David Mulroney, Former Ambassador to China, Joins the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto as Distinguished Senior Fellow

TORONTO, Sept. 21, 2012 /CNW/ - One of Canada's most accomplished diplomats is joining the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs.  Starting next month, David Mulroney, Canada's Former Ambassador to China, will take up his post as Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Munk School's Canada Centre for Global Security Studies.

"I am delighted that Mr. Mulroney has accepted this appointment," said U of T President David Naylor. "His extensive knowledge and authoritative insights - not least as an expert on Canada-China relations - will be huge assets to the Munk School and to the University of Toronto as a whole."

The announcement took place on an important day for the Munk School: the official opening of the newly renovated Munk School building on 315 Bloor Street West.

Janice Stein, Director of the Munk School of Global Affairs, warmly welcomed his appointment to the Canada Centre for Global Security Studies, stating that Mr. Mulroney will begin by working on policy and strategy, and on new forms of diplomacy in the digital age.

"David Mulroney has been one of Canada's most innovative ambassadors," said Janice Stein. "The digital reach of Canada's embassy in Beijing is stunning. Our students will learn an enormous amount from his creative approach to the twenty-first century."

David Mulroney said, "I am very happy to be coming to a school that has such a powerful impact on thinking about Canada's place in the world. And I am particularly excited about interacting with the young people who will be shaping that discussion for years to come."

Mr. Mulroney was appointed as Ambassador of Canada to the People's Republic of China in 2009. Under his leadership, the tone of Canada-China relations changed significantly and a deeper, more comprehensive relationship between the two countries developed.

Prior to his appointment as Ambassador to China, Mr. Mulroney was assigned to the Privy Council Office in Ottawa as the Deputy Minister responsible for the Afghanistan Task Force, overseeing inter-departmental coordination of all aspects of Canada's engagement in Afghanistan. He also served as Secretary to the Independent Panel on Canada's Future Role in Afghanistan (generally know as "the Manley Panel").

A career Foreign Service officer, Mr. Mulroney has had a series of senior appointments in the Foreign Affairs Department in Ottawa, including four years as Canada's Senior Official for Asia Pacific Cooperation (APEC). He has served on overseas assignments in Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai and Seoul. From 1995 to 1998 he was Executive Director of the Canada-China Business Council.

Mr. Mulroney graduated from the University of Toronto and studied Mandarin at the Canadian Forces Language School. He joined the Foreign Service in 1981.

Additional information about the Canada Centre for Global Security Studies and the Munk School of Global Affairs may be found at www.munkschool.utoronto.ca

SOURCE: University of Toronto

For further information:

Media Contact: Sean Willett [phone]