IPI in partnership with the Kofi Annan Foundation, Open Society Foundations, and International Crisis Group cohosted the second Kofi Annan Lecture Series on September 26th featuring Maria Ressa, 2021 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and CEO of Rappler.

Maria Ressa has shown exemplary global leadership on critical issues facing today’s world—including combatting disinformation and promoting and advocating for democracy to support peace.

For her courage and journalistic integrity, Maria has received numerous accolades. In October 2021, she was one of two journalists awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her “efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace.”

In 2022, she was appointed by the UN Secretary-General to the Leadership Panel of the Internet Governance Forum and serves as its Vice-Chair.

She is a Professor of Professional Practice at the Institute of Global Politics at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, where she leads projects related to artificial intelligence and democracy.

She has also authored several books, including her most recent book: How to Stand Up to a Dictator, which has been translated into more than 20 languages.

The series provides an opportunity for leaders to set out new ideas and agendas for international cooperation and diplomacy, recalling Secretary-General Annan’s role in championing rules-based cooperation and sustainable solutions.

Welcoming/Opening Remarks:
Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, President and CEO of the International Peace Institute
Elhadj As Sy, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Kofi Annan Foundation
Binaifer Nowrojee, President of the Open Society Foundations

Keynote Speaker:
Maria Ressa, 2021 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and CEO of Rappler

Closing Remarks:
Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, President and CEO of the International Peace Institute
Comfort Ero, President and CEO of International Crisis Group