NEWS RELEASES
YOUNG CANADIANS TO BUILD KNOWLEDGE NETWORKFOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
September 3, 1997 No. 139
YOUNG CANADIANS TO BUILD KNOWLEDGE NETWORK
FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today met with youth interns about to
start their assignments to develop a new international knowledge network for
sustainable development. The project is run by the International Institute for
Sustainable Development (IISD) and is one of the Youth International Internship
projects funded jointly by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International
Trade (DFAIT) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) as part of
the Government's Youth Employment Strategy.
"We need to connect the power of creative minds with the power of new technologies
to find sustainable development solutions for Canada and the world," said Mr.
Axworthy. "Last December, I announced that we would create a Canadian
International Information Strategy [CIIS], which would use modern communications
technologies to make Canada a leading broker of ideas and knowledge. This project
is exactly the sort of thing we want to do under the CIIS."
Under this project, 20 interns from across Canada will work with international
trade, business and development organizations on using Internet technologies to
share information and experience on sustainable development. The IISD is leading
an international team to build up the largest Internet gateway focussing on
sustainable development issues. The IISD co-sponsored the report, Connecting to
the World, on using information technologies in the service of international
development, including an emphasis on the importance of creating opportunities for
youth. Known as the Strong Report, it was a point of departure for the creation of
the CIIS, now underway.
Ten of the interns will gather examples of "best practices" from other countries
by working with organizations such as the African Housing Fund, Development
Alternatives and the Earth Council. These internships will be funded with $150 000
from CIDA. The other 10 will examine the implications for the international
private sector. They will also work with trade organizations on keeping an
information flow that can help the private sector integrate sustainability into
international business practices. These internships will be funded with $150 000
from DFAIT.
During Mr. Axworthy's visit, seven of the interns were at the IISD in Winnipeg for
training on Internet technology, one segment of their pre-placement orientation.
DFAIT will be tabling its Sustainable Development Strategy with Parliament before
the end of this year, in accordance with the Auditor General Act. As well, DFAIT
will be reporting progress on the CIIS.
Funding for this project was provided for in the February 1997 federal budget and
is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
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For further information on the IISD project, the interns and their assignments,
please contact Ms. Heather Creech, Programme Director, Information and
Communications, IISD, (204) 958-7700 or the IISD Web site at http:\iisd.ca/interns
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Debora Brown
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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