22 June 2010 Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today welcomed the appointment of Her Excellency Michaëlle Jean as Special Envoy to Haiti for a four-year term with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), after her term as Governor General is completed this fall.
"As UNESCO Special Envoy to Haiti, Michaëlle Jean will draw upon her unique experience and dedication to Haiti, as well as her commitment to educational and cultural initiatives," said the Prime Minister. "She will be in a position to further advance the international community's response to the urgent needs in Haiti as it recovers from January's devastating earthquake. The appointment is also a tribute to Canada's leadership role in rebuilding Haiti."
The Governor General will continue her educational and cultural initiatives in Canada through the Michaëlle Jean Foundation, which will use art and creativity to encourage and promote citizen engagement, particularly youth from underprivileged, rural and northern communities across Canada. The Foundation will support community groups in addressing social challenges, will use intergenerational dialogue and other creative methods as tools to support the development of youth as agents for positive change and will bring together community groups to foster civic participation.
"The Governor General is a symbol of continuity, history and unity," said Prime Minister Harper. "Michaëlle Jean continues to fulfill this role with enthusiasm and grace, qualities I am certain she will bring to her upcoming position."
UNESCO was founded in 1945 and Canada became a member in 1946. Its mission is to contribute to building peace, eradicating poverty, and promoting sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, culture, science and communication. The organization currently has three designated special envoys: for water, for education and for literacy and development.
