Anna Lindh Lecture - EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib ”Strengthening Compliance with International Humanitarian Law in a Fragmented World”

Anna Lindh Lecture Event Details
Anna Lindh Lecture ”Strengthening Compliance with International Humanitarian Law in a Fragmented World”by EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib

Date and time: 13 November 2025, at 18:00

Venue: University Auditorium, Main University Building, Paradisgatan 2, Lund

The lecture is open to the public and will be held in English. No registration is required.

Hadja Lahbib

Commissioner Lahbib will address the growing challenges to international humanitarian law in an era marked by geopolitical division and the erosion of global norms. Drawing on her experience as a journalist, diplomat, and European policymaker, she will explore how international partnerships and institutions can work to restore respect for humanitarian principles and strengthen the rules-based international order.

Hadja Lahbib is responsible for promoting equality and inclusion across the European Union and also leads the EU’s work on preparedness and crisis management, driving efforts to strengthen Europe’s collective capacity to anticipate and respond to crises both within its borders and globally. She plays a central role in shaping and overseeing the EU’s humanitarian action worldwide. Working closely with the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), she sets the strategic direction for the Union’s humanitarian policy and ensures that EU assistance is principled, needs-based and in full respect of international humanitarian law.

Before joining the European Commission, Ms Lahbib served as Belgium’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs, Foreign Trade and the Federal Cultural Institutions (2022–2024). She previously had a distinguished career at Belgium’s French-speaking public broadcaster RTBF (1993–2022) as a journalist, news anchor, and documentary film-maker. Beyond her political and media work, Ms Lahbib co-led Brussels 2030, preparing the city’s candidacy for the European Capital of Culture. She holds a degree in Journalism and Communication from the Université Libre de Bruxelles, and completed executive training at the Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management.

About the Annual Anna Lindh Lecture Series

The Anna Lindh Lecture honours the memory of Anna Lindh, Sweden’s former Minister for Foreign Affairs, renowned for her commitment to international solidarity, democracy, and human rights. Each year, the lecture invites a distinguished speaker to reflect on pressing global issues central to Lindh’s legacy and the continued struggle for justice and peace.

Media and Attendance

The lecture event is open to the public and the media. Journalists wishing to attend are asked to contact Jennifer Jun, RWI jennifer [dot] jun [at] rwi [dot] lu [dot] se (jennifer[dot]jun[at]rwi[dot]lu[dot]se) by 11 November 2025.

Contact

For further information about the event, please contact overmarskalk [at] rektor [dot] lu [dot] se (overmarskalk[at]rektor[dot]lu[dot]se)

Organisers

The lecture is a collaboration between Raoul Wallenberg Institute (RWI), Anna Lindh Memorial Foundation, Lund University and Association of Foreign Affairs in Lund (UPF Lund)

In connection with the forthcoming renovation of the Main University Building, measurements of the indoor environment have shown odour from wood preservative, damp and microbial growth in the form of algae, mould fungus and bacteria. The results are within the recommended levels according to the Swedish Work Environment Authority. According to Lund University Occupational Health Service there is a low risk of acute effects on health for those making brief visits to the building, but sensitive individuals may have reactions and should therefore not be in the building for more than eight hours. Symptoms that may arise are eye irritation, irritation of the airways resulting in a cough or worsened asthma, tiredness, and headache. Sensitive individuals are children, expectant mothers, allergy sufferers, asthmatics or those with another condition affecting the airways. 

If you have any questions regarding the indoor climate, please contact the Chief of Protocol, Carin Brenner, +46 46-222 70 06.