Each year, the Institute for Economics & Peace publishes their Global Peace Index report outlining the state of peace in the world. Join us on June 25th from 1-2PM for a conversation on this topic between Micheal Collins, Executive Director, Americas for the Institute for Economics & Peace, and Kevin Vuong, Vice-President of the NATO Association of Canada. Watch on YouTube here.
Michael develops working partnerships with Americas-based governments, civil society organizations, foundations, universities, businesses and think tanks and seeks new opportunities to build IEP’s presence and impact throughout the Americas, with particular focus on expanding the use of IEP’s Positive Peace Framework as a training tool and an evidence-based metric for peace-centered development.Before joining IEP, Michael oversaw educational, job creation and economic development programs in emerging nations recovering from natural disasters, working frequently with communities affected by poverty and gang violence. Prior to pursuing a career in the non-profit sector, Michael studied electro-mechanical engineering and worked in the construction industry.
The son of refugees from the Vietnam War, Kevin Vuong is dedicated to serving Canada for welcoming his parents, when other countries were closing their borders to people in need. He is VP and COO at Delphic Research Group, combining cutting-edge technology with research-driven strategies to provide customized monitoring and intelligence services to elevate government and public affairs. As a rapid-response to the masks shortage and economic hardships brought by COVID-19, Kevin co-founded TakeCare Supply, which rapidly developed Canada’s first evidence-based reusable mask. Nearly 1,000,000 masks have been sold across North America, creating jobs for nearly 200 Canadians during the pandemic, supporting Canada’s vital manufacturing sector, and donating $500,000 in masks to communities in need. Today, TakeCare masks can be found worn by mayors, govt ministers, and Canada’s Ambassadors to the UN and WTO and other leaders, as well as celebrities like Steve Martin.
Kevin is also a contributor on NEWSTALK 1010, proudly serves in the Royal Canadian Navy at Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship YORK, and teaches Financial Markets at Western University. His research has examined artificial intelligence and bias, the future of work and what it means for Canada and the nation’s prosperity in the age of disruption. A civic leader, he serves on the board of the NATO Association of Canada, Together We Stand Foundation, and the Council of Presidents at Western. Kevin was proud to have served as the first non-Indigenous President of the Board at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, one of Canada’s original friendship centres and the oldest Indigenous agency in Toronto.
For his service and impact, Kevin has been named/appointed:
– COVID Hero by Mayor Bonnie Crombie in 2021;
– NATO 2030 Young Leader for Canada by Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in 2020;
– A Medallist of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as HM The Queen’s Young Leader for Canada in 2017;
– Canada’s Top 30 Under 30 in 2016;
– Canada’s Top Under 30 Pan-Asian Leader in 2014; and
– Fellow of The Aspen Institute, CivicAction, and The Royal Commonwealth Society.
Guest Moderator: Jessica Duque
Jessica Duque is the Outreach and Development Officer at the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), where she manages IEP’s public engagement and education efforts in the United States and Americas more broadly. This includes actively engaging with high-level multi-laterals, civil society organizations, universities, and other research institutes to expand IEP’s network and reach.
