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Experts create 'think-tank' in Halifax

(October 4th, 2006, Ottawa) The United Nations Association in Canada (UNA-Canada) in collaboration with the University of King’s College School of Journalism is hosting a public panel discussion on the role of International Media and UN Peacekeeping Operations on October 5th at King’s College

High level panelists are Douglas T. Coffman, United Nations Department of Public Information; Major (Retired) Tim Dunne, former military public affairs officer with Department of National Defence and NATO; Alex Morrison, President, Peacekeeping Education Associates and Lecturer, Dalhousie University; and Olivia Ward, with The Toronto Star.

The discussion will highlight the responsibility of media as educators in international conflict, messaging in terms of public relations of various stakeholders, access to information and the concept of ‘embedded’ journalists.

The 50th Anniversary of United Nations Peacekeeping Panel Series is one of many thought-provoking public dialogues aimed to promote a discussion on the importance of UN Peacekeeping in contemporary post-conflict contexts and the need for a sustained and strengthened Canadian contribution.

The 50th Anniversary of UN Peacekeeping project will not only elaborate on, and celebrate Canada’s outstanding contributions, past, present and future to a more peaceful world, but will encourage Canadians to continue to support peace, development, diplomacy and global citizenship. The project will reach academics, field practitioners, government officials, the media, civil society and the Canadian public in general.

UNA-Canada is a national charitable organization celebrating its landmark 60th anniversary. As a ‘think and do’ organization, UNA-Canada supports a network of 17 volunteer branches and local contacts, with a National office in Ottawa and a Western professional office in Vancouver. Our mandate is to engage Canadians in the work of the UN and the critical global issues which affect us all, through innovative projects, policy research, and on-going dialogues with Canadians.

WHEN: Thursday, October 5, 2006, 3:30pm to 5:30pm

WHERE:University of King's College Alumni Hall, New >Academic Building, 1st Floor, 6350 Coburg Rd.

For more information or media inquiries feel free to contact:

Jason Oliver
Project Officer, Communications United Nations Association in Canada
(613) 355-3654
jason.oliver@unac.org