Report on annual expenses for travel, hospitality and conferences 2023-2024
Pursuant to the Treasury Board Directive on Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Event Expenditures, this report provides information on the total annual expenses for travel, hospitality and conference expenses incurred by IDRC for the financial year ending 31 March 2024. This information is updated annually and does not contain information withheld under the Access to Information Act or the Privacy Act.
Travel, hospitality, and conference expenses incurred by the Centre are related to activities that support IDRC’s mandate described in About IDRC.
IDRC invests in research to build evidence, inform decisions, and generate opportunities that promote an inclusive and sustainable world. As a Crown corporation and part of Canada’s global affairs and international development efforts, IDRC invests in high-quality research in developing countries, shares knowledge with researchers and policymakers for greater uptake and use and mobilizes global alliances to build a more sustainable and inclusive world.
In carrying out its mandate, the Centre:
- provides financial support to researchers in developing countries to address domestic development challenges and contribute to broader global solutions;
- facilitates the use and uptake of research, and encourages dialogue and learning between researchers, policymakers, and private sector actors;
- synthesizes and shares results from across its research investments to inform local, regional, and global agendas;
- engages, convenes, and collaborates with research organizations and funding partners throughout the innovation process; and
- builds the evidence base to support people in developing countries have more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive economies with expanded, lasting, and high-quality economic opportunities for women and youth.
IDRC’s annual expenses for travel, hospitality and conferences are summarized below:
| Expense category | Expenses for the year ending 31 March 2024 | Expenses for the year ending 31 March 2023 | Variances |
|---|---|---|---|
(In thousands of dollars) | |||
| Travel | |||
| for operational activities | $2,041.8 | $1,046.8 | $995.0 |
| to meet key stakeholders | $487.0 | $258.9 | $228.1 |
| for internal governance | $36.5 | $38.1 | ($1.6) |
| for training | $82.7 | $30.4 | $52.3 |
| for other purposes | $24.1 | $49.5 | ($25.4) |
| A. Total travel | $2,672.1 | $1,423.7 | $1,248.4 |
| B. Hospitality | $49.1 | $36.7 | $12.4 |
| C. Conference fees | $47.0 | $8.2 | $38.8 |
| Total [A+B+C] | $2,768.2 | $1,468.6 | $1,299.6 |
International travel by Governors (included in travel) |
$23.3 |
$9.6 |
$13.7 |
Significant variances relative to the previous financial year
The total expenses on travel, hospitality and conference fees increased by $1,299.6 thousand in the financial year ended 31 March 2024 compared to the previous financial year. The main variances are explained as follows:
Travel
In comparison with the previous financial year, 2023-2024 total travel expenses went up by $1,248.4 thousand, as a result of increased in-person activities with grantees and partners engaged in carrying out research in the Global South.
Hospitality
Hospitality expenses totaling $49.1 thousand increased by $12.4 thousand this year due to costs linked to an end-of-program outcomes dissemination and learning event.
Conference fees
Conference expenses for 2023-2024, totaling $47.0 thousand, increased by $38.8 thousand due to the resumption of in-person conferences organized by the international research community. Conferences attended by IDRC employees provide opportunities to advance research and mobilize knowledge in and from the Global South with other stakeholders contributing to global development.
International travel by Governors
Compared with the 2022-2023 financial year, Governors’ international travel expenses went up by $13.7 thousand in 2023-2024. This can be explained by a mix of virtual and in-person participation of Governors in meetings during the 2022-2023 period vs an increased in-person participation in 2023-2024 and higher travel costs.