Stephen J. Harper, the former prime minister of Canada, will headline Judson University’s World Leaders Forum on Oct. 3.
Known for his principled leadership and strategic vision, Harper has left an indelible mark on Canadian and global politics, according to a Judson news release.
Harper led Canada as the country’s 22nd prime minister. He created the modern Conservative Party of Canada, won three successive national elections, and was the longest serving Conservative prime minister since Canada’s founding prime minister in 1891, the release said.
He will offer insights garnered from his extensive experiences in navigating the complexities of geopolitics and international relations, and share his expertise in leadership, economic strategies, and global affairs.
Conservative leader Stephen Harper speaks during a campaign rally in Newmarket, Ontario, in 2015. Harper, one of the longest-serving Western leaders, sought a rare fourth term in office but lost to Liberal leader Justin Trudeau, the son of late Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.
AP, 2015
A host of world leaders have headlined the Elgin Christian university’s signature forum since its inaugural speaker — former President George W. Bush in 2011. Among them were former Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev, former United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony Blair, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Queen Noor of Jordan, a joint appearance by former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, and former U.S. Ambassador Caroline Kennedy.
Former CIA director and retired four-star Gen. David Petraeus was the notable guest in 2021. Scottish composer James MacMillan and British businessman and parliamentarian Robert Haldane Smith keynoted Judson’s 10th World Leaders Forum in 2023, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Eric Liddell’s gold medal in the 400-meter race in the 1924 Paris Olympics, which inspired the 1981 film “Chariots of Fire.”
This year’s program will feature a community event at 5 p.m. at Judson University’s Herrick Chapel, 1151 N. State St., Elgin, with a VIP reception starting at 3 p.m.
Proceeds from the event will fund scholarships for Judson’s Roeser Scholars — made possible through support from Tom Roeser of Otto Engineering — and RISE Program — Road to Independent Living, Spiritual Formation and Employment program for students with intellectual disabilities — and support ongoing operations of the World Leaders Forum.
Tickets are limited. Visit https://www.judsonu.edu/world-leaders-forum/main-event/.