A More Inclusive International Affairs Program:
Charting a Way Forward with EDI as an Organizing Lens
Events of the past few months have brought into focus some of the systemic inequities that
persist in our society. Although the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (NPSIA)
continues to be ranked as the best school in Canada for students considering a career in policy,
we do not take our success for granted. Our commitment to continue to offer a world class
education and graduate experience to our students demand that we constantly evolve and adapt
to the needs of our time.
Our incredible students and alumni are now more engaged and committed to making Canada
and the world a more inclusive place than ever. To remain relevant, ensure that the broadest
spectrum of perspectives are reflected in our scholarship and learning, and hence adapt to the
ever-changing field of international affairs, we must ensure that NPSIA is fully committed to
equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). We are inspired in this regard by the actions recently taken
by our colleagues in our celebrated School of Journalism.
Coinciding with the University’s recently launched Strategic Integrated Plan (SIP), which
highlights “a pervasive need for greater understanding and commitments to accessibility, equity,
diversity and inclusion”, the recent Kinàmàgawin Calls to Action, and the development of an EDI
Institutional Action Plan, I am today announcing an initiative to develop a more inclusive
international affairs program that will chart a way forward with EDI as an organizing lens.
Our speaking event on “Diversifying the Conceptual Contours of International Relations” on
Monday October 19th during Inclusion Week marks the launch of this initiative. In the coming
weeks, an Advisory Committee that will include representatives from NPSIA faculty, contract
instructors, administrative staff, current students and alumni will carry this initiative forward. The
Advisory Committee will have a broad mandate to create a more inclusive international affairs
program, which may include, for example, examining curriculum, demographic representation,
leadership approaches and developing a statement of values.
I look forward to working with the Advisory Committee to make NPSIA even stronger. Thank you.
Yiagadeesen (Teddy) SAMY
NPSIA Director and Professor of International Affairs
October 14, 2020