Opening Session of the International Symposium on Haiti

Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, delivered today remarks at the opening session of the International Symposium “Haiti Today, Haiti Tomorrow: Contrasting Perspectives”, which was presided over by Mr. Allan Rock, President of the University of Ottawa.

His Excellency Léo Mérorès, Ambassador of Haiti to the United Nations, also addressed participants at the symposium.

Chargée d'affaires at the Embassy of Haiti Ms. Nathalie Ménos also said a few words. This symposium differed from previous conferences that have been held on Haiti because of the significant number of Haitian participants and their diverse areas of expertise. Its goal is to generate a unique discussion on the following question: How can the crisis in Haiti be transformed into an opportunity for equitable, sustainable and endogenous development?

The Honourable Josseline Féthière, Minister of Trade and Industry, Government of Haiti, also mentioned the importance of helping the Haitian population in her speech.

Director of the University of Ottawa's School of International Development and Global Studies (SIDGS) Ms. Andréa Martinez offered closing remarks and presented the symposium. Organized by the SIDGS of the University of Ottawa, the event aimed to initiate a dialogue between guest lecturers from various disciplines including governments, co-operation agencies, non-governmental organizations, universities and the Haitian community.