Photo credit: Pxhere/Creative Commons

On Friday, March 13, the BSIA launched the new quarterly UNAC-BSIA Speakers’ Series in Ottawa, with the inaugural event on the topic “UN Security Council Membership: Opportunities and Challenges for a Non-Permanent Member of the Council.” The BSIA was well-represented on the panel by our Director, Ann Fitz-Gerald, and BSIA Associate Professor, Alistair Edgar, both of whom connected virtually. They were joined by Gwyneth Kutz, Director General Global Affairs Canada, Peace & Stabilization Operation Program; and Guillermo Rishchynski, Vice-Chair UNAC and Former Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN. Opening remarks were provided by Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Kathryn White, President and CEO, UNAC, moderated the panel.

With four events planned each year in Ottawa, the BSIA is pleased to be a part of a platform to showcase innovative and critical thinking in addressing 21st century challenges. Kathryn White said: “This partnership with the Balsillie School is one that will bring new insights on pressing international issues to policy makers and takers as well as the next generation of global citizens.”