Georgetown University Law Center
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This year, as we reflect on the 76th anniversary of the World Health Organization, we are reminded of the pivotal moments that have united the world in confronting health crises that threaten our lives and well-being. From the Ebola virus and HIV/AIDS epidemic to the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent mpox outbreak, these health challenges have exposed deep-seated inequities and tested our humanity. Yet, through the power of law, we have made significant progress in preparing for and responding to disease outbreaks and other health emergencies.
At the forefront of this movement is Professor Lawrence O. Gostin, a pioneer in the field of global health law. His visionary work has shaped the legal dimensions of global health, and his contributions continue to influence and inspire, making him one of the most influential legal scholars of our time.
Please join us for a half-day convening to honor Professor Gostin’s contributions and engage in a conversation with leading experts, scholars, and advocates on how together we can preserve and protect the health of all people.
Schedule of Events:
12 – 12:30 p.m. – Lunch and Opening Remarks
Speakers:
- Dean William M. Treanor, Georgetown Law
- Timothy J. O’Neill, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Georgetown University, and Chairman of the Finance and Investment Committees. Mr. O’Neill is the former Senior Counselor in the Executive Office of Goldman Sachs. He and his wife, Linda O’Neill, are the founding donors of the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law.
12:30 – 1:15 p.m. – Pioneering Global Health Law: A Conversation With Dr. Fauci and Professor Gostin
In a conversation moderated by Slate Magazine journalist Marc Joseph Stern, Professor Lawrence O. Gostin will sit down with long-time friend and colleague Dr. Anthony S. Fauci to discuss his pivotal role in developing the discipline of global health law, insights on guiding public health policy and response through multiple health emergencies, and his enduring legacy in inspiring scholars and public health advocates.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Professor Abbe Gluck, and Professor I. Glenn Cohen will also provide video contributions.
Speakers:
- Professor Lawrence O. Gostin, Founding O’Neill Chair in Global Health Law; Co-Faculty Director, O’Neill Institute
- Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, Distinguished Senior Scholar, O’Neill Institute; Distinguished University Professor, Georgetown University School of Medicine and McCourt School of Public Policy; Former Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health
Moderated by: Marc Joseph Stern, Reporter, Slate Magazine
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. – Attacks on Health Care: Protecting Humanity During Times of Crisis
A pioneer in the field of global health law, Professor Lawrence O. Gostin’s work has shaped international discourse on matters involving public health, mental health, access to medicines and vaccines, HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, pandemics, childhood diseases, and the political, economic, and social crises that interfere with the ability to flourish. Dr. Gostin’s work has courageously confronted the impact of war and the erosion of democracy in separating people from good health. This conversation will delve into these urgent topics, examining the intersection of health and justice.
Speakers:
- Saman Zia-Zarifi, Executive Director, Physicians for Human Rights
- Jeffrey S. Crowley, Director, Center for HIV and Infectious Disease Policy, O’Neill Institute; Former Director; White House Office of National AIDS Policy; Former Senior Advisor on Disability Policy for President Barack Obama
- S. Mona Sinha, Global Executive Director, Equality Now; Board Chair, Women Moving Millions
Moderated by: Professor Michele Bratcher Goodwin, Linda D. & Timothy J. O’Neill Professor of Constitutional Law and Global Health Policy; Co-Faculty Director, O’Neill Institute
2:40 – 3:40 p.m. – Weaponizing Women and Girls in Conflict and Beyond
Women and girls are disproportionately subjected to serious health and safety threats during times of conflict. Legal scholars and regional experts will examine the effectiveness of international and regional legal frameworks in protecting the health, safety, and human rights of women and girls during conflict.
Speakers:
- Dr. Sima Samar, Commission for the Prevention of Torture; Former Minister of Women’s Health, Afghanistan. Dr. Samar is the author of Outspoken: My Fight for Freedom and Human Rights in Afghanistan.
- Dr. Jean-Claude Mulunda is the Country Director for Ipas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and also leads the organization’s work in Burundi.
- Dr. Pardis Mahdavi, Award-winning Author, The Book of Queens, This Goes Out To The Underground, Passionate Uprisings; University of La Verne
Moderated by: Pema Levy, Journalist, Mother Jones
3:50 – 4:50 p.m. – Healing The Mind & Body: Protecting and Preserving Music and The Arts For The Public’s Health
Panelists will explore how music, art, and culture can be preserved and leveraged as a source of resilience and identity during times of conflict, ensuring that cultural heritage is safeguarded even in the most challenging circumstances.
Speakers:
- Dr. Francis S. Collins, Former Director, National Institutes of Health
- Renée Fleming, 5-time Grammy Award Winner, Kennedy Center Honoree, and WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Arts & Health
- Aloe Blacc, Grammy Award-nominated Singer and Songwriter
- T. Mychael Rambo, Three-Time Midwest Emmy Award-winning Actor; Vocalist; Arts Educator, Author; Public Theater
- Kamel Zennia, World Music Artist, Activist, and Bandleader
- Ruth Pointer, Lead Singer, Pointer Sisters (Video Contribution)
Moderated by: T. Mychael Rambo, Three-Time Midwest Emmy Award-winning Actor; Vocalist; Arts Educator, Author; Public Theater