CANADA PROVIDES $3.86 MILLION FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF UNITED NATIONS UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL NETWORK ON WATER, ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH
Press Release
UNU/169
CANADA PROVIDES $3.86 MILLION FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF UNITED NATIONS UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL NETWORK ON WATER, ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH
19960124 NEW YORK, 24 January (United Nations University) -- The Canadian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Environment, Sheila Copps, confirmed today that the Government of Canada will provide Can$5.25 million (US$3.86 million) for the establishment of the United Nations University International Network on Water, Environment and Health. The contribution, to be paid over a four-year period beginning in fiscal year 1996, marks a unique partnership between the University and the Government of Canada.The announcement was made by Ms. Copps at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
The Network will address critical issues relating water to the environment and human health, a concern which is of particular relevance to developing countries. It will be the first major research and training programme of the United Nations University located in Canada.
Within Agenda 21, adopted by the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), the Network will link the study consequences of ecosystem and watershed use on human health, giving full consideration to the developmental aspects of water. The Network's initial priority will be educational and targeted training programmes. It will provide analytical concepts based on real-life issues which cut across disciplines.
The Network will adopt a problem-solving approach, with particular emphasis on needs and concerns of developing regions of the world. Activities are expected to be project based, directed to existing needs identified and funded by governments, United Nations organizations, Bretton Woods institutions, the private sector and others. The programmes are also meant to strengthen academic institutions, the public sector and industry through human resources development.
The establishment of the Network was initially proposed by an international feasibility study team commissioned by the Rector of the United Nations University and funded by the Government of Ontario.
A small headquarters unit will be established in the Hamilton/Burlington area of Ontario, and the activities of the network will be carried out
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cooperatively by scientists and institutions in Canada and in a number of developing countries.
During the meeting of the United Nations University Governing Council in Tokyo last month, Council Chairman Lucien Michaud, who is from the University of Sudbury in Canada, expressed appreciation on behalf of the United Nations University to the Government of Canada for its support of the initiative. He noted that Canada continued to play a leading role in the cause of environment and sustainable development.
For further information, contact United Nations University, Office in North America, tel.: 212-963-6387; fax: (212) 371-9454; internet: unuona@igc.apc.org.
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