Kate Higgins is a Canadian leader in international cooperation, foreign policy, public affairs, and civil society, recognized as a leading voice on Canada’s role in the world. As Chief Executive Officer of Cooperation Canada, she leads a national coalition of over 100 civil society organizations working across global development, humanitarian action, democracy and human rights.

Over the course of her career, Kate has worked across the non-profit sector, government and policy research in Canada and internationally, helping shape policy and public dialogue on international cooperation, gender equality, poverty reduction and humanitarian action. Prior to joining Cooperation Canada, Kate served as Deputy Executive Director and Interim Executive Director of Oxfam Canada, and held senior strategy and policy roles at CIVICUS, the North-South Institute, and the Overseas Development Institute. Kate began her career with the Australian Agency for International Development and holds degrees in economics and development studies from the University of Sydney and the University of Oxford.