ROMÉO DALLAIRE - CONNECTS 2024

Set against the historic backdrop of Hudson, Calgary — the sixth floor of the iconic Hudson’s Bay building, one of the original six built in Canada in 1913 — this year’s CONNECTS was an evening filled with profound reflections, spirited dialogue, and a powerful sense of shared purpose. But more than just a gathering, it was a call to action, urging us to consider not only the world we inhabit today but the kind of future we are shaping for tomorrow.

Stirring deep questions about humanity’s survival in an increasingly uncertain world, Dallaire's impassioned message was clear: We are on the cusp of a revolution, one that calls us to confront the uncomfortable feelings of insecurity and instability that so many of us are experiencing and to recognize the profound responsibility we all share — not just to survive the future, but to redefine our role on this planet. Dallaire offered both a sobering look at the frailty of life and a hopeful vision for a future that embraces empathy, respect, and global solidarity. His words reminded us that, while seismic change can take a lifetime, it can also happen in an instant — and that moment may very well be now.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Roméo Dallaire is a celebrated human rights advocate and best-selling author of “Shake Hands with the Devil”, as well as a public speaker, international advisor, former Canadian senator, and founder of the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace, and Security. In his new book, "The Peace", Dallaire challenges the notion that temporary truces or a mere "balance" of power equates to true security. "Too often we say we are “at peace” because the bombs are falling elsewhere and we, ourselves, are not under attack. Dallaire shows us a path, instead, to what he calls “the peace,” a state where, above all else, humanity values the ties that bind us and the planet together — and acts accordingly." 

LOCAL ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Talented Calgary-based artist, Sam Hester from The 23rd Story, drew a live graphic recording (also known as "visual notetaking") of Roméo Dallaire's presentation — a skill she's honed for over a decade. Her dynamic illustrations not only captured key moments of the talk but also brought the powerful message of the event to life in a visually engaging way.