News

What: John Teton will speak at Portland State on “Shock Waves of Hope: Ending Hunger with the Aid of International Law.” Teton is the founder and director of the International Food Security Treaty Campaign. The program on the International Food Security Treaty (IFST), a proposed plan to employ enforceable international law to achieve drastic reduction of world hunger, is presented by the Division of Political Science in the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government.

Supporters describe the IFST as the critical missing link in the world’s efforts to overcome hunger, a global public health problem with more victims than all the world’s wars and crimes combined. Based on existing international covenants, the IFST was developed in consultation with food security advocates from around the world. It is designed to be a legally binding international agreement, delineating the responsibilities of nations to prevent starvation and malnutrition, with enforcement provisions to ensure that they are carried out.

When: Wednesday, November 29, 2006, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Where: PSU Smith Memorial Student Union, room 333 (1825 SW Broadway).

Cost: Admission is free and open to the public.

Contact: For more information contact Regina Lawrence at 503-725-3056 or lawrencer@pdx.edu.

Background: The primary mission of the Division of Political Science is citizenship education: to develop citizens capable of responding effectively to diversity, ambiguity, and conflict within the context of a democratic society and an increasingly interconnected world. Portland State faculty and coursework deepen students’ understanding of the American and global political systems. The Division offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees and also participates in the Hatfield School’s doctoral program in Public Administration and Policy.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (#06-135)