Killam Lectures examines a 'New Global Order'

The 2005 Killam Lectures: Towards a New Global Order?

Each year the Killam lecture series explores a different provocative topic and this year is no exception. The international order created at the end of World War II was supposed to be the norm indefinitely yet some feel that order now seems inadequate to address the problems facing humankind. This year's Killam Lecturers will assess the nature of these challenges, explore possible directions to a new global order, and discuss the role of global citizens in its emergence.

Philip Girard, a law professor at Dalhousie is the 2005 Killam Lectures Committee. He is excited about the speakers and the theme Toward a New Global Order? "This year's Killam Lecturers address the most urgent question facing our planet today - how can we ensure that life on Earth is sustainable over the long haul?" he says. "Our world faces three critical and inter-related challenges: reduction of the enormous economic inequality between North and South; dealing with climate change and our mismanagement of the global ecosystem; and overcoming our reliance on war as a means of resolving national and international disputes. Addressing these challenges will require bold ideas and widespread involvement by citizens around the world."

The lectures all take place at 8:00 p.m. in the Ondaatje Auditorium of the Marion McCain Arts and Social Sciences Building, 6135 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The lecturers include Walden Bello of the University of the Philippines who will speak on "How Can We Advance Political and Economic Democracy?" (Tuesday, October 18th), Sierra Club Executive Director Elizabeth May, who will lead a lecture titled, "Can Civilization Survive Climate Change?" (Tuesday, October 25th), and Paul Rogers, a professor in the Department of Peace Studies at Bradford University and author of "Losing Control: Global Security in the 21st Century and A War on Terror: Afghanistan and After". Rogers will speak on "Global Security, The War on Terror and the New American Century".

As in previous years the Killam Lecture series will tackle the hot topics in world affairs without pulling punches. Girard believes the lecturers featured this year embody that sprit and will shine a light on these issues. "At her installation last month, Governor General Michaelle Jean observed, 'We are at a turning point in the history of civilization and more than ever before, our future rests on those who are forcing us to imagine the world of tomorrow.' This year's Killam Lecturers, Walden Bello, Elizabeth May and Paul Rogers, are in the forefront of those who are 'forcing us to imagine the world of tomorrow.'

For more information on the lectures and schedules, visit :
http://dalgrad.dal.ca/killam/lectures/2005/
http://alumniandfriends.dal.ca/masterminds/mm_killiam.htm