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February 3 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Bob Rae against a white background, wearing a suit and tie.

The University of Guelph is hosting a virtual conversation with Bob Rae, Canada’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations (UN) in New York for International Development week 

Hear from one of Canada’s foremost leaders in diplomacy and international development as he reflects on Canada’s leadership role in promoting sustainable, inclusive and evidence-based approaches to development and international cooperation. Rae has served as Canada’s ambassador to the UN since 2020 and was elected to the UN Presidency of the Economic and Social Council for 2024-25. He also served as the premier of Ontario from 1990 to 1995.  

The conversation will take place virtually on Monday, Feb. 3, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. via Zoom. All students, faculty, staff and community members are welcome to attend to hear from Rae and engage with him in a Q&A. 

Jason Moreton, U of G’s vice-president external, will provide opening remarks and Dr. Andrea Paras, director of the Guelph Institute of Development Studies, will moderate the discussion.

Register to attend.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to engage directly with one of Canada’s leading global figures who brings insight into the country’s role on the world stage and the pressing international issues of our time.  

This event is hosted in partnership with the University of Guelph’s Office of International Strategy and Partnerships and the Guelph Institute of Development Studies (GIDS).  

As a hub for innovation in and leadership in global development, and one of the oldest international development studies programs in Canada, GIDS houses U of G faculty who are leading experts in research about poverty, gender equality, climate governance, food security, global health policy, conflict and migration and civil society. 

Hosting Rae is an incredible opportunity for U of G students interested in international issues to engage with a leader who has worked on the forefront of our most recent global challenges. 

About the speakers:

Bob Rae, Canada’s Ambassador to the United Nations 

Headshot of Bob Rae, Standing in front of a UN flag and wearing a suit.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

Bob Rae is a distinguished Canadian lawyer, politician, and diplomat who currently serves as Canada’s Ambassador to the United Nations, a position he assumed in 2020. In 2024, he was elected president of the United Nations Economic and Social Council for the 2025 session. Previously, Mr.  Rae  was Premier of Ontario from 1990-1994, and interim Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada from 2011-2013. In 2017, he was appointed to be Canada’s Special Envoy to Myanmar, and in 2020 he was appointed to be Canada’s Special Envoy on Humanitarian and Refugee Issues. A strong advocate for human rights and international cooperation, he has played a significant role in Canada’s engagement with global issues, including Indigenous reconciliation and refugee advocacy. 

Dr. Andrea Paras, Director, Guelph Institute of Development Studies and Associate Professor, Department of Political Science

Andrea Paras standing outside, wearing a blue cardigan and blue polka dot top with large earrings.Dr. Andrea Paras is currently co-writing a book manuscript that examines how healthcare institutions in Canada have retained their Catholic identity in the context of a religiously diverse yet publicly secular Canadian society. Another SSHRC-funded project investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canada’s foreign aid sector, with a specific focus on the localisation practices, growth aspirations and geographies of Small and Medium Organisations. She has previously conducted research on the history and politics of humanitarianism, including her book Moral Obligations and Sovereignty in International Relations: A Genealogy of Humanitarianism (Routledge, 2019), as well as investigated the history and current practices of faith-based development organizations. Her research has been published in the Canadian Journal of Development Studies, Voluntas, Journal of Development Studies, Intercultural Education, and Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad. 

Jason Moreton, Vice-President External, University of Guelph

Jason Moreton standing outside in front of the Conservatory at U of G, wearing a blue blazer and button shirt.

Jason Moreton previously served as the Associate Vice-President, Advancement for the University’s Alumni Affairs & Development (AA&D) department at the University of Guelph. He has held a number of leadership positions within AA&D since 2005 and has made significant contributions to the department’s successes and culture. His expertise spans critical areas of university advancement – including relationship building, fundraising, alumni engagement, campaign development, strategic planning, and team leadership. 

Details

Date:
February 3
Time:
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Website:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dYuv_WBISZqiMqtBTAvg-Q

Venue

ONLINE
Ontario Canada

Additional Info

Email
avpi@uoguelph.ca
Event is open to
U of G students, U of G faculty and staff, The public