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Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein Opens Lecture Series
On Wednesday, 7 October 2026, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein gave the first talk of the lecture series "European Global Studies: Focus 250 Years of the United States of America" in the Aula of the University of Basel. Professor Al Hussein is President of the International Peace Institute and Professor of Practice of Law and Human Rights at the University of Pennsylvania. He previously served as the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights and as Jordanian Permanent Representative to the UN and Ambassador to the United States.
In his talk, entitled "Law and Decency", he emphasised the importance of moral consistency and clarity to defend the international rule of law in the face of injustice, violence and hatred. Drawing on various historical examples as well as his own extensive professional experience, Professor Al Hussein's talk and subsequent Q&A with students, faculty and members of the public provided an inspiring and highly engaging opening session for the 2026 Lecture Series.
Zeid Al Hussein is President of the International Peace Institute, Perry World House Professor of the Practice of Law and Human Rights at the University of Pennsylvania, and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.