The Montreal International Forum (FIM) is an international NGO think tank whose goal is to increase the voice and participation of civil society actors in all multilateral institutions.

FIM  was established in 1998 as an international NGO think tank with the goal of improving the influence of international civil society on the United Nations and the multilateral system. FIM believes that by strengthening the interaction between civil society and multilateral institutions, it will be possible to better address the worst global problems like extreme poverty, wars, human rights violations and environment degradation in a better way.

FIM provides a neutral and impartial setting for holding meetings that favour dialogue, reflection and active learning about the interaction between civil society and the multilateral system. In so doing, these meetings enable practitioners from the civil society to draw lessons from NGO experiences that can strengthen the voice and participation of civil society actors in all multilateral institutions.

The Institute of Development Studies(IDS) is a leading global organisation for research, teaching and communications on international development. 

IDS was founded in 1966 and enjoys an international reputation based on the quality of its work and its commitment to applying academic skills to real world challenges. Its purpose is to understand and explain the world, and to try to change it – to influence as well as to inform.

IDS hosts five dynamic research teams, eight popular postgraduate courses, and a family of world-class knowledge services. These three spheres are integrated in a unique combination – as a development knowledge hub, IDS is connected into and is a convenor of networks throughout the world. The IDS community encompasses  an extensive network of partners, former staff and students across the development community worldwide.

The ASPBAE is a regional association of organisations and individuals engaged in both formal and non-formal adult education, working with and through government agencies, universities, NGOs, community groups, trade unions, indigenous people’s and women’s organisations, the media, and other institutions across the Asia-Pacific region. Established in 1964, the network currently comprises around 640 organisations and individuals as members, and operates in 30 countries of the region.

The Commonwealth Foundation is an intergovernmental organisation, resourced by and reporting to the  Commonwealth governments, and guided by Commonwealth values and priorities. The Commonwealth Foundation strives to strengthen civil society in the achievement of Commonwealth priorities - democracy and good governance, respect for human rights and gender equality, poverty eradication and sustainable, people-centred development, and to promote arts and culture.

The Commonwealth Foundation was established by Heads of Governments in 1965. Membership of the Foundation is open to all members of the Commonwealth and currently stands at 46 governments. Associate membership,  open to associated states or overseas territories of member governments, has been granted to Gibraltar. The Foundation continues to serve the broad purposes for which it was established.

The purposes and areas of interest of the Foundation will be the administration of funds for increasing interchanges between Commonwealth organisations of the skilled or learned professions or skilled auxiliary occupations in order to maintain and improve standards of knowledge, attainment and conduct; and between non-governmental organisations of a voluntary rather than a strictly professional character throughout the Commonwealth. The Foundation's areas of interest will also extend to include culture, information and the media, rural development, social welfare and the handicapped, and the role of women.

Vision of the Commonwealth Foundation is:

"Commonwealth civil society contributing to national and international goals for democracy, sustainable development and cultural diversity for the benefit of all people."

The Synergos Institute is an independent nonprofit organisation dedicated to the development of effective, sustainable and locally based solutions to poverty. Working with partners, Synergos' mission is to mobilise resources and bridge social and economic divides to reduce poverty and increase equity around the world.

We believe that poverty is the result of a complex array of causes and conditions and will only be remedied with the commitment of all sectors of society -- government, business, nonprofit organisations, philanthropists and other major stakeholders. To tackle the  issues of poverty, partnerships must bring together all of the stakeholders, engage the affected communities, seek sustainable changes in  systems  and tap into the participants' deep sense of purpose and collective wisdom.

Synergos was founded in 1986 by Peggy Dulany, who now serves as the organisation's Chair. Synergos' work is supported by private foundations, international agencies, corporate donations, and individual and family contributions.

The University of Victoria, one of Canada's leading universities, provides both students and faculty with a unique learning environment. The University of Victoria has earned a reputation for commitment to research, scholarship and co-op education. The university is widely recognised for its innovative and responsive programmes, interdisciplinary and international initiatives, and a diverse and welcoming learning community.

The University of Victoria, one of Canada's leading universities, is a rich and supportive learning community for students and faculty alike. Widely recognised for leadership in research, inspired teaching and community engagement, the University of Victoria provides innovative programmes and real-life learning experiences in a diverse and welcoming West Coast environment. The University of Victoria ranks consistently among the top comprehensive universities in Canada.

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