Institute On Governance Celebrates 20th Anniversary

OTTAWA, June 3 /CNW Telbec/ - On the occasion of its 20th anniversary, The Institute On Governance (IOG), is hosting an event that highlights emerging models of governance that are citizen-led. The event will take place in Ottawa on June 30th at the Westin Hotel, from 10:30 am to 12 noon.

Join us as Barbara Stegemann, author, business woman, and Canadian "change agent", and Afghanistan's Ambassador to Canada, His Excellency, Ambassador Jawed Ludin, speak about an extraordinary partnership forged to encourage sustainable business development in the war-torn country of Afghanistan.

Learn about how a citizen was able to engage with government and deliver a model for doing business that the Globe and Mail featured on its front page under the headline, "The scent of a woman takes on Afghan insurgency - Haligonian's perfume has some farmers trading poppy fields for orange blossoms."

The 7 Virtues Afghanistan Orange Blossom Eau de Parfum is proof that we can harness the untapped buying power of North American women to accelerate development in war-torn nations and communities experiencing strife.

This venture honours the vital contribution of our Canadian men and women serving in Afghanistan in the Canadian Forces.

Ambassador Ludin and Ms. Stegemann will speak to the modern governance lessons being illuminated through this successful and highly creative partnership during the special IOG-sponsored event:

    
    1.  Strengthening economies to end war and civil strife (a 'trade not
        aid' approach);
    2.  Deploying modern technology to create economic opportunities a world
        away without having to travel there in person;
    3.  Translating corporate social responsibility into action;
    4.  Developing other such products in various parts of the globe,
        employing powerful networks of committed change agents, to empower
        people at the community level as a form of democracy in action.
    

Embassies wishing to develop a fragrance made from crops from their countries will have the opportunity to meet one on one with the speakers to take action on this concept around the world.

"Afghanistan's future," notes Ambassador Ludin, "like any other nation, lies in trade, business and economic development. That's the future to which we aspire. Canada has been very supportive and steadfast in supporting Afghanistan through difficult times. There is a way that Canada can remain involved in Afghanistan's future and prosperity."

His Excellency adds: "I admire Ms. Stegemann who pioneered this choice in Afghanistan in Canada and I appreciate the IOG's decision to highlight this initiative for others to see and emulate in the interests of an Afghanistan that is a trade partner and a source of culture, stability and peace."

Join us for a fascinating exploration of the power of partnerships in a real-time, global governance context where citizens as leaders give new meaning in this century to Plato's venerable concepts of citizen-directed democracy.

If you have ever thought that you wanted to alter your world, design the future or frame your reality as a leader, please join us for this exciting discussion of leadership on the fertile verge of human possibility.

Tickets for the event ($50 per ticket) are available through The Institute on Governance at 613-562-0092 ext. 234 via Kate Kane or online at www.iog.ca.

The book entitled the 7 Virtues of a Philosopher Queen, by Barbara Stegemann, and The 7 Virtues Afghanistan Orange Blossom Eau de Parfum will be for sale at the event, with the author on hand to sign books following the panel discussion (Visit www.the7virtues.com).

Founded in 1990, The Institute On Governance (IOG) is an independent, Canada-based, not-for-profit public interest institution. Our mission is 'advancing better governance in the public interest.' The IOG's vision is to be the pre-eminent, independent Canadian source of knowledge, research and advice on governance and its continuous improvement. For 20 years we have been committed to exploring, developing and promoting the principles, standards and practices which underlie good governance in the public sphere, both in Canada and abroad. To date, the IOG has undertaken over 1,000 projects in Canada and 35 countries, and we are growing every day. Explore our services to find out how we can help you.

For further information: Media contact/inquiries: Dawn Nicholson-O'Brien, Vice President, Governance Laboratory, Institute on Governance, [phone] ext. 242, [email protected]