The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced $56.8 million in new funding for projects to support the Indo-Pacific region in the areas of gender equality, Rohingya refugees, health and economic growth and to strengthen Canada’s partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Skills and Livelihoods for Rohingya in Bangladesh
Funding: $10 million (fiscal years 2024 to 2025 through 2025 to 2026)
Partner: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

This project will increase access to skills training and livelihood opportunities for 11,000 Rohingya refugee women and men, including youths and people with disabilities.

UNHCR Humanitarian Appeal 2025
Funding: $2.9 million (2025)
Partner: UNHCR

The UNHCR provides life-saving assistance, essential protection and medical services for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, including gender-based violence services and awareness sessions and mental health and psychological support services.

Emergency Health Response in Bangladesh
Funding: $2.75 million (2025)
Partner: Doctors Without Borders

This project aims to address critical health needs and ensure the delivery of gender-responsive emergency health care for refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar, with a specific focus on primary health care, including sexual and reproductive health services.

Rohingya Refugee Crisis: Emergency Response in Bangladesh
Funding: $2 million (2025)
Partner: Development and Peace (Caritas Canada)

This project provides safe and gender-sensitive emergency shelter, sanitation and protection services to Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar District.

World Food Programme Humanitarian Appeal for 2025
Funding: $3.75 million (2025)
Partner: World Food Programme (WFP)

The WFP is responding to urgent and acute food needs in Bangladesh, including those of the Rohingya, by providing food and cash assistance.

Addressing Gaps in Refugee Access to Health
Funding: Increase of $10 million (fiscal years 2024 to 2025 through 2026 to 2027)
Partner: BRAC

This project aims to improve the health of the Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar and increase the use of comprehensive health care services by targeted refugees.

Impact Investment Readiness in Indonesia
Funding: $9 million (fiscal years 2024 to 2025 through 2027 to 2028)
Partner: Impact Investment Exchange

This project aims to improve sustainable livelihoods and economic well-being for vulnerable groups, particularly women and people in underserved areas of Indonesia. The project supports women’s small and medium-sized enterprises by helping them attract private investment, create sustainable economic opportunities and foster social change by strengthening the women’s skills and expertise and improving connections with investors, including those from Canada.

Strengthening Women’s Political Agenda for Gender Justice in Indonesia
Funding: $2.75 million (fiscal years 2024 to 2025 through 2029 to 2030)
Partner: Solidaritas Perempuan

This project aims to strengthen grassroots women’s movements and organizations in Indonesia, facilitating collaboration between smaller and larger organizations to address gender justice at local, regional and national levels. The initiative seeks to amplify women’s voices and increase their participation in political decision making.

Strengthening Pekka Unions for Gender Equality and Justice in Indonesia
Funding: $3 million (fiscal years 2024 to 2025 through 2029 to 2030)
Partner: Pekka Foundation

This project aims to strengthen the Pekka Foundation and its union activists by providing skills, resources and support needed to advocate for women’s rights and drive sustainable social change. It focuses on eliminating gender inequality and structural poverty by improving access to livelihoods, legal protection and economic resources.

Top-up of ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action Trust Fund
Funding: Increase of $10.7 million (fiscal years 2024 to 2025 through 2028 to 2029)
Partner: ASEAN Secretariat

The ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action Trust Fund will help close development gaps and support activities that promote cooperation between ASEAN and the Government of Canada in mutually agreed-on priority areas. Initiatives will be aligned with the ASEAN community-building objectives and the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action to enhance the Strategic Partnership. The Trust Fund will also support the least-developed ASEAN member states’ participation in ASEAN-Canada free trade agreement negotiations.