Bring the UNA-Canada Board, the presidents and members of the branches together and you have all the ingredients for some great brainstorming! This year at UNA-Canada’s Annual General Meeting, a brainstorming session allowed all those present to start sharing their views on the role of UNA-Canada in the area of sustainable development. 1.What are the key sustainable development issues in Canada? Responses covered a wide range of concern ranging from the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol, to pesticides, to unsustainable pattern of consumption and production. Other concerns included the use of private automobiles, food and agriculture, forests, alternative energy, corporate codes of conducts, the Arctic, sensitive trade agreements, endangered species, clean air, ozone, fisheries management, biodiversity conservation, clean water/ water management including water export, and radioactive wastes. 2. In five years, what niche should UNA-Canada occupy in the field of sustainable development? Some responses included lobbying governments to ensure private sector compliance with UN-related norms and developing and promoting educational programmes for the Canadian public of all ages and levels. 3. What kind of activities could UNA-Canada undertake to support the work of the United Nations in sustainable development as well as forward its implementation in Canada? Proposed youth related activities included: public speaking in schools, and development of more fact sheets on sustainable development subjects. Suggested activities aimed at the general public included: an environmental film festival and the use of other alternative educational mediums. A priority area of focus for the next months will be to define an activity that could be undertaken yearly by UNA-Canada and all interested branches to celebrate World Environment Day. We would love to know what kind of activities our members would like to see UNA-Canada undertaking. You’re your comments to: Claudia Octeau, Sustainable Development Officer claudia@unac.org
