Queen’s University Belfast hosts Dr Anne Anderson for the annual Harri Holkeri lecture
The annual lecture is organised by the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice in partnership with the Embassy of Finland, with His Excellency Jukka Siukosaari, Ambassador of Finland to the UK and Her Excellency Raili Lahnalampi, Ambassador of Finland to Ireland, in attendance.
The Harri Holkeri Lecture Series recognises and celebrates the contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process of the late Finnish Prime Minister Harri Holkeri. Holkeri’s aspiration to transform conflict and promote social justice in Northern Ireland and across the world is shared by the Institute.
In her lecture entitled, ‘Perspective; Conscience; Integrity: Reflections from a Career in Diplomacy’, Dr Anderson addressed three of the constants that underpin diplomacy in almost all circumstances: perspective, compromise, integrity.
Dr Anderson also drew on her own extensive experience in diplomacy, as well as addressing some of today’s most pressing issues, including the conflict in Ukraine, the West’s increasingly complex relationship with China, as well as the post- Brexit situation in Northern Ireland and the way ahead for the island as a whole.
Speaking about the prestigious annual lecture, Dr Anderson said: “I was honoured to be invited to deliver this year’s Harri Holkeri lecture. It is a pleasure to visit Queen’s University at any time, but especially so in the immediate aftermath of last week’s hugely successful events marking the twenty fifth anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. On our island, and worldwide, it is a time to reassert the importance of diplomacy and to recognize the courage it takes to reach difficult but necessary compromise outcomes.”
Professor Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s commented: “The University was delighted to welcome Dr Anne Anderson to deliver the prestigious annual Harri Holkeri lecture at the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice.
“It is fitting that the lecture falls this week, as we have just marked the 25th anniversary of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, of which the late former Finnish Prime Minister and statesman, Harri Holkeri, played a major role.
“We are grateful to Dr Anderson who drew on her own extensive experiences in diplomacy and touched on some of the key issues of today.”
Professor Richard English, Director of the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice at Queen’s said: “The Mitchell Institute is delighted that, as in previous years, we are honouring Harri Holkeri’s crucial role in the Northern Ireland Peace Process through a major Lecture by a very distinguished speaker. It is an honour to welcome Dr Anderson to Queen’s, and to be able to hear her insights and wisdom.”