CESO acquires CIRDI, a centre of expertise on natural resource governance
Toronto, March 9, 2021 — CESO (Canadian Executive Service Organization) has acquired CIRDI (Canadian International Resources and Development Institute) from the University of British Columbia (UBC) on March 1st, 2021. The acquisition enhances and deepens CESO’s focus and expertise in public sector strengthening by capitalizing on synergies between CESO and CIRDI.
With their respective focus and expertise in public sector strengthening and governance, particularly concentrated in natural resource management, the acquisition is a natural step in the development of the two organizations. As a larger, integrated team, the acquisition will also further improve gender equality and women’s economic empowerment in support of Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP).
CESO’s model of sharing Canadian expertise to build capacity in economic development aligns well with CIRDI’s focus on applied research and technical assistance in support of sustainability outcomes. The acquisition will build on the solid foundation established during CIRDI’s incubation at UBC and with its founding university partners, to a delivery model with a pragmatic approach, supported by CESO’s expertise as a program delivery and outreach agent.
“CESO’s expertise in public sector strengthening combined with CIRDI’s successful model of bridging applied research and development needs to strengthen natural resources governance will enable a rapid scaling of proven results”, says Wendy Harris, President and CEO of CESO.
CESO and CIRDI have been working together successfully in Ethiopia for several years on the SUMM project (Supporting the Ministry of Mines in Ethiopia), a five-year, $15 million project funded by Global Affairs Canada. The project’s ultimate objectives are to improve resource governance and long-term management of a sustainable mining sector for the benefit of all Ethiopians.
This acquisition will solidify CESO’s place at the forefront of innovative public sector strengthening, bridging the gap between applied research and sustainable development, and accelerating its ability to scale its public sector strengthening.
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