Launch of the Mary Robinson Speaker Series on Business & Human Rights (October 26, 2010 - New York City)

The trustees and staff of Business & Human Rights Resource Centre are pleased to invite you to the inaugural event in the Mary Robinson Speaker Series in New York City on October 26 at 6 pm. The Resource Centre is honored that Mary Robinson will launch this annual business and human rights series as the first speaker.

Mary Robinson is one of the world’s leading human rights advocates. As President of Ireland (1990-1997) and as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (1997-2002), Mary Robinson brought world attention to human rights challenges and called for greater commitment and action to make rights a reality for all. She has continued her work on behalf of human rights through many activities, including as founder and President of Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative and as a member of the Elders, a group of eminent global leaders brought together by Nelson Mandela to support peace-building and help address major causes of human suffering. In recognition of her lifetime commitment to human rights, she was awarded the US Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2009.

The Mary Robinson Speaker Series pays tribute to Mary’s human rights leadership and her contribution to the field of business and human rights. It will bring together each year a diverse audience to reflect on key challenges and opportunities in this field.

This year’s inaugural event will open with comments on Mary’s achievements by well-known individuals who have worked closely with her. She will be introduced by:

John Ruggie, Professor at Harvard and UN Special Representative on business & human rights
Lucas Benitez, Co-Director of Coalition of Immokalee Workers
Alexandra Guáqueta, responsible for human rights at Cerrejón Coal (Colombia), a member of the Global Business Initiative on Human Rights

Mary will reflect on her work for human rights and the importance of the private sector respecting human rights. This will be followed by an interview of Mary by Ray Suarez, PBS NewsHour Senior Correspondent, and questions from the audience.

We hope that you will join us for what promises to be an inspiring and insightful evening.

Venue: Caspary Auditorium, Rockefeller University, New York City
1230 York Avenue (at East 66th Street) on Manhattan's Upper East Side

Schedule: Doors open: 5:45 pm 
Event begins: 6:00 pm 
Post-event reception: 7:45 pm

Admission is free, but reservations are required to attend, so please RSVP by Oct. 5 to Greg Regaignon to ensure you have a space: regaignon@business-humanrights.org or +1 909-626-0260