USask will be playing host to an international forum that will bring over 500 business leaders and policymakers to Saskatoon to discuss solutions to global issues such as renewable energy and greenhouse gas reduction.

USask highlights economic reconciliation at upcoming PNWER summit

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) will play a key role in the annual Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) summit, which will be held in Saskatoon from July 21 to July 25.

By University Communications

This international forum will bring together more than 400 public and private sector leaders to learn about key economic issues, strengthen regional cooperation and advocate for regional interests.

Former ambassadors and leaders at the provincial and regional level are scheduled to speak at the summit, including Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and City of Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark, as well as influential alumni and members of the USask community.

On July 22, USask President Peter Stoicheff will host the University Presidents’ Roundtable, focusing on the role of universities in bridging economic reconciliation. Roundtable participants will include Dr. Judith Sayers, president of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council; Dr. Manley Begay, a professor at Northern Arizona University; and Lee Ahenakew, principal of Lee Ahenakew & Associates Consulting.

“The PNWER summit presents a unique opportunity for the university to build connections and engage in discussions that offer creative solutions for some of the most pressing issues facing the Pacific Northwest region,” said Debra Pozega Osburn, vice-president of university relations at USask. “The University of Saskatchewan is well-known for its commitment to working with and for communities, and we’re privileged to be a part of this important dialogue.”

USask community members will participate in summit discussions that focus on a variety of issues, including water policy, energy innovation and economic development. Summit delegates will tour USask research facilities including the Canadian Light Source and attend a reception at Marquis Hall.

USask faculty and students can attend the University Presidents’ Roundtable free of charge by registering at www.pnwer.org/2019-summit as a "complimentary" registrant type with the code "uni19".

 As well, USask faculty who wish to attend the entire summit qualify for a 20 per cent savings on the registration fee. Details of the summit and online registration are available at http://www.pnwer.org/2019-summit. 

PNWER is a non-profit organization that aims to increase the well-being and quality of life of citizens in the Pacific NorthWest region, which includes the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Washington, along with the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon and Northwest Territories. Saskatoon last hosted the PNWER Summit in 2012.