Inside Politics

UPDATED - Not just a global popularity contest: Liveblogging Colin Keating on the implications of UN Security Council membership for Canada

by Kady O'Malley Posted: February 19, 2010 1:45 PM Last Updated: February 19, 2010 5:21 PM
UPDATE: The audio from this afternoon's event is now available, courtesy of the IDRC! 

So, ever wondered what scoring a temporary seat on the UN Security Council means for a country like Canada? If so, check back this afternoon for full liveblogging coverage of former New Zealand's former UN ambassador Colin Keating shares his thoughts on the challenges that Canada could face, as well as the "dramatic" changes that the organization has undergone since this country was last elected to temporary membership a decade ago. 

The National Post's Steven Edwards has a preview of what he's expected to say, and it's hard not to find your mind wandering to the current status of a certain embattled Montreal-based independent rights agency when you read the following paragraph: 

[...] Mr. Keating will speak of the need for diplomats to accept international aid workers -- and not their respective countries' missions -- as often far better placed to provide an accurate assessment of what's happening in the world's hotspots. This is because aid workers with the UN and non-governmental organizations are usually the only foreigners operating in such zones.

The event, which is hosted by the International Development Research Centre, gets underway at 2pm, so check back for full liveblogging coverage.

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