History
Partnership Africa Canada (PAC) was established in 1986 as a funding mechanism through the support of Canadian and African non-governmental organizations and the Canadian International Development Agency. PAC subsequently funded hundreds of innovative projects that supported sustainable development in sub-Saharan Africa and public engagement activities in Canada. In addition, PAC facilitated policy dialogue initiatives between Canadian and African organizations and governments. In 1990, PAC was a member of the Preparatory Committee for the landmark Arusha Conference on Popular Participation.
In 1996, PAC changed its mandate to focus on research and policy dialogue. PAC developed a focus on countries in crisis in Africa such as Sierra Leone, where the extractive sector (diamonds) was fuelling a brutal war. In 2000, PAC published its award-winning study The Heart of the Matter: Sierra Leone, Diamonds and Human Security. PAC subsequently joined governments, the diamond industry and civil society campaigners in negotiations that eventually led to the creation of the landmark Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. In 2003, PAC was co-nominated for the Nobel Peace prize for its research work on conflict diamonds and for helping establish the Kimberley Process. PAC continues to play a key role in the Kimberley Process today. For information on this work and other programme areas, see Programmes.
