Jordanian Prince Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein will speak at Penn State on responsive citizenship in a lecture titled “Global Challenges to Human Rights Today.”

Known for his negative critiques on fascism and religious radicalism, the former United Nations High Commissioner will talk to attendees about taking a stand and preserving liberty in their own communities.

Elected as the first president of the International Criminal Court in 2002, al-Hussein played a major role in defining genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. As an adviser to the Secretary-General on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, his reporting on the elimination of sexual exploitation and abuse in U.N. peacekeeping operations was the first of its kind.

The Jordanian Prince recently pledged to be an International Gender Champion, a position dedicated to closing the gender inequality gap, through the Office of Human Rights. Last year the International Women’s Health Coalition gave al-Hussein the Visionary Leadership Award for his work.

Al-Hussein will speak at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 14 in the HUB’s Alumni Hall. The lecture, sponsored by Penn State’s Center for Character, Conscience and Public Purpose, is free and no tickets are required.