Hats off to Global Affairs Canada’s Ukraine team!

In 2022, the world witnessed Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. As Canadian diplomacy set to work, teams sprang into action on the ground providing humanitarian assistance. Global Affairs Canada (GAC) has recognized the Ukraine team’s remarkable accomplishments through its humanitarian, development and peace efforts.

The team, made up of employees working in Kyiv and in Canada, responded tirelessly to the crisis in a collaborative manner. Among the team’s many efforts were funds awarded to strengthen the coordination of peace and security programs, as well as amounts allocated to assist communities and individuals in need. A team member also oversaw the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program. The objective was to ensure consistency in messaging, as well as to facilitate information sharing and problem solving in a rapidly evolving environment.

From the outset of the conflict, the team anticipated that the humanitarian assistance would likely not reach vulnerable people in a timely manner. To address this issue, the Ukraine team worked with Pact’s Women of Ukraine to distribute emergency kits and to provide assistance and shelter services to women and LGBTQ+ people through the Women’s Voice and Leadership Program.

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, presented Global Affairs Canada’s 2022 Award of Excellence for the humanitarian, development and peace nexus to members of the Ukraine team. From left to right: Ashley Mulroney, Vlad Ionescu and Tamara Romas.

A remarkable professional recognition

What does this recognition mean for the recipients? Anna Jeffery, Senior Program Officer and member of the Ukraine team, stated as follows: “I was so pleased that we were getting this recognition, because it acknowledges the significant work that the team carried out in the Ukraine file throughout 2022. It recognizes the excellent cooperation among all the teams and individuals who contributed to GAC’s response to the situation in the country.”

Humanitarian, development and peace efforts require a significant amount of patience, compassion and coordination. The implementation of an inclusive and consistent approach to deal with major global crises allows us to better reach our goals for sustainable peace and security. This approach also supports Canada’s foreign policy objectives. Finally, the team’s work to promote gender equality and security was also highlighted.

What is the Award of Excellence?

As an employer, GAC is committed to recognizing the exemplary dedication of its employees who work in difficult or volatile environments. Throughout their careers, employees are eligible to receive a prestigious award recognizing their outstanding contribution.

The Award of Excellence for the humanitarian, development and peace nexus,* created in 2021, is given to GAC employees who promote the cohesion of these three pillars, particularly in fragile contexts and in conflict situations.

Five other teams also honoured

In addition to presenting the Award of Excellence to the Ukraine team, the selection committee acknowledged the following 5 teams with an honourable mention for their outstanding accomplishments in 2021–2022:

• The Haiti division
• The Israel-Gaza crisis team, May 2021
• The Cabo Delgado work team, in Mozambique
• The Together for Learning team
• The education team

Congratulations to all the recipients!

*For more information on the links between humanitarian, development and peace efforts, view the video “The triple nexus: What is it and why it's important for Global Affairs Canada.”