Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, will visit the University of Central Florida on Feb. 8.
A long-standing advocate for human rights, Robinson will give a free, public presentation titled “Climate Justice: The Nexus of International Leadership, Climate Change, Food, Water and Poverty.” Her presentation will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the Cape Florida Ballroom of the Student Union.
Robinson’s visit to UCF will include a meeting with campus and community leaders. She will also record an episode of “Global Perspectives” with host John C. Bersia that will air on WUCF TV.
Robinson served as Ireland’s first female president from 1990 to 1997. She then became the High Commissioner for Human Rights for five years, focusing her efforts on promoting human rights at the national and regional level. Following her time at the U.N., she worked through the World Health Organization to found Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative. Its core activities address issues such as equitable international trade, health care, migration and corporate social responsibility. In 2010, she established The Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice, which focuses on advocacy for people most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Focusing her career on improving the conditions of the world’s most vulnerable populations, Robinson is known worldwide as a champion of human rights. A graduate of the University of Dublin and Harvard Law School, she was awarded the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 and holds over 40 honorary doctorates.
This event is supported by UCF’s Presidential Distinguished Visitor series, which seeks to expand students’ opportunities to interact with leaders engaged in solving the most important challenges facing our society. For more information, and a complete list of sponsors, visit www.ucfglobalperspectives.org.