Mexican Ambassador lectures at KCL Think Tank event
His Excellency Eduardo Medina Mora, Mexican Ambassador to the United Kingdom, visited King’s yesterday to give a lecture entitled ‘Drugs and Health: Challenges in Public Policy’ as part of a series of events for KCL Think Tank Society’s Healthcare Policy Centre.
The Ambassador, a world leading expert on drugs policy and former Mexican Attorney-General, has previously lectured at international conferences and seminars on various security topics. He was the main leader of the joint Mexican-International war on drugs, as he directed an initiative to thwart drug cartels and designed a strategy to ultimately reduce the power of criminal organisations; thus making his lecture a unique and exclusive opportunity for King’s students.
Prior to the event, the Ambassador was greeted by Principal Professor Rick Trainor, as well as members of KCL Think Tank Society and Mexican students. The Principal expressed his desire to further develop the College’s relationship with Mexico and engage with the Mexican student community. The Ambassador also met Professor Anthony Pereira, Director of the Brazil Institute, with whom he discussed current topics regarding Mexico as a leading economy in Latin America.
During his lecture, the Ambassador discussed drug legalization and enlightened students about drug regulations and guidelines in Mexico. He addressed the audience about behavioural drugs and the resulting negative consequences on Mexican society. Afterwards he opened the floor to questions from students and society members, who were keen to discuss ways in which the international community could best tackle the ongoing war on drugs.
Gerardo Pederzini, President of the Healthcare Policy Centre at the Think Tank and organiser of the event, commented: ‘The event was very successful. I believe that it was a unique opportunity to discuss an essential topic, which is of the greatest relevance not only for Mexicans, but for people everywhere. It was an honour to receive His Excellency and the Principal, in an event that represents a great effort and a true success of the Healthcare Policy Centre.’
Commenting on his involvement with the KCL Think Tank Society, Gerardo Pederzini said: ‘The society has helped me to make my entrepreneurial aspirations to come true. Ambassador Eduardo Medina Mora’s visit was an outstanding event and is one of my best experiences at King’s; observing fellow students discuss with a world leader is something I will never forget.
‘I think being part of the KCL Think Tank Society will help me to reach my career ambitions and future aspirations. The lectures, projects and the upcoming journal are all opportunities to develop my leadership abilities and improve my understanding of the world. Having the opportunity to meet world leaders such as Ambassador Eduardo Medina Mora, will help me learn from the best, and therefore help me give the best.’
This year the KCL Think Tank Society has received generous funding from the College’s Annual Fund and Gerardo added: ‘It is because of the College’s support that the Think Tank is able to run at least 40 events every year, including various lectures and seminars across the policy centres. The Society is also aiming to produce a unique journal at the end of the academic year, which is thanks to the help of the Annual Fund.
‘I would say that the university experience is not only about going to class and to focus solely on academia. For extracurricular activities and additional learning experiences, an initiative from the student body is needed. However, it is down to the support of the College and generous alumni who have helped our Society to grow.’