Secretary-General Don McKinnon to Discuss Democracy and Governance in the Commonwealth

Contact: Kate Hoagland
Phone: (617) 495-4347
Date: March 05, 2008

Cambridge, Mass. – The Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard Kennedy School will host Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon at a seminar and reception titled “Democracy & Governance: The Commonwealth Experience” to be held March 5. A networking reception will follow the event. Members of the public are invited to attend.

The seminar will encourage thoughtful discussion on the role of the Commonwealth Secretariat in promoting democratic practices, good governance, and respect for human rights. The Commonwealth is an association of 1.8 billion people from 53 international states united to encourage international understanding and world peace.

Secretary-General McKinnon will address:

  • Solutions for building strategic partnerships with international organizations and civil society;
  • The importance of establishing a fair, rules-based multilateral trading system; and
  • The need for developed countries to reduce agricultural subsidies, giving developing countries a fair chance to trade their way out of poverty.

Elected in 1999, Secretary-General McKinnon boasts a distinguished career in diplomacy and international government. With more than 21 years of experience as a New Zealand public servant, he has held a number of senior positions including minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, deputy prime minister, and the leader of the House of Representatives. In his current position, Secretary-General McKinnon has spearheaded numerous youth programs around HIV/AIDS, modernized the Commonwealth Secretariat internal structure and processes, and improved the representation of developing countries’ interests in international trade talks.

Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. EST
Speaker: Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon
Location: Center for Government & International Studies
1730 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
South Building, Room S010
RSVP: innovat2@ksg.harvard.edu or 617-495-0557

Members of the press are encouraged to contact Kate Hoagland, kate_hoagland@harvard.edu or 617-495-4347 for additional information.

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