September 1, 2000
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that he will attend the UN Millennium Summit in New York, September 6 - 7. The Prime Minister will address the plenary session of Millennium Summit on September 7, and participate in one of a series of round tables with other leaders.

The Prime Minister will also address the Security Council.

"Canada welcomes this exceptional opportunity to discuss the challenges facing the UN in the 21st century," said the Prime Minister. "The Summit also provides an occasion for Canada to reiterate its strong commitment to the UN, including its critical role in the prevention of conflict and alleviating human suffering."

The Millennium Summit is expected to be the largest-ever gathering of world leaders with approximately 170 heads of State or Government in attendance. Reflecting the recommendations of Secretary General Kofi Annan’s Millennium Report "We the Peoples", the Summit will address the theme of "The United Nations in the 21st Century". Discussions will focus on alleviating world poverty, strengthening UN peace operations and responding more effectively to global environmental problems.

The Security Council meeting will provide an opportunity for the Prime Minister to press Canada’s agenda for a more effective Security Council and enhanced UN peacekeeping. It will also be a chance to highlight priorities and achievements of Canada’s two-year Council membership, particularly on human security and sanctions.

The Summit will be co-chaired by the President of Namibia, Sam Nujoma - whose country presided over the 54th session of the General Assembly from September 1999 to September 2000 - and the President of Finland, Tarja Halonen, whose country will hold the Presidency of the 55th session of the Assembly. The Security Council meeting will be chaired by President Alpha Oumar Konaré of Mali which is the country currently occupying the rotating presidency of the Council in September.

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