May conference to be held by World Federalists

Lynn Harrison — April 1984

Settling international disputes through peaceful means may appear to be a distant possibility. But the hostile polarisation of the two superpowers, and the chilling possibility of nuclear war have led groups of people in many countries to seek world security through disarmament rather than conflict.

One such group is the World Federalists of Canada, which is part of a larger, global organisation founded in 1951. The World Federalists are working towards disarmament while trying to develop international procedures and institutions which could eliminate war. They are trying to effect long-term, lasting peace through international cooperation, aiming specifically to build and strengthen world bodies, such as the United Nations.

“Harmony for a Small Planet: Creative Approaches to World Security” is a public conference which will take place on May 19, the first day of the Canadian World Federalists’ annual conference-weekend. According to coordinator Dieter Heinrich, “Harmony for a Small Planet” aims to integrate the work and goals of the World Federalists with the concerns of the public.

The agenda for the conference is headlined “Positive strategies for breaking away from a confrontational, bi-polar world.” The speakers are drawn from diverse areas of specialisation. Cancer researcher Sr. Rosalie Bertell will conduct a seminar on species death syndrome, and how we can deal with it. Media critic Barrie Zwicker will examine Western perception of the Soviet Union. Experts from Science for Peace and Teledetection International will explain the need for the proposed International Satellite Monitoring Agency, and Hanna Newcombe of the Peace Research Institute” will present the topic of International Security: the Forgotten Factor in Arms Control. Other speakers will include Norman Alcock, founder of the Canadian Peace Research Institute, and Douglas Roche, M.P., International Chairman of Parliamentarians for World Order.

The day’s final event will be the presentation to Gwynne Dyer of the World Federalists of Canada Peace Award for his seven part documentary WAR.

“Harmony for a Small Planet” takes place on May 19 at Glendon College, located at Bayview and Lawrence in Toronto. Registration is $16 for the day, or $30 for the day plus the awards banquet, if you register before May I. Daycare is available. Contact Dieter Heinrich at xxx-xxxx for more information.

The Peace Calendar

Canadian Disarmament Information Service, 1983-1984

May conference to be held by World Federalists