May 1, 2009

Dear Model IJC Participants:
On behalf of the International Joint Commission, we are delighted to welcome you to the Model IJC. We are genuinely excited to see so much creative energy devoted to solving international disagreements, even in simulated fashion, and we are honored that you have chosen to participate in the Model IJC program.

This year we are celebrating the centennial anniversary of the Boundary Waters Treaty and the organization it created, the International Joint Commission. The vision embodied in this accord has helped Canada and the United States successfully prevent and resolve disputes over water and other environmental issues. However, in light of population growth, climate change, the global transport of pollutants and invasive species – and issues that we cannot foresee – the challenges of the future will certainly be as large as the challenges of the past.

That is why we are inspired to see students engaged in learning about environmental diplomacy. Our global community will very much need your skills. We lift our hats off to the United Nations Association of Canada for developing the Model IJC and to each of you for participating!

Sincerely,

Irene B. Brooks Chair Unites States Section		Herb Gray Chair Canadian Section