Press Release
Many people say they want to change the world. Few are actually doing it. Take advantage of a rare opportunity to meet one of the world’s most influential humanitarians at UCFV on Saturday, March 8.
As a politician, diplomat, and international envoy, Stephen Lewis has dedicated himself to improving the human condition. Formerly the Special Envoy to United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, he is currently the chair of the board of the Stephen Lewis Foundation in Canada and professor in global health at McMaster University.
Lewis will address the new approach to foreign aid taken by Canada’s Conservative government, which involves “tied aid” — linking aid with foreign policy and trade objectives — and the shift in focus from Africa to Latin America. Come hear how Canada’s new approach could impact the lives of children living at risk because of HIV AIDS, exploitive child labour practices, recruitment of child soldiers, or the lack of adequate education.
This event is the ‘capstone’ to a series of forums that UCFV’s International Education department has hosted - with the support of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) - over the past several months to address the challenge of creating a child-friendly world.
“UCFV is constantly looking for ways to engage the public about issues that affect us as members of a global citizenry,” says John Potts, manager of international partnerships at UCFV. “It is important that we have a strong understanding of how our government’s approach to foreign aid and international development is impacting children around the world and how it can be improved.”
Stephen Lewis was once named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, and is arguably Canada’s leading humanitarian. “As one of the most articulate and committed advocates for the world’s children, when he speaks, the world listens,” says Ahseea Ahmed, UCFV International’s special projects coordinator.
Indeed, audiences around the world have been moved to tears by his words, and brought to their feet in appreciation of his vision and uncompromising will to help the less fortunate.
Lewis will be joined by special guest Hugh Brody, Canada Research Chair in Aboriginal Studies at UCFV. Brody will address how the price is paid by the Aboriginal children of the world and will tell the story of development.
The event will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2008, at 7 pm on UCFV’s Abbotsford campus at 33844 King Rd. Tickets ($15 for adults, $8 for students with ID and seniors) are available at www.ticketmaster.ca or 604-280-4444. Tickets can also be purchased through UCFV’s International Education department in room B223 at the Abbotsford campus.
Media contact: Kim Lawrence
604-864-4611
or 1-888-504-7441,local 4611
cell: 604-302-6257
kim.lawrence@ucfv.ca
Photo: Stephen Lewis.
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