Let’s be clear: Cuso International is not a political organization. And yet, in today’s world, the international development sector is constantly pulled into political battles it never signed up for. The polarization of our political spaces—whether in Canada, the U.S., or anywhere we work—has made even the language of inclusion, equity, and aid itself a flashpoint for ideological debates.

We’re watching governments shift. Nationalist rhetoric is rising. Aid budgets are being cut like never before. The language of our sector is evolving too—or being challenged. Look no further than US government directives eliminating certain words from public policy and programs.  For social impact organizations, rapidly polarizing language around our work presents a real dilemma: Do we change how we talk about our work to avoid controversy and build bridges? Do we continue to use language that resonates with some but alienates others?

For Cuso it turns out the answer isn’t about language at all, but rather about staying true to our mission to create socio-economic opportunities for underserved groups. That is our contribution to building a better, fairer, and more sustainable world.

Not Political, But Not Naïve

For over 60 years, Cuso has worked with governments across the political spectrum. We’ve done this because our mission transcends ideology.

Cuso is all about building partnerships, sharing skills, and creating opportunities for people to thrive. Whether a government calls it “poverty reduction,” “economic empowerment,” “women’s empowerment” or “humanitarian assistance,” our work remains grounded in our commitment to improve lives. People’s lives do not change based on how politicians or pundits frame the issues—they change because of sustained work and meaningful collaboration.

Language Should Unite, Not Divide

Too often, language becomes a barrier rather than a bridge. Words that are meant to inspire action can instead become ideological battlegrounds. But language should help us find common ground, not drive us further apart. At Cuso, we believe in using language that brings people together—partners, communities, donors, and governments—so we can focus on what matters: impact.

This is why we want to steer away from the trap of polarized debates. Instead of fixating on rhetoric, we need to focus on real outcomes:

• If communities need access to economic opportunities, we help deliver them.
• If women face systemic barriers to success, we support programs that remove them.
• If environmental sustainability is key to long-term prosperity, we integrate it into our work.

Adaptation Without Compromise

Does this mean we ignore political shifts? Of course not. We adapt—strategically, thoughtfully, and always with our mission in mind. We understand that different governments prioritize different aspects of international cooperation. We thoughtfully adapt our approach, ensuring our work consistently reflects our core values while remaining responsive to shifts in funding landscapes and policy environments. But here’s the key: Adapting does not mean compromising. It does not mean reshaping our mission to chase funding. It means staying principled, pragmatic, and relentlessly focused on the communities we serve.

Moving Forward with Clarity

The world is shifting. Governments will change. Political winds will blow in different directions. But Cuso’s role remains to create meaningful, measurable impact in people’s lives.  Our mission transcends politics—it’s simply the work we’re committed to doing. And we’ll keep doing it—without getting lost in the noise.