The end of the Cold War, the rise of globalisation, and the eruption of non-state international actors have all converged to provide the final epitaph to balance of power between great states as the defining feature of the international system, which had endured since the Peace of Westphalia. As Canadians, we must act to project our values into the emerging international order, or risk becoming prisoners of the values of others.
As a respected middle power, Canada has a strategic advantage in championing a coherent international framework, capable of enforcing the rule of law and fostering democracy the international arena. Moreover, with the nation-state having lost its monopoly on foreign affairs, individual Canadians can do more than ever to save and improve the lives of people the world over.
My work in civil diplomacy has centred on three areas: armed conflict resolution; defence of human rights; and combatting corruption.
 | Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption Professionally, I serve as Executive Director of GOPAC, a worldwide alliance of democratically-elected parliamentarians, working together to combat corruption, strengthen good government, and uphold the rule of law. Based in Ottawa, GOPAC has 50 national chapters across the world, and supports its members’ efforts through original research, global anticorruption capacity building, and international peer support. I am particularly focussed on a project to employ international law toprosecute the world's worst criminals. |
 | Democracy and Armed Conflict Resolution My work in peace and armed conflict resolution has been my profession and remains one of my callings. I recently served as a visiting professional and scholar at the University of Toronto's Massey College, which afforded me a unique opportunity to blend theory and practice in this vocation. |
| Reform of the International Equestrian Federation I worked with four colleagues to guide a global consultation with the world's 133 national equestrian federations, to create a new constitution that will make the FEI a more democratic, more accountable, and more transparent institution, one equal to its mandate and worthy of its name. |
| United Nations Children's Fund As the most vulnerable members of society, as the most innocent victims of the calamities that befall them, and as the best investment for social assets, children have the right of first call on the resources of nations. Because of this, I consider my voluntary service through UNICEF to be at the heart of my life's work. |
| Combatting Child Labour Canadians have been battling human bondage for longer than Canada has been a country. It is, therefore, a special honour for me to ride for UNICEF Team Canada at the International Tent Pegging Championships, thus representing both Canada and the cause of the abolition of exploitative child labour. |
| Amnesty International Urgent Action Network At first blush, writing letters to free prisoners of conscience may seem futile. However, the hands of tyrants can be stayed by the eyes of the world. The Urgent Action successes are proof that in raging against the dying of the light, people of conscience can sometimes subdue the darkness itself. |
| Governance of the International Trading Architecture I wrote the central resolution for the 2000 Global Congress of the Liberal International, the world-wide association of Liberal parties. After impassioned debate and draughting sessions lasting into the early hours of the morning, the adopted resolution became part of LI's creed. I have been involved in the reform of international trade and financial institutions ever since. |
| To collaborate on any of my civil diplomacy projects, please drop me a note through my Volunteers page. |
댓글 없음:
댓글 쓰기