OPENING REMARKS.

As this year’s event coincides with the beginning of my term as President of the PPC, I would like to take the opportunity to talk to you a little about my vision of the field of peace operations and of the role of the Pearson Centre. With regards to the field of peace operations, I would like to address the questions of why, what and who. Firstly, why is it important for the international community to continue its commitment to helping war-torn regions of our globe emerge from conflict? In my opinion, it is a question of enlightened self-interest. We live in a highly interconnected and interdependent world. No amount of internal domestic security can prevent terrorist attacks. Our best strategy for protecting our own security is to be proactive in addressing the situations that become fertile ground for terrorist ideas. For me, a key lesson from the tragic events of September 11 is the need for the international community to increase its commitment to playing a role in the search for long-term sustainable solutions.