President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, will visit UNSW Sydney next week to deliver a keynote address entitled “Sharing the tasks of ethical remembering – Ireland and Australia”.
In the first State visit to Australia by an Irish president since Mary McAleese’s visit in 1998, President Michael D. Higgins will focus on deepening and expanding Ireland’s long-standing bilateral ties with Australia and highlighting aspects of the two countries’ shared history.
The President’s visit comes a month after Australian Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove visited Ireland, the first Australian governor-general to tour Ireland since Sir William Deane in 1999.
President Higgins, who took office in 2011, was the first Irish head of state to visit the UK where, in 2014, he addressed both houses of the UK Parliament.
A passionate political voice, a poet and writer, academic and statesman, human rights advocate, promoter of inclusive citizenship and champion of creativity within Irish society, President Higgins has previously served at almost every level of public life in Ireland, including as Ireland’s first Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht.
His address is open to UNSW staff and students, and members of the public.
What: Keynote address by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins
When: Thursday, 19 October 2017, 3.30pm
Where: Leighton Hall, UNSW John Niland Scientia Building
RSVP by 16 October here