Bridges That Unite

Canada's ability to put communities first could form the basis of meaningful global change.

So says the CEO of the Aga Khan Foundation, an international development agency whose Bridges That Unite touring exhibit made its way to Vancouver this week. The exhibit showcases some of the work Canadians have done over the past 25 years to aid developing countries.

"What [the exhibit] shows is that when Canadians are thoughtful and sensitive about what they are doing in the world, they actually have real results," said Khalil Shariff. "There are certain things that Canada brings to the world which are unique and distinctive ... and are the basis of global leadership."

The first section of the exhibit shows a ring of wooden chairs, symbolizing the need for international communities to join together in solving their individual problems.

"It's a new image of what development looks like," said Shariff. "Investing in communities' capabilities to work together is the single most important contribution we can make in the developing world."

The world is at a point, Shariff said, where Canada needs to "exercise forceful, proactive global leadership," and says we're well-suited for the job.