Canada & the UN >  Canada on the Security Council (1999-2000)

Objectives for the Second Year and Beyond

	» Presentation I- Recent Trends of the UN Security Council » Presentation II -Canada on the Security Council » Presentation III - Observations from a Recent Experience on the Security Council » Seminar Objectives and Context, Ottawa, January 28, 2000 » Discussion of Presentations » Summary of Key Observations

In January 28, 2000, the United Nations Association in Canada and the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade hosted a seminar on Canada and the Security Council 1999-2000: Objectives for the Second Year and Beyond. Assembling a distinguished body of informed and interested individuals, this one-day round-table discussion provided an assessment of Canada’s achievements to date on the Security Council, and engaged in thoughtful debate on directions that Canada might pursue for the remainder of its term toward the long term goal of enhancing Security Council effectiveness and authority.

A similar seminar, also a collaboration between the United Nations Association and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT), took place shortly after Canada assumed its Council seat in January 1999. That meeting explored the upcoming opportunities for Canada to shape for itself a meaningful role in the international security forum. At the time, the Security Council’s image was one of a discredited and often ineffective institution. Canada joined the Council for its sixth term with a stated agenda which included: the promotion of Canada’s human security agenda in the context of the changing nature of threats in the post-Cold War era; the reassertion of the Security Council’s leadership and credibility; and, increasing transparency and openness in the Council’s work. >

Opportunities did indeed exist for Canada. There is still much work to be done, but thanks in part to Canadian influence, there are today the beginnings of renewed confidence in the future of the Security Council. Participants expressed support for Canadian activities on the Security Council, in particular the work on the protection of civilians in armed conflict and the Angola sanctions committee. The seminar reinforced the relevance of Canada’s human security agenda and reflected broad support for current Canadian priorities on the Security Council. Participants also highlighted the need to continue the current momentum in other fora beyond our Security Council
mandate.