Both lecture series honour Professor Henry Habib who founded the Department of Political Science in 1961 at Loyola College, one of Concordia’s founding institutions. He was Chair of the Department for sixteen years. Habib has since remained dedicated to his students, encouraging them to learn and think critically about the important issues facing Canadian and international politics. He was promoted to Distinguished Emeritus Professor in 1999.
Henry Habib speaker series
The Henry Habib Speaker Series on Applied Diplomacy
Established in 2026, the Henry Habib Speaker Series on Applied Diplomacy features speakers who provide insights into the inner workings of diplomacy. Events welcome Concordia students and faculty as well as scholars from other institutions and the community at large. It showcases the Diplomacy Accelerator’s expertise and offer exceptional opportunities for engagement.
The Henry P. Habib Distinguished Speakers Series on Peace, Conflict and Global Politics in the 21st Century
Established in 2005, the Henry P. Habib Distinguished Speakers Series on Peace, Conflict and Global Politics in the 21st Century was created to provide students the opportunity to learn from major political figures.
Featured lectures
Speaker: His Excellency Adler Aristilde, Canada’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe
Date: September 18, 2024
Title: An Ambassador’s Journey
Speaker: Dr. Vikas Swarup, India’s former High Commissioner to Canada, author, and Concordia Honourary Doctorate Recipient
Date: October 20, 2023
Title: Black Swans, Unicorns and Mirages: Navigating Contemporary Geopolitics
Speaker: The Honourable Allan Rock, former Liberal Cabinet Minister and Canada’s former ambassador to the United Nations.
Date: April 4, 2023
Title: The Withering of Human Rights
Speaker: The Honorable David Lametti, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
Date: August 29, 2020
Speaker: The Right Honourable Jean Chrétien, former Prime Minister of Canada.
Date: March 4, 2016
Title: Canada: Its Own Flag, Its Own Destiny
