Several members of the International Health Unit (USI) participated in the Quebec General Assembly on International Cooperation and Solidarity (EGQSI), an initiative of the AQOCI. This second edition took place at the University of Montreal, 18 years after its first edition. This must-attend event, which brings together Quebec's international solidarity actors, aimed to assess a variety of international issues and challenges, outline common courses of action and strengthen ties between committed organisations.

This event marked the culmination of a participatory process which lasted over a year, initiated in June 2024 by AQOCI and concluded with the official adoption of the Declaration of Commitment to International Solidarity.

This participation is in line with the mission of the USI, which shares with AQOCI and its member organisations the common goal of improving the health of populations.

This historic event breathes new life into solidarity in Quebec and internationally. By signing the States General's declaration of commitment, USI reaffirms its desire to build bridges between cooperation organisations, vulnerable communities — particularly Indigenous communities —, universities and all committed actors. It is by relying on human rights and the use of evidence-based data that we will be able to guarantee and promote the right to health, as well as the empowerment of women and girls. Karina Dubois-Nguyen, Director of the USI.

A variety of topics explored through a collaborative approach

At the same time, the event aimed to identify common courses of action for implementing the declaration. USI members participated in various collaborative workshops, such as:

• Feminist climate action: challenges and prospects for solidarity. This workshop provided avenues for reflection on the impacts of climate change and the inequalities it creates, particularly for women and girls. It was recommended that these most vulnerable groups be prioritised for awareness-raising and training in climate resilience, in order to strengthen their understanding and capacity for action through endogenous change. The workshop also highlighted the importance of strengthening women's leadership.

• Security crisis management: protocols, coordination and feedback. This workshop, organised by Médecins du Monde, involved the study of a practical case (a kidnapping in Haiti) broken down into six phases of health crisis management. Participants were invited to analyse in groups the challenges, common mistakes and best practices for each phase of crisis management. The training provided an opportunity to reflect on the evolving nature of contexts and the diversity of security risks. Key recommendations included the importance of avoiding improvisation, establishing solid structures and well-mastered tools, adequately training those involved, and regularly updating plans and manuals.

Read about the converging strategies and actions identified.

This document is a collective working tool and a basis for the campaigns, advocacy and initiatives that stem from the General Assembly.

Left photo credit: Laure Carpentier. Right photo: Session summary drawings by Nancy Roberge.

When working in international solidarity, we must not presume or expect to change everything. We all contribute to movements that are bigger than ourselves and for which every effort is necessary. Financial issues are central, whether we are talking about the contribution of diasporas to their countries of origin or the BDS (boycott, divestment and sanctions) movement. When we consider where our money goes and who benefits from it, we can make informed choices, support local causes and businesses, and send messages of solidarity. Marie Jobin-Gélinas, Gender Equality and Human Rights Advisor, USI.

Beyond individual learning, USI's participation in strategic consultation events such as AQOCI guides the organisation's thinking and the evolution of its practices. It enriches an organisational culture based on continuous training, knowledge sharing and partnership. It is also an opportunity to meet and forge links with new partners, discover innovative initiatives, and question its practices and modes of intervention.

About AQOCI

Founded in 1976, AQOCI brings together more than 70 organisations in 14 regions of Quebec. It supports their actions in favour of sustainable and human development based on justice, equality and human rights. The EGQSI comes at a time when the United States is pulling back on international aid, with a big cut in funding from USAID, which used to give almost a third of this aid. This is having a big impact on both the communities getting the aid and the organisations helping them.