Halifax, NS — As part of its commitment to community outreach in Nova Scotia, HFX will be holding a public panel about the importance of victory in Ukraine.

The discussion takes place the day before Halifax International Security Forum begins its three-day annual meeting at the Westin Nova Scotian Hotel.

“For 15 years, HFX has been bringing the world’s democracies to Halifax so they can meet common challenges,” said HFX President Peter Van Praagh. “This year, as in 2022, our delegates will be seized with Vladimir Putin’s ongoing invasion of its peaceful, democratic neighbor. The impact of that aggression on global affairs has been far reaching. That is why Ukraine will be the prism through which much of the Forum’s conversations will be cast,” added Van Praagh.

“We’re pleased, with the help of our steadfast community partners, Dalhousie and Saint Mary’s, to get the discussion started this Thursday,” added Van Praagh.

The panel will take place on Thursday, November 16 from 7PM to 9PM in the McInnes Room of the Student Union Building, Dalhousie University, 6136 University Avenue. The event will be moderated by Dr. Janice Stein, Belzberg Professor of Conflict Management, University of Toronto. Panelists are J.J. Omojuwa, Founder, Alpha Reach; Dr. Luis Rubio, Chairman, México Evalúa; H.E. Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, Fourth President, Republic of Croatia; Andriy Shevchenko, Head of Mission to Ukraine, Ukrainian World Congress; and Kamila Sidiqi, Former Deputy Minister for Commerce, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Afghanistan.

“We are pleased to once again partner with Saint Mary’s University to welcome our respective communities to a thought-provoking discussion featuring delegates from the Halifax International Security Forum,” says Dalhousie University President Kim Brooks. “This public event offers students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends a timely opportunity to hear international security experts discuss current affairs that affect us all.”

“At a time of considerable geopolitical challenge, this year’s panel provides an excellent opportunity to join in the larger discussion on global security,” says Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Mary’s University. “We are proud to partner once again with Dalhousie University and the Halifax International Security Forum in welcoming distinguished delegates for this public dialogue.”

HFX is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization based in Washington, DC.  The Halifax International Security Forum is made possible by the generous support from its partners, including the Government of Canada, and Club HFX.

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For more information, please contact: communications@halifaxtheforum.org.