More than 300 global democratic leaders connect in Halifax on Friday

The Halifax International Security Forum runs from November 18 to 20

CityNews Halifax Staff

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The world’s largest gathering of democratic defence leaders committed to global security comes to Halifax friday.

The International Security Forum brings over 300 democratic leaders, security experts and others together to discuss pressing security concerns around the globe.

As one of the founding ministers who helped launch the event in 2009, Peter MacKay told CityNews although the forum doesn’t get much attention compared to the G20 or other global conferences, it is the leading foreign affairs and defense gathering for democracies.

“One of the magic ingredients of the security forum are the dialogues that happen in the hallways (and) the chance encounters between individuals who might not otherwise have (an) opportunity to discuss imporant issues in their country,” notes MacKay.

MacKay, who was former minister of national defence in the Stephen Harper cabinet, adds the International Security Forum has helped elevate Canada on the world stage.

Among the dignitaries expected to attend the annual event are senior military officers, cabinet-level officials, members of the US Senate, and global industry leaders, along with leading journalists, strategists, and champions for human rights from around the globe.

The Halifax International Security Forum runs from November 18 to 20.