ORGANIZATION
Introduction
The Global Centre for Risk and Innovation (GCRI) is an international non-profit organization registered in Canada, dedicated to reducing global and local (glocal) risks by accelerating public participation in research, policy, and development programs. GCRI acknowledges the traditional territories of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples, now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
About
The Global Center for Risk and Innovation (GCRI) serves as a focal point for risk mitigation and resilience building, integrating advanced governance models and pioneering the upgrade of international environmental law. Through its commitment to adopting foundational principles like planetary integrity and enhancing the role of international institutional law, GCRI spearheads the development of ECT as Grundnorm for standards, frameworks, and norms that underpin collective security, sustainability and innovation in risk management.
Leveraging the Quintuple Helix model, GCRI fosters multi-scale, interdisciplinary collaboration among academia, industry, government, civil society, and the environment, accelerating public participation in creating and implementing risk, security and sustainability solutions. As a beacon of innovative management and sustainable development, GCRI's work is crucial in shaping a resilient, sustainably developed global community, making it the strategic epicentre for setting global standards in risk management and sustainability efforts.
Mission
Our mission is to create a unique nexus where civil society meets and engages the academy, industry, and government to collectively mitigate risks and make smarter decisions toward more resilient, democratic, and prosperous communities. As a centre of excellence, GCRI excels in research, innovation, and capacity building across enterprise risk and innovation management, addressing the societal impacts of technological disruptions and financial evolution. Uniting experts from economics, finance, policy, and technology, we are committed to building interdisciplinary tools, capacities, and communities for risk mitigation, resilience building, and sustainable development
Vision
We envision a world of harmony, equity, and justice for all on a sustainable planet, nurtured by innovation, collaboration, stewardship, and engaged citizenry. Our vision is supported by robust Social Impact Assessments (SIA), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Health Impact Assessments (HIA), Governance Impact Assessments (GIA), Financial Impact Assessments (FIA), Technological Impact Assessments (TIA), and System Level Impact Assessments (SLIA) to bridge the digital and physical divide and help build resilience through multi-pronged, symbiotic, and community-driven paths towards the future.
Function
GCRI serves as a global focal point for the coordination of risk mitigation and resilience building. We leverage the Quintuple Helix model to integrate researchers, community leaders, industry experts, and civic hackers in collaborative projects through Work Integrated Learning Programs (WILPs) that enable inclusion, justice, and equity. Our efforts ensure the implementation of innovative and effective strategies for addressing global challenges.
Values
Communication: Technology should support diverse populations and be understandable on their terms. Effective communication bridges the divide between those in charge of systems and those living under them.
Reusability: Promoting sustainable practices by ensuring solutions can be reused and adapted for various contexts.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Encouraging diverse perspectives and expertise to address complex global issues.
Innovation: Supporting continuous discovery, learning, and building of innovative solutions.
Participatory Governance: Fostering inclusive decision-making processes that engage all stakeholders.
Civic Empowerment: Enabling individuals and communities to actively participate in mitigating risks and driving change.
Status
Special Consultative Status with UNECOSOC since 2023
The Global Centre for Risk and Innovation (GCRI) has held Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UNECOSOC) since 2023.
CSO Member of World Bank and IMF since 2021
GCRI has been a Civil Society Organization (CSO) member of both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) since 2021. This membership enables GCRI to collaborate with these major financial institutions on projects that address global risks and foster sustainable development. As a CSO member, GCRI contributes to policy discussions, provides insights on risk management, and supports initiatives aimed at economic stability and growth.
Member of SDSN Network (Canada) since 2020
GCRI has been a member of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) in Canada since 2020. The SDSN mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical solutions for sustainable development, including the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement. As part of this network, GCRI collaborates with universities, research institutions, and other organizations to drive action-oriented research and implement sustainable development initiatives.
Member of Alliance 2030 Canada since 2020
Since 2020, GCRI has been a member of Alliance 2030 Canada, a national network committed to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This alliance brings together organizations from various sectors to share resources, knowledge, and strategies for sustainable development. GCRI’s membership in Alliance 2030 Canada underscores its commitment to advancing the SDGs through innovative solutions and collaborative efforts.
Registered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) since 2018
GCRI has been registered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) since 2018. This registration reflects GCRI’s alignment with Canada’s goals of fostering innovation, economic development, and scientific advancement. As a registered entity, GCRI benefits from access to national resources, funding opportunities, and a supportive framework for driving innovative projects that address global risks and promote sustainability.
