The International Development Research Centre, in collaboration with the Embassy of Chile, hosted a public lecture given by the former President of Chile, Ricardo Lagos, on December 3. As part of the 2007-2008 IDRC Speaker Series, Mr Lagos addressed the challenges of democratic development in Latin America.

During the 1980s as an outspoken critic of the dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet, Mr Lagos played a pivotal role in restoring democracy to his country. A lawyer with a doctorate in economics, he founded the Party for Democracy in 1987. In 2000, Mr Lagos was elected President of Chile and served a six-year term.

On leaving office, Mr Lagos founded the Democracy and Development Foundation. He is also president of the Madrid Club, a forum of former presidents and heads of government committed to the promotion of democracy. In May 2007, he was appointed as a Special Envoy on Climate Change by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

Listen to the podcast of the event

The IDRC Speaker Series, sponsored by Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC), features provocative presentations on issues of social justice and international development from speakers with worldwide reputations. The 2007–2008 series focuses on building democracy in developing countries. 

2007-12-03 18:30 (Ottawa)
IDRC Speaker Series: Ricardo Lagos
The former President of Chile, Ricardo Lagos will address the challenges of democratic development in Latin America during a public lecture Monday, December 3, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., in the 8th floor auditorium of IDRC's new head office, 150 Kent Street.