Theme: Gender Equality, Inclusive Governance and International Law
Deadline: November 22, 2017
A new international agenda for Canada
In mid-2017, Canada announced its new foreign policy priorities in diplomacy and defence, trade, and international development. Canada also included a gender and trade chapter for the first time in a free trade agreement. Rather than turning inward in the face of turbulent times, this government is signaling an urgency to step up and address the strains on multilateralism.
An invitation to understand the new policy landscape
Our special event on Gender Equality, Inclusive Governance and International Law is set for January 23rd 2018 at the Department of Global Affairs, in Ottawa. CCIL and CAIDP are pleased to bring together international law and development practitioners, policy makers, and academics to discuss recent developments in this area and make professional connections. Our collaboration emerges from our common interest in Canadian foreign policy and shared understanding of the importance of governance and the rule of law.
Our program is currently under development. The combination of keynotes and workshop presenters may cover the following topics:
Understanding Canadian policy in the global context
Our discussions will draw on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly those that feature equal access to justice for all, gender equality, inclusive governance and the rule of law. The 2017 World Bank World Development Report: Governance and the Law will also serve as a reference when discussing alignment of Canada's new priorities this international consensus. Among others, this report calls for rethinking principles of governance for effective development and highlights drivers of change in advocating inclusive governance for development.
Unpacking the new trade and gender chapter in international trade agreements
A trade and gender chapter in trade agreements aims to recognize the importance of applying a gender lens to economic and trade issues. This approach is meant to ensure that the economic growth resulting from international trade agreements benefits everyone. Canada's recognition of the need for trade policies that respond and contribute to broader economic, social and environmental priorities, including initiatives to avoid discrimination based on gender will be one of the areas that will be discussed.
Important considerations:
Proposals may be submitted for sessions (e.g. panels) and for keynote speakers. While proposals for a complete session are preferred, proposals for individual speakers who could form part of a session will also be considered.
Proposed sessions should be suitable for accreditation from law societies for professional development purposes.
Proposals are welcome from all sectors within the legal profession (private sector, government, etc.) and also from practitioners of other disciplines with a strong connection to the theme.
How to submit a proposal:
In an email titled "CCIL Call for Proposals", please send the following information, in English or French, in the body of the email or as a Word or PDF attachment, to ccil-ccdi@intertaskconferences.com by no later than 22 November 2017:
the title of the session;
a description of the session that is brief but sufficient to convey the connection to the theme, the main points that will be covered and the format;
the names of the proposed speaker(s) and a brief bio for each speaker; and
an email address and phone number for the main point of contact for the proposal.
For any questions, we invite you to contact the organizers at the following address: ccil-ccdi@intertaskconferences.com