The new generation of global issues now challenging societies and their governments
worldwide will be the focus of the new Liu Centre for International Studies
at UBC.
Recently approved by the university’s Senate and Board of Governors, the centre
and its academic program will enhance the abilities of researchers to delve
into the many and unprecedented circumstances produced by globalization, including
those associated with new trading and investment practices, environmental deterioration,
migration patterns, and communicable diseases.
Academic programs begin Sept. 1.
“In addition to the global perspective that will be brought to bear, there
will be a conscious endeavour to study issues and propose solutions that will
be of use to governments and international organizations as they tackle unprecedented
problems,” said Prof. Ivan Head, who helped plan the centre’s creation.
“Current knowledge is simply inadequate to devise wise policies and courses
of action. The complexity of these problems demands the involvement of scholars
from a wide range of disciplines,” said Head.
The centre, which will be part of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, will draw
on the expertise of more than 90 faculty members from across campus and particularly
with the Institute for International Relations, the Centre for Human Settlements,
the Sustainable Development Research Institute, and the South-North Studies
Program. The centre will also collaborate closely with the University of Victoria
and other institutions.
Prof. Olav Slaymaker, chair of the centre’s Academic Steering Committee, said
linkages with individuals and institutions outside the university will also
play an important role.
The centre is seeking the participation of senior diplomats and officials
now engaged with international organizations, and with the Canadian and other
governments, through fellowships and other linkages. Ties to the business community
will also be developed, Slaymaker said.
Master’s and doctoral students and faculty associated with the centre will
participate in a range of seminars and other scholarly activities enhanced by
close interaction with Green College and St. John’s College.
