Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein To Speak At Rollins College

by Rick · September 5, 2019

Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein

Former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein, will speak on “Global Challenges to Human Rights Today” on September 17, at 7 p.m. in Tiedtke Concert Hall as part of the Winter Park Institute (WPI) at Rollins College Speaker Series.

Throughout his career, Prince Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein of Jordan has been an advocate for human rights and peace initiatives. His belief that “The safety of humanity will only be secured through vision, energy and generosity of spirit; through activism; through the struggle for greater freedom, in equality; and through justice,” has compelled him to engage in, and lead the cause of humanitarian work, including involvement in international criminal justice, UN peacekeeping, post-conflict peace-building, counter nuclear terrorism, and his pledge as an international gender champion.

In his final address as out-going United Nations Human Rights Ambassador, al-Hussein shared his concern that the threat to global stability created by increasing nationalism poses great danger to democracy, and he advocated for world powers to fight against factions whose mission is to undermine civil liberties.

WPI will continue its tradition of bringing intellectual leadership to Central Florida with this 12th season. In addition to the prince, the 2019-2020 season features Jose Antonio Vargas, Annika Sorenstam, Jeffrey Brown, Billy Collins, and Laura Ling.

WPI brings preeminent scholars, artists, entrepreneurs, entertainers, writers, and world-renowned speakers to students, faculty members and the broader community each year. Guests of this series have won Academy Awards, Tony Awards, Emmy Awards, Pulitzer Prizes, Presidential Medals of Freedom, and a Nobel Peace Prize, among many other distinguished honors.

“Winter Park Institute brings global innovators and leaders to our doorstep to challenge our thinking and open us to possibility,” said the executive director, Gail Sinclair, “and the Rollins community and our Central Florida neighbors become the benefactors of their vision and calls to action.”

Information on the entire WPI Season can be found at rollins.edu/WPI. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the box office at 407-646-2145. For a limited time, a season pass for all six programs will be offered at a discounted price. Tickets for individual programs are available for $25 per ticket.