MONTREAL/March 13, 2006—
The International Political Science Association (IPSA) today inaugurated its permanent Secretariat, in the heart of Montrèal, with its two main partners: Montrèal International and Concordia University. This is a pivotal step for IPSA, whichófor the first time in its historyóhas now moved into a permanent headquarters.
Since its foundation in 1949, IPSA has promoted the advancement of political science as a field of study through collaboration of scholars in different parts of the world.
The inauguration ceremony brought together world-renowned professors, including Dr. Max Kaase, President of IPSA and a Professor at International University of Bremen, Germany. Many other guests from the political science arena, business community and international organizations attended, along with representatives of the governments of Canada and Quèbec, and the City of Montrèal.
ìLocating the IPSA Secretariat in Montrèal is a big step forward for the development of political science. It will strengthen Montrèal's position as a centre of expertise in this field. I am especially grateful to Montrèal International and Concordia University for their unstinting support,î declared IPSA's Secretary General and Professor at Concordia University, Dr. Guy Lachapelle.
Marc. G. Fortier, Montrèal International's President and Chief Executive Officer, underscored the distinctiveness of the inauguration in highlighting the fruitful link between the university world and international organizations, as well as the importance of their spinoff for the region. ìIn opening its permanent Secretariat in Montrèal, IPSA officially becomes one of the more than 60 international organizations located in the city. Each of them makes a significant contribution to our region's economic developmentóas well as its international outreach,î stated Mr. Fortier. ìThe contribution of Montrèal International is made possible thanks to our partners' support: Canada Economic Development, the ministËre des Relations Internationales du Quèbec and the City of Montrèal,î he added.
A recent study shows that the direct annual benefits from the operations of international organizations in Montrèal amount to $300 million per year. Further estimates suggest they provide more than 4,000 related jobs, including 1,650 direct jobs.
President of Concordia University Claude Lajeunesse was delighted at the IPSA Secretariat locating in Montrèal, at Concordia University. ìToday's inauguration bears witness to the combined efforts of all the partners who have played key roles in welcoming IPSA into our city and our university,î he explained.
IPSA's main activities are to organize world congresses and other academic events, to provide documentary and reference services to facilitate the spread of political science information, and to promote comparative research on a global level. This means that IPSA has much to offer to Montrèal and Concordia University in terms of developing international activities by facilitating new opportunities for the region's academic community.
About the International Political Science Association
The International Political Science Association (IPSA) is an international scholarly association founded in 1949 under the auspices of Unesco. In 2000, IPSA organized its 18th worldwide triennial congress in Quèbec City. In 2001, its Secretariat moved from Dublin to Montrèal. Last October, the IPSA Executive Committee decided to permanently establish its Secretariat in Montrèal. IPSA has more than 1,500 individual members from over 70 countries and 45 national and regional associations that represent thousands of political scientists around the world. The Association's next major event is its worldwide triennial congress, which will take place in Fukuoka, Japan, from July 9 through 13, 2006. For more information about the Association: www.ipsa.ca
About Montrèal International
Created in 1996, Montrèal International (MI) is the result of a private/public partnership. Its mission is to contribute to the Greater Montrèal's economic development and enhance its international status. MI is suported by the private sector, the Montrèal Metropolitan Community, the City of Montrèal and the governments of Quèbec and Canada. MI's strategic mandates are to attract foreign investment, international organizations and strategic workers and to develop strategic clusters in the life sciences and information and communications technology sectors.
About Concordia University
Born in 1974 from the merger of Loyola College and Sir George Williams University, Concordia University now has more than 38,000 students and offers 505 undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs through its Faculties of Arts and Science, Engineering and Computer Science, Fine Arts and the John Molson School of Business.
The University houses 18 advanced research centres and 11 institutes. Its bilingual education (English and French), openness to the worldóthe student population represents 157 different countriesóand the special care it devotes to improving its environment make it a pioneer in excellence, technology upgrading and multiculturalism.
A photograph to accompany this news release will be available as of 6 p.m. in the CNW photo archive at http://photos.newswire.ca.
Sources:
Bruno Maltais
Coordinator, External Relations, Research and Member Services
International Political Science Association (IPSA)
(514) 848-8708
bruno.maltais@ipsa.ca
Louis Arseneault
Director of Communications
Montrèal International
(514) 987-8191
louis.arseneault@montrealinternational.com
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Source :
Tanya Churchmuch
Senior Media Relations Advisor
Concordia University
