The late former SDLP leader and Foyle MP John Hume and wife Pat
Organised by the John and Pat Hume Foundation, along with the European University Institute (EUI), this week’s conference will focus on ‘leadership for peaceful change’.
The virtual conference, from Florence in Italy, will examine how Europe inspired many of the approaches adopted by the late Mr Hume in his work towards peace in Ireland. The Nobel laureate died last August at the age of 83.
The opening address, which takes place tomorrow, July 1 and also runs on Friday, will be delivered by President McAleese, who is also a patron of the Hume Foundation.
Other contributors will include EU Commissioner, Mairead McGuinness while the closing address will be delivered by Mr Coveney.
Mr Hume’s daughter, Professor Mo Hume will deliver a special welcome at the Friday afternoon session while music will be provided by Mr Hume’s close friend and composer Phil Coulter.
Hume Foundation chairman Dr Sean Farren said the conference would explore the former SDLP leader’s vision of Europe and its place in his legacy.
“As an MEP, he used his position and the influence it gave him to promote the values and principles of the European Union in order to advance the cause of peace and reconciliation,” Dr Farren said.
Professor Brigid Laffan of the EUI said Mr Hume drew on the wider European experience to “nourish his innovative and path-breaking ideas”.
Full details of the conference and live-streaming links are available at: https://www.eui.eu/events?id=537752
