On 16 October 2023, UNU and the University of Oxford Japan Office, will co-host “A Dialogue with Lord Patten: Japan and Britain in a Changing Asia”, a conversation with the Rt. Hon. the Lord Patten of Barnes, the Chancellor of the University of Oxford. The event will start at 18:30 in the 2F Reception Hall at the UNU Headquarters in Tokyo.
Lord Patten’s unique experiences and perspectives offer an unparalleled view into the dynamics of global governance, international relations and higher education. This event offers a unique opportunity for alumni of the University of Oxford and the public to hear Lord Patten’s views on a range of topics that have shaped his career and continue to be of relevance today.
Lord Patten will join UNU-IAS Director Dr. Shinobu Yume Yamaguchi to discuss his role as the Chancellor of the University of Oxford, the university’s role in a global higher education system undergoing significant structural change and his insights into the evolving relationships among key global powers. What pressing challenges does the university face in a post-Brexit, post-pandemic United Kingdom? What are the prospects for Hong Kong as it becomes further integrated into the governance and administrative system of mainland China? How can medium-sized democracies like Japan and the UK continue to exert global political influence?
The UNU Conversation Series aims to foster audience participation; you are encouraged to engage with the speakers during the conversation and at the reception that will follow, where all audience members are invited to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks while exchanging ideas and making new contacts.
Please note that this event will be in English. Advance registration (by 15 October) is required. Please click on the REGISTER button above to access the online registration page.
This event is co-hosted by UNU and the University of Oxford Japan Office.
Also note that entry into the venue will not be allowed after 18:45. Please be prepared to present identification at check-in.
About the speaker
The Rt. Hon. the Lord Patten of Barnes, KG, CH, PC — Christopher Francis Patten — is a British politician and diplomat and has been the Chancellor of the University of Oxford since 2003. Lord Patten’s political career commenced in 1966 when he joined the Conservative Research Department In 1979. Lord Patten was elected as Member of Parliament for Bath, a seat he held until April 1992.
Lord Patten was appointed as Governor of Hong Kong in April 1992, a position he held until 1997, overseeing the return of Hong Kong to China. He was Chairman of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland established under the Good Friday Peace Agreement. From 1999 to 2004, Patten served as European Commissioner for External Relations, and in 2005 he took his seat in the House of Lords.
In April 2023, as a recognition of his accomplishments, Lord Patten was appointed a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter by His Majesty King Charles III — Britain’s highest order of chivalry and a mark of the country’s respect for Lord Patten’s work in the UK and abroad. Throughout his career, Lord Patten has demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to British politics and international affairs.
Lord Patten was educated at Balliol College, Oxford, where he read Modern History and was elected a Domus Exhibitioner. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh, and Honorary Fellow of Balliol College, Oxford. He served as Chancellor of Newcastle University from 1999 to 2009, and was elected Chancellor of the University of Oxford in 2003.
