ESU Wrench Speaker Program

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Sir Christopher Hum, KCMG

A Lecture by the Former British Ambassador to China

Sir Christopher Hum, former British Ambassador to China, will present an intriguing and timely lecture in Kansas City on Wednesday, March 9, 2022. This special lecture program is in partnership with The English-Speaking Union of Kansas City and the International Relations Council and is part of ESU's Evelyn Wrench Lecture Series. The ESU and IRC are pleased to welcome Sir Christopher Hum to his first visit to Kansas City.

On his first visit to China, during the tumult of the Cultural Revolution, Christopher Hum watched Chairman Mao receive the adoration of his Red Guards. He lived there in all for ten years, as a diplomat and as British Ambassador between 2002 and 2005 and had a ringside seat as China turned into the superpower it is today. What role does China aspire to play in the international community? Threat or opportunity? Will China rule the world?

When: Wednesday, March 9, 2022

            5:45 pm CT—Registration and networking

            6:30 pm CT—Remarks by Ambassador Christopher Hum followed by Q&A

            8:00 pm CT—Program ends

Where: Polsinelli Conference Center, 900 W. 48^th Pl. Kansas City, MO

Registration and Tickets:

ESU and IRC Members--$10.00 plus $2.24 fee

General Admission--$15.00 plus $2.55 fee

Students—Free. If you are a student, please email Evan Verploegh at everploegh@irckc.org    and attach a photo of your student ID to confirm registration. 

Parking and Logistics

Parking is available in the underground garage connected to Polsinelli's offices. Take the garage elevator to the ground floor. The security guard will be happy to validate your parking ticket. The Polsinelli conference space is located on the ground floor. Parking for Polsinelli visitors is located at the Welsh Plaza parking garage directly under The Fontaine Hotel. Entrances to the garage are located off of Roanoke Parkway (Northbound) and Belleview Avenue (Southbound) and visitors may enter or exit from either side.

Covid Protocols

Covid Protocol Update:

With the continually evolving situation regarding Covid-19, we have elected to augment our protocols for the upcoming Wednesday event featuring Christopher Hum. Below is the protocol which will be followed. Proof of vaccination, or a negative test will no longer be required for entry.

We frequently monitor the city's Covid-19 policy updates as conditions continue to improve. Thus, we have amended our Covid-19 protocol for this lecture. Masks will be required for all attendees. Please note that no food or drink will be served.

About Christopher Hum

Christopher Hum joined Her Majesty's Diplomatic Service in 1967 and much of his diplomatic career was connected with China. He studied Chinese at Hong Kong University and went on to spend a total of eight years in postings to the British Embassy in Beijing, culminating in four years as British Ambassador (2002-2005). He also served in the Asian departments of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and for several years was closely involved in the negotiations on the return of Hong Kong to China. Other overseas postings included Brussels (European Communities), Paris, the United Nations in New York and Warsaw (as Ambassador, 1996-1998).

Between 2006 and 2012 Christopher Hum was Master of Gonville and Caius College Cambridge, where he remains as a Life Fellow. He is a commentator on China in the media and has just completed a post-graduate degree in East Asian art at the School of Oriental and African Studies, London University.

About the IRC
The International Relations Council (IRC) is a non-profit (501(c)(3)) non-partisan educational organization in Kansas City, Missouri, and a member of the World Affairs Councils of America. As an educational nonprofit, the IRC works in partnership with a range of businesses, universities, community organizations, K-12 schools, and other interested individuals to grow a global perspective and find international connections within the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area. The IRC works to foster interest in and understanding of international affairs among the citizens of Kansas City through the development of various programs and events. As a membership organization, the IRC welcomes individuals and families, businesses, universities, and other organizations to join as IRC members in order to help sustain global-affairs education in the Kansas City community and receive various benefits.

About the English-Speaking Union

Founded in 1920, The English-Speaking Union of the United States is a non-profit, non-political educational organization that employs English as a shared language to foster global understanding and goodwill by providing educational and cultural programs for students, educators, English language learners, new immigrants, and members. The ESU carries out its work through a network of more than 65 branches in the U.S. The Sir Christopher Hum lecture program is part of ESU's Evelyn Wrench Speaker Series and our continuing Centennial celebration of 100 years in Kansas City—1920-2020. ESU members locally in Kansas City and nationally participate in a variety of educational, cultural, and social events which help support its scholarship, international exchange, and speaker programs. Learn more at www.esuus.org/kansascity. 

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