Report from the Americas Policy Group 2025 AGM

CoDev Executve Director Patricia Schavarosk represented CoDev at the 2025 annual meeting of the Americas Policy Group. Here is Patricia’s report.

Reflections on the APG-GOPA Annual General Meeting in Ottawa

On April 24th and 25th, I traveled to Ottawa to participate in the Annual General Meeting of the Americas Policy Group (APG-GOPA) that took place in the PSAC office. After many online meetings in preparation for the AGM, it was deeply meaningful to finally meet the people I have been working with and learning from all this time.

We spend the two days exploring synergies in our work across Latin America. I felt incredible welcomed and privileged to be seating among people that have dedicated their entire life to international solidarity. 

During the AMG we reflected on the advocacy efforts of the past year and envisioned the direction, hopes, and dreams for APG’s work in the year ahead. It was a powerful space for shaping a collective vision of international solidarity—focused on social justice, corporate accountability, civil society engagement, and urging the Canadian government to recognize their responsibility in building a fairer, more just world.

We had the privilege to host two Cuban delegates from United Church partners: Lic Yenia Pupo Cruz, Academic Program Coordinator and the Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Christian Center for Reflection and Dialogue and Juan Arnaldo Pérez Fuentes, Academic Program Specialist and Coordinator of the Helping Hands Department. It was incredible to hear about their perspectives of Cuba’s socioeconomic landscape and the meaningful humanitarian work they do to support and empower their community.

What makes APG so unique is the diversity and commitment of its members. Each organization brings its own background, partners, projects, and structure—yet we find common ground in our goals, challenges, and commitment to collaboration. Through solidarity, we share insights, exchange information and political context, and support one another in our efforts.

I left those two days feeling inspired—energized by the spirit of collective action and the opportunity to learn from the incredible organizations and people that make up APG.

Many thanks to all APG members for your valuable insights on strengthening accountability for human rights across Latin America.

  • Common Frontiers

  • CDHAL

  • Inter Pares

  • PSAC Social Justice Fund / Fonds de justice sociale AFPC

  • The Steelworkers Humanity Fund

  • BC CASA-Cafe Justicia

  • Horizons of Friendship

  • Kairos Canada - APG SC

  • Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network (BTS)

  • CERLAC, York University

  • PSAC Social Justice Fund

  • Unifor

  • Canadian Labour Congress

  • CUPE

  • MiningWatch Canada

  • The United Church of Canada

  • Amnesty Canada

  • MCC Canada

  • PWS&D

  • CDHAL

  • Breaking the Silence

  • Development and Peace - Caritas Canada

  • Canadian Labour Congress