Tang Prize Laureate Mary Robinson Advocates Human Rights at Soochow University Forum

Mary Robinson, the first female president of Ireland and a renowned global advocate for human rights, delivered an inspiring address on September 30, 2024, at Soochow University during a forum titled “Contemporary Challenges on Human Rights and Global Justice.” The event was part of the Tang Prize Master’s Forum series designed to deepen Taiwanese understanding of global issues on human rights and climate justice.

SU President Chyan-Long Jan welcomed Robinson and underscored the significance of such a distinguished figure sharing her insightful views in Taiwan. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fostering human rights education and international dialogue. 

Robinson, who was awarded the 6th Tang Prize in the Rule of Law, emphasized the need for creative and collaborative approaches to tackling human rights challenges. Advocating for human rights requires global vision, intergenerational communication, and youth engagement to build an efficient consensus for change, she stated.

The forum, moderated by SU’s Joseph K. Twanmoh Chair Professor Mab Huang, featured prominent panelists: Nigel N.T. Li, special senior counselor at Lee & Li Attorneys-at-Law; Mei-Nu Yu, president of the Taiwan Bar Association; and Jiunn-rong Yeh, chair professor at National Taiwan University. Together, they discussed issues ranging from gender equality and poverty eradication to climate justice, stressing the interconnectedness of these global concerns.

Soochow’s Law School, the first comparative law school in Asia, has been at the forefront of human rights education. In 2004, SU launched Taiwan’s first and only Human Rights Program offering a master’s degree, reinforcing its leadership in advancing human rights studies.

The Tang Prize, established to recognize outstanding contributions to the rule of law, honors individuals and organizations advocating for human rights and justice. Robinson’s presence and message served as a call to action for students, faculty, and society to address contemporary global challenges collaboratively.