Journalist lends voice to mock UN debate

Provocative Canadian journalist Gwynne Dyer will give the keynote address on the arms trade when Peel District School Board students gather on Friday for their 13th annual United Nations model assembly.
Students from 24 schools will assume their chosen member nation's position and participate in a simulated UN debate.
They'll debate a resolution that focuses on the creation of an international arms trade treaty that will establish common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms.
Dyer's remarks will help set a framework for the discussion. He has written eight books and covered international events extensively for a number of news organizations, including CBC. Dyer is also a frequent commentator in the media on international issues. The Newfoundland native holds a PhD in military and Middle Eastern history from the University of London. His first television series, the seven-part documentary, War, was aired in 45 countries in the mid-1980s.
Before the event, students will develop and submit alternative resolutions. Represented nations may support, reject or rebut any resolution, challenging or supporting other represented assembly nations.
"I'm always impressed to see hundreds of students discuss and contribute solutions to a global challenge," said Janet McDougald, Peel Board chair. "I look forward to moderating the event's debate each year and listening to the wisdom of our future world leaders as they tackle an important issue."
The event runs from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at Peel Board headquarters, on Matheson Blvd. at Hurontario St.
jstewart@mississauga.net