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The John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum at the Institute of Politics is Harvard's premier arena for political speech, discussion and debate.

The forum regularly hosts heads of state, leaders in politics, government, business, labor and the media. A living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, the Institute's mission is to unite and engage students, particularly undergraduates, with academics, politicians, activists, and policy makers on a non-partisan basis to inspire them to consider careers in politics.

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Students seeking information about the IOP Forum Program should contact the Student Chair Anan Hafez or IOP Forum Coordinator Cathey Park. If you're interested in attending a JFK Jr. Forum or watching online, make sure to sign up for our newsletter. 

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TheJFK Jr Forum

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Upcoming Forums

Strengthening Democratic Institutions

Race, Media and Politics

A Conversation with Malala Yousafzai

America and the World: A Conversation with Ambassador Caroline Kennedy & Senator Ed Markey

Goldsmith Awards Ceremony 2019 with Marty Baron

Free Speech, Open Minds and the Pursuit of Truth

Robotland: The Future of Labor Policy and Work in an AI World

A Conversation with John Kerry

Brexit: What’s Next?

Moral Resistance: When Faith & Activism Meet in the Streets

Big Tech and Democracy

Upcoming Forums

The Abraham Accords: A Pathway to Peace with Economic Prosperity

Friday April 16 - 1:00pm

In a historic breakthrough, the Abraham Accords paved a path previously blocked for over 25 years with the full normalization of relations between Israel and Bahrain, Kosovo, Morocco, Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates. It was an important step toward creating the Middle East of the 21st century — a framework for peace and stability premised on economic development and opportunity. The opening of diplomatic relations provides cooperation points around growth and prosperity, leading to an increase in tourism, business, entrepreneurship, space exploration, and investment.

Join us on Friday, April 16th at 1pm ET, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the U.S. His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba and Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the U.S. His Excellency Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa with moderator The Honorable Bonnie Glick, IOP Fellow S'21 and former Deputy Administrator/Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Agency for International Development. The conversation and Q&A session will focus on accomplishments to date and a vision for a way forward to expand the Abraham Accords. 

RSVP here to join the conversation in the virtual JFK Jr. Forum.

The Decisive Decade for Climate Action

Thursday April 22 - 6:00pm

Join us on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22nd at 6:00pm ET, with Christiana Figueres, international leader on climate change and former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and now Co-founder of Global Optimism. Kathryn Sikkink, the Ryan Family Professor of Human Rights Policy at Harvard Kennedy School, will moderate the conversation as this year’s Robert S. McNamara Lecture on War and Peace. 
 
As we begin this critical decade for climate action with growing momentum for protecting and restoring our global commons, the intensity of this moment makes it a uniquely compelling and privileged time to be alive. How we achieve a sustainable well-being for everyone, everywhere on a thriving planet and protect the most vulnerable from the worst impacts of climate change will be the most defining chapter in the story of our species — one we can only write together. As we stand at this turning point, our responsibility is clear. The future we choose lies in the hands of each of us alive today.

We are proud to host this event in association with the Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment.

RSVP here to join the conversation in the virtual JFK Jr. Forum.