What knowledge will Canada need to thrive in an interconnected, evolving global landscape?
From an economic, social and cultural standpoint, the global landscape has shifted considerably. We live in a world where Brazil, Russia, India and China have clearly emerged—from an economic, political and cultural standpoint—and where other parts of the world, such as the CIVETS (Colombia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt, Turkey and South Africa) and sub-Saharan Africa are experiencing skyrocketing economic growth rates.
Expatriate communities from throughout these regions are dispersed across Canada. In order for Canada to thrive in the 21st century, we require deep understanding of our own population, including about communities’ integration within Canadian society, and of the languages, cultures, histories, economic impacts, and integration of our own and global populations.
Questions for further exploration:
- How might global events play out in local spaces, and how might they affect Canada’s position in a rapidly evolving and shifting world?
- How might changes in global trade patterns and international relations affect Canada’s position?
- How might increased understanding about interconnected dispersed communities affect Canada economically, socially and culturally?
- What deep, systemic knowledge of the world’s emerging regions might help Canada respond to emerging opportunities and risks?
- What does Canada need in order to build resilience and safeguard stability, peace, and public security in the face of global shocks such as natural disasters and emerging conflicts?
- How might increased understanding of Canada’s model of a diverse civil society contribute to insights and understanding in every society impacted by migration in the 21st century?