Diplomat Jan Eliasson at the School of Global Studies
Jan Eliasson was visiting professor at the School of Global Studies during 2008–2009.
Jan Elisasson was awarded the Torgny Segerstedt Professorship by the Vice-Chancellor Pam Fredman after a long and solid career as a diplomat. Among other things, he has been Sweden's Minister of Foreign Affairs, President of the UN General Assembly, Swedish Ambassador to Washington and at the UN. He has held extensive and varied international mediation missions, such as in the Iran-Iraq War and in the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He has also led humanitarian efforts in Somalia, Sudan, Mozambique and the Balkans.
Pam Fredman, Vice-Chancellor about the award:
"With his long commitment for global issues, Jan Eliasson is a most worthy holder of the professorship. Through his career has he worked for Peace, Development and Human Rights. With his indefatigable and constant commitment has he made Sweden’s foreign policy characterized by humanity and cooperation. We are therefore delighted that he has accepted our offer.”
Since 2003, the Torgny Segerstedt Foundation has supported visiting professors in the Memory of Torgny Segerstedt. The holders are appointed by the University of Gothenburg for periods of one year and must represent subject fields with a connection to democracy, freedom of expression, human rights or religion.