Financing for International Infrastructure for Sustainable Development
Schulich Professor Emeritus James McKellar has been appointed by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), sponsor of the International Assistance Visiting Scholar Initiative (VSI) managed by the International Assistance Knowledge and Research Division (PVA), as their Visiting Scholar for 2024.
“I am pleased to contribute to Canada’s initiative to leverage our county’s acknowledged global leadership in attracting private investment capital to address the infrastructure gap and promote sustainable infrastructure solutions, particularly in emerging markets,” said McKellar.
This appointment reflects the commitment of the G7, including Canada, to collectively mobilize up to US$600 billion in public and private investment by 2027 to address infrastructure gaps in developing countries. In his capacity as Visiting Scholar, McKellar will prepare several discussion papers based on original research, plus lead several policy workshops. Professor McKellar will contribute to the development of a clear infrastructure policy for Canada, addressing the mobilization of private capital, Public-Private partnerships, and Canada’s international experience in this sector. The work will inform the development of strategic guidelines for infrastructure investments for sustainable and inclusive growth, and to prepare Canada’s position for G7 when it hosts this event.
This appointment reflects Professor McKellar’s contribution to infrastructure investment with the recent release of his book, Infrastructure as Business: The Role of Private Investment Capital (Routledge, 2023).