Formed in World Social Forum in 2016
The Global Centre for Risk and Innovation (GCRI) was formed during the World Social Forum in Montreal, Canada 2016. The World Social Forum is a global gathering of civil society organizations, activists, and thought leaders dedicated to creating a more just and sustainable world. The formation of GCRI in this forum highlights its foundational commitment to social justice, participatory governance, and collective action to tackle global challenges. Since its inception, GCRI has been at the forefront of integrating civil society perspectives into risk management and innovation.
Objectives
The Global Center for Risk and Innovation (GCRI) is a global pioneer in the disciplines of risk management, security, safety, and sustainable innovation. Operating as an international non-profit research and innovation institute, GCRI’s mission spans the execution of groundbreaking research in risk evaluation and mitigation, cutting-edge technologies for risk management, security, safety and privacy, resilience and sustainability. The Center’s initiatives are aimed at enhancing international norms, frameworks and standards in risk management across a diverse array of industries and sectors:
Global Knowledge Exchange and Collaborative Platforms: Serving as a preeminent international platform for the rigorous examination and discourse on the interdisciplinary dimensions of science, technology, and their societal impacts, particularly within the contexts of risk and resilience. The initiative is dedicated to facilitating the synthesis and dissemination of pioneering research and applied knowledge. It endeavors to create a synergistic environment that brings together academics, practitioners, policymakers, and communities across the globe, with the objective of driving forward sustainable development through collaborative efforts.
Standardization and Metrology in Risk and Innovation: Supporting the development and implementation of fundamental standards and metrological practices tailored to risk management and sustainable innovation. By defining and promoting these standards, it aims to enhance the accuracy, reliability, and standardization of risk measurement and evaluation methods internationally. Consequently, this contributes to the improvement of risk management strategies’ interoperability and effectiveness.
Guidance on International and National Standards Development: Providing expert guidance in the development and application of international and national standards within the domain of risk management and planetary integrity. This advisory role is informed by a profound comprehension of the intricate relationship between theoretical concepts and practical implementations in risk management, security, safety, resilience and sustainability. It seeks to encourage the integration of best practices and innovative solutions within policy and organizational structures.
Scholarly, Industry and Policy Publications: Meticulous preparation and dissemination of standards, reports, and scholarly articles, contributing significantly to the academic and practical discourse at the intersection of science, technology, and society in the realm of risk management. These publications are invaluable resources for the academic community, industry stakeholders, and policymakers, promoting the spread of knowledge and stimulating informed discussions on the evolving challenges and prospects in risk management.
Liaison and Technical Interaction with Global Entities: Facilitating civil society engagement and maintains strong connections and technical interactions with other international entities involved in science, technology, standardization, and innovation within the field of risk management. This underscores GCRI’s dedication to fostering a unified and collaborative international approach to addressing the challenges associated with risk management.
Advanced Study of Fundamental and Applied Domains: Investigation of core and applied subjects and their intersections with breakthrough technologies. This includes the study of both natural and human-induced risks and disasters, as well as applied research areas that leverage data analysis, the deployment of technology in risk assessment, and the development of advanced tools for risk intelligence, early warning systems, and emergency management protocols.
Strategies
Open Dialogue: Creating a worldwide forum for open and inclusive discussions on current risk management, security, safety and sustainable innovation issues.
Educational and Scientific Initiatives: Hosting educational events such as seminars, workshops, and conferences to spread the latest findings and solutions in risk management and innovation.
Collaborative Engagements: Facilitating GCRI Sessions and Midterm Meetings as opportunities for collaboration, networking, and idea exchange among experts, academics, and decision-makers.
Technological Advancements: Spearheading the development of open-source tools and technologies for global risk reduction, including state-of-the-art compliance, conformity, risks, and impact assessment infrastructures.
Normative Development: Crafting participatory methods for creating standards and normative frameworks in risk management and global governance, with a focus on inclusive and equitable stakeholder involvement.
Research and Publications: Generating and disseminating groundbreaking research and analyses on risk management, integrating advanced identifiers to promote recognition and access in accordance with international standards.
Governance Innovations: Proposing and supporting innovative, cooperative solutions at the global governance level to tackle complex issues.
Standards Collaboration: Collaborating with international standards organizations, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), and national accreditation agencies, to enhance and develop standards.
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