On 26 September 2024, the Kofi Annan Foundation, in partnership with the International Peace Institute, Open Society Foundations, and International Crisis Group, co-hosted the second event in the Kofi Annan Lecture Series featuring Maria Ressa, 2021 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and CEO of Rappler. Learn more about the Kofi Annan Lecture Series.
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 for her “efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace.” In 2022, Maria Ressa 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 How to Stand Up to a Dictator, which has been translated into more than 20 languages.
The Kofi Annan Lecture 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
