WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg, the University of Bergen, and the University of Ottawa, in cooperation with the Stanley Foundation, are co-hosting an international conference entitled Lysøen Revisited – 15 years of Human Security in Bergen, Norway on May 15, 2013.
In May 1998, Canada’s then Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Lloyd Axworthy (current President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Winnipeg) and Norway’s then Foreign Affairs Minister Knut Vollebæk signed the Lysøen Declaration, named after the Norwegian Island outside Bergen where the idea was conceived. It committed both countries “to a framework for consultation and concerted action in the areas enhancing human security, promoting human rights, strengthening humanitarian law, preventing conflict, and fostering democracy and good governance.” The following year, the Human Security Network was established, which now consists of 13 countries with a common goal of identifying concrete areas for collective action in the area of human security. In 2001, the United Nations established the Commission on Human Security.
“The concept of human security is simple – put people first. In the past 15 years, the principle of human security has evolved and become more entrenched in our thinking and governance. There is a deeper understanding that we must protect civilians, address the plight of war-affected children and the threat of terrorism, and manage our open borders effectively,” said Axworthy. “This conference allows us to take stock and build on the idea that international cooperation is not only necessary but crucial.”
Conference participants will present and discuss different concepts and policies of human security and what role the UN can and should play to promote human security. It will include a panel discussion on the role of the “Responsibility to Protect” in human security featuring Adama Dieng, the newly appointed UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser for the Prevention of Genocide.
In addition to Dr. Axworthy, speakers include Marilou McPhedran of UWinnipeg’s Marilou McPhedran and Sorpong Peou, Chair of UWinnipeg’s Politics department.
MEDIA CONTACT
Diane Poulin, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
