Civil Society: Outreach Activities

Last year, Canada proposed that a Special Summit of the Americas be held in order to address current political, economic and social challenges which have arisen since the Quebec City Summit. The Special Summit, which Mexico has now agreed to host in Monterrey, January 12-13, 2004, will address three themes: economic growth with equity; social development; and democratic governance. The Special Summit will not involve the elaboration of a new Plan of Action, but rather will serve to keep on track the comprehensive and balanced hemispheric cooperation agenda developed in Quebec City, particularly as we head towards the next Summit of the Americas, to take place in Argentina, in 2005.

The recognition that Canada has received throughout the hemisphere in advancing civil society engagement is due in large part to the broad interest that has been shown in improving living standards, human rights and democracy for all the citizens of the Americas. The Government of Canada shares these goals and we look forward to the continued participation and contribution of civil society in hemispheric issues.

Throughout the autumn, we are holding a number of roundtables to seek the perspectives of the sectors of civil society. Reports and details of outreach events will be posted on this portion of the website, as will links to other hemispheric events and contributions that we will be receiving. We invite you to visit this website regularly.

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Outreach Calendar

In addition, we invite you to follow closely these events:

We also encourage you to visit the website of the Organization of American States (OAS) www.oas.org where you will find relevant information on hemispheric events organized by the OAS.