Does the Canadian Government value the United Nations?
Responding to the uncertainty around that question, a group of 17 foreign policy experts – including practitioners, former ministers, senior diplomats, academic analysts and civil society leaders — is holding media conferences across Canada on Monday, September 23, 2013 to offer insights into what Canada could be saying and doing in the international arena to help regain its place as a leader at the UN.
The group thinks Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird should use the opportunity of Canada’s upcoming address to the UN General Assembly to state that Canada will lead in its renewal.
The group of international thinkers is also unveiling a new booklet entitled “The UN & Canada: What Canada Should be doing at the United Nations”. It includes 17 specialized articles about Canada and various fields of endeavour at the UN, and includes two members from The University of Winnipeg community.
- Canada has the capabilities to make real and effective contributions to establishing an effective capacity at the UN for implementing the Responsibility to Protect resolution (R2P). More emphasis needs to be put on early warning and prevention. These really form the bedrock of the idea. Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice-Chancellor, UWinnipeg and former Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Women’s sexual and reproductive health must be understood in the human rights framework and Canada has balked at continuing its strong leadership on gender equality internationally as well as at home. Marilou McPhedran, Director, Institute for International Women’s Rights, Global College, University of Winnipeg
MEDIA AVAILABILITY:
Marilou McPhedran, Professor and Director
Institute for International Women’s Rights
The University of Winnipeg Global College
Cell: (204) 297-2113;
Tel: (204) 988-7101;
marilou.mcphedran.uw@gmail.com.
