCHA and its top donors, with the objective of supporting OCHA to deliver on its important mandate. Associated links United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Contacts Shanti Cosentino Director of Communications Office of the Secretary of State (International Development)Shanti.Cosentino@international.gc.ca Media Relations Office Global Affairs Canadamedia@international.gc.ca Follow us on X: @CanadaDev Like us on Facebook: Canada’s international development - Global Affairs Canada Follow us on Instagram: @canadadev
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