pfc2018cONFERENCE

“The SDGs are an important step forward…[T]he principle of universality, the pledge that no one shall be left behind, and the explicit recognition that refugees and internally displaced people are among the most vulnerable, are a key entry point for ensuring the conflict dimension is not overlooked.” UNHCR’s High Commissioner, October 2015

Refugees are among the most vulnerable people worldwide, as they are all the more exposed to the risks that many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) seek to address. Additionally, several SDGs are closely related to the specific challenges that refugees and other displaced people face daily. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is therefore motivated and very committed to doing all it can to harness this focus and be a catalyst for real change for refugees — through long-term humanitarian programs, emergency response work and partnerships.

How does the work of UNHCR with refugees contribute towards the SDGs in Canada and abroad? How can these provide a successful framework for collaboration to support the refugee cause? These are some of the questions that will be addressed during this session of exchange and thought.

The Table Talk will highlight UNHCR’s current projects done in partnership with foundations and corporations to respond to the SDGs, to address the types of partnerships UNHCR is seeking — and to share best practices.