Yesterday I went to a lecture given by Jan Eliasson, the Deputy-Secretary General of the United Nations. He spoke on, "United Nations Prevention and Peaceful Settlement of Disputes." In light of the present reality of Syria, I was interested in this topic and hearing from this man. From the title you may guess it was a very positive view of the UN and their ability to settle conflict. While the first segment may have been a bit optimistic and diplomatic, it was the candid moments he spoke of his murdered friend and colleague Anna Lindh that revealed a thoughtful and caring man. It was also during the Q&A that the speaker showed real emotion and remorse for some of the actions, or lack there of, the UN has done over the years. Jan Eliasson spoke of the limits the Security Council have with the way it is structure currently. He spoke of his disappointment with the Security Council's lack of movement regarding Syria. Of course he is a diplomat so things were said with sensitivity and in a diplomatic way. It was great hearing him speak.
The lecture was hosted by the university and free for all. It is these opportunities I love about being in an academic world. The recourses and scope of opportunity to be influenced by great minds and powerful leaders is enriching in a way professional development in the workplaces doesn't always accomplish.
Tomorrow, the Nobel Prize Laureate for Chemistry in 2009, Ada Yonath will be speaking. It's being hosted by the Faculty of Medicine so there is slight expectation I attend. While I may not be as interested in her topic, how often do you hear a Nobel Prize winner speak?
Jan Eliasson
1 comment:
Wow, that is cool! I wish I could hear more potters speak about their craft, and more artists in general. When I was in college I definitely did not take up many of the freebies offered, unfortunately.
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