Gov. Gen. Jean to join UNESCO
22 June 2010 | 
Author: Professor |
CBC News 22 June, 2010
Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean will be appointed as special envoy to UNESCO, the Prime Minister's Office says.
Jean will begin a four-year term as special envoy to Haiti after her term as Governor General is completed in September.
“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,” Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement.
Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon, who worked closely with Jean after the earthquake struck Haiti on Jan. 12, commended Jean for her work as commander-in-chief of the Canadian Forces, and praised her for her commitment to Haiti.
"I saw the passion that she has for the cause," Cannon said in French during a news conference in Ottawa.
Jean was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. She and her family left Haiti in 1968, when she was 11, and settled in Quebec.
After the quake, Jean visited Haiti, where she toured construction projects and visited survivors.
"I want the Haitian people to know: You are not alone," Jean said during the tour, which took her through Port-au-Prince and the colourful port city of Jacmel, where Canadian soldiers were helping with the reconstruction efforts.
She said people around the world, particularly in Canada, will continue to care about Haiti as it struggles to rebuild.
Jean worked as a journalist before succeeding Adrienne Clarkson as Governor General in September 2005.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization was founded in 1945 and Canada became a member in 1946.
It works on peace-building, poverty eradication and sustainable development through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information, the organization says.
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