Past Speaker

Minister of Defense in Finland

The Sandra Day O'Connor Institute, in partnership with the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations, was pleased to present Minister Elisabeth Rehn, former Under Secretary General of the United Nations and Minister of Defense in Finland recently.

A capacity crowd filled the Phoenix Country Club Ballroom on Tuesday, September 26. 2017 to hear from Minister Rehn, the first woman appointed as Minister of Defense for any nation. Minister Rehn narrowly missed election to the Presidency of Finland in 1994 and went on to serve as the United Nations Undersecretary General from 1995-1999.

The Honorable Barbara Barrett, former U.S. Ambassador to Finland and now Chairman of the Board of The Aerospace Corporation, was Mistress of Ceremonies and conducted the Q&A portion of the luncheon program. Questions from the audience were abundant and thought provoking, particularly given that Finland is celebrating its 100th Anniversary of independence from Russia this year.

Ambassador Barrett noted, "As is characteristic of the self-deprecating Finns, Minister Rehn downplayed her own credentials and experience, despite having so much about which she could boast! For those who listened carefully, she conveyed many pearls of wisdom and history that are uniquely hers. In many ways, she shares the breakthrough leadership of our own Justice O'Connor, though in quite a different time and place."

Today, Elisabeth Rehn is a Member of the Global Leadership Foundation (GLF), chaired by Nobel Peace Prize recipient and former President of South Africa, FW de Klerk. GLF is a not-for-profit foundation composed primarily of former heads of government who share their leadership experience with current national leaders to support democratic leadership. Appreciation goes to all who attended this informative luncheon.