During the two evenings, Alumni and Friends of both the Institute and Lund University, were specially invited to exchange, reconnect and be inspired by speeches about how one individual can make a difference in the world.
One speech was held by Ms Margot Wallström, current Chair of the Board of Lund University.
– The deeds of Raoul Wallenberg serves as an outstanding example of the difference one individual can make. He had the courage to act while others remained silent, said Margot Wallström to the large crowd gathered at the New York University.
– We are proud to continue the work in his spirit, said the Institute´s Director Marie Tuma and exemplified with how Raoul Wallenberg is an inspiration for the Institute´s worldwide commitments to human rights today.
Historical and current reflections on Raoul Wallenberg´s legacy in relation to our time´s challenges to prevent and punish war crimes and genocide were at the core of the speeches both in New York and Los Angeles.
Throughout 2012 the Institute has taken part in activities both in Sweden and abroad to commemorate the Centenary of Raoul Wallenberg´s birth. It has been a year of increased reflection on how the Swedish diplomat and his courageous deeds during the Second World War remain an inspiration to individuals and organizations to make a tangible difference worldwide.
The two occasions, in New York and Los Angeles, provided opportunities to gather around the notion on how, over the last decades, individuals with passion, commitment and strong courage from all levels of society and continents, have been trained and educated on human rights and humanitarian law by the Institute. Many of these have also become key actors who contribute to positive change on a daily basis in as well governmental organizations to NGO´s, to national and international organizations.
– It has been a truly inspirational evening and so great to be meet both old friends from the Institute, said Phil Matsheza, alumn of the Master Programme Programme of International Human Rights in Lund and currently working at UNDP. It is great to get together with other people who also are engaged in human rights, and get new friends and networks.
