November 27, 2009

Brain candy, the international version

By Alison Loat
A few things to highlight for those inclined to things of an international or foreign policy ilk:

1. Foreign Policy Camp is scheduled for Monday, November 30th, hosted by a terrific set of Canadian organizations. If you're in Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto or Montreal, you can participate by registering here. The Mark has a special page dedicated to the deliberations.

2. The second issue of Global Brief, Canada's newest international affairs magazine, is available. This issue asks, "Who's to Lead?"

3. The Canadian International Council has launched its Global Positioning Project, designed to "generate and disseminate fresh perspectives... as Canada prepares to host the G-8 and the G-20." Content will come from number of expert panels, with papers and the like distributed through their website. At least one blogger is excited.

4. Finally, I was extremely moved by this panel discussion entitled "News Blackouts Save Lives," featuring kidnapped diplomat Robert Fowler and three senior leaders from Canada's major news organizations discussing the media's roles and responsibilities in kidnappings. The discussion was frank, engaging, intense and extremely educational, and I don't feel I could do justice summarizing it here. Fortunately, there's a webcast and other clippings here, and a write-up from the Torontoist.

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Ron

March 5, 2010 20:45 PM

yeah saw that. The investor from the Teacher's Pension Plan would be interesting to hear. It is amazing how much at the forefront of emerging markets investing some pension funds are.

Alison

March 5, 2010 20:45 PM

Thank you for the comment Ron.  I'm not familiar with the process behind the GPS project, but there are at least a few members of the panel who come from industry, namely Bell and the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (www.canadianinternationalcouncil.org/.../panelists).

And you know public policy... they love new acronyms...

Thank you again for posting.

Ron

March 5, 2010 20:45 PM

Thanks for the links, Alison. The GPS sessions look interesting; they appear to be asking the right questions.

The challenge I have with conferences like these is that academics and think tank types tend to be over-represented. Not that their views aren't critical, far from it.

But if you're going to talk about the rise of various emerging markets and Canada's role in a global economy, it would be nice to hear more from industry; from the very people who transact with foreign entities in finance and economics on a daily basis.

In terms "Global Brief" I have to say I was a bit disappointed by the article. The writer strings together stale stats on MNCs, an oft-repeated call for more aid and a final conclusion that we need an innovative civil society (isn't that good advice at any time?)

And while I've never heard of the credit crunch referred to by the acronym IFC, does the author know that the IFC (International Finance Corp) is a function of the World Bank. My guess is that he's not trying to be ironic.

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