In preparation for its final report expected in early 2019, the World Refugee Council (WRC) focused on promoting cooperation, strengthening political accountability, enhancing funding sources and deploying technology to overcome the systemic failures of the current global refugee system. The WRC met with hundreds of experts and policy makers in Geneva, Switzerland; Amman, Jordan; Berlin, Germany; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Rhodes, Greece; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Bogota, Colombia; New York City; Washington, DC; Berkeley, California; and Ottawa, Canada to prepare bold recommendations to help the international community manage the greatest refugee crisis since World War II.
In April, the Council presented its interim report, in which Chair Lloyd Axworthy noted that despite challenges, reforming the world’s approach to refugees is a manageable undertaking. Development Canada shared the report with close to 50,000 social media followers, praising the WRC as “likeminded partners.” In May, WRC Councillor Leymah Gbowee, a Nobel laureate and Liberian peace activist, participated in the Gender Equality Advisory Council, advising Canada’s leaders for its G7 presidency.