Readership Survey
Universities must take leadership role in eliminating poverty, says Summerlee
President Alastair Summerlee is hosting an international symposium April 25 and 26 on “Making Poverty History: Doing More of What Works.” It will feature a roster of internationally recog- nized experts who will provide candid accounts of the real challenges facing the victims of poverty around the world.
The symposium will be held in Rozanski Hall and is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required.
Elisabeth Tankeu, the African Union's Commissioner for Trade and Industry, will give the keynote address April 25 at 7 p.m.
On April 26 at 9:15 a.m., Agnes Wakesho Mwang'ombe of the University of Nairobi in Kenya will give a “keynote challenge” on “Poverty Issues for Women and Youth.” At 1 p.m., Gerald Helleiner of the Munk Centre for International Studies at Trinity College will discuss “Poverty Local, National and International.”
Wednesday will also feature panel discussions at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. aimed at finding solutions to poverty. They will feature participants from UNICEF Rwanda, World Vision, the Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, the Canadian Council for International Co-operation and the Tamarack Institute, as well as scholars, business leaders and others.
“Poverty is the universal barrier to education, health and well-being and is the base of hunger, ignorance and disease,” says Summerlee. “It exists everywhere and is an all-pervasive challenge. Universities are vibrant, active communities of people who are armed with knowledge and experience and who must take a leadership role in the elimination of poverty.”
He says universities can start by focusing on the areas they have expertise in: influencing public opinion and public policy, motivating students and communities to become engaged, contributing to international development opportunities, and mobilizing some of the best minds in the country to discuss such issues of great social importance with the public.
“Making Poverty History” is part of a series of ongoing events U of G is sponsoring to engage the public in stimulating discussions on emerging global issues. For more information and a registration form, visit www.open.uoguelph.ca/poverty.
