Obasanjo served as ruler of Nigeria from 1976-1979 and president of Nigeria from 1999-2007. As a general, politician and diplomat, he is credited with being the first military leader in Africa to hand over power to civilian rule.

Former Mexican President Vicente Fox was the Forum’s first speaker, followed by Jean Chrétien, the former Canadian Prime Minister, and the former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe Velez. Other world leaders scheduled to speak at the Forum in 2013 include Shashi Tharoor, a former Minister of State for External Affairs and an elected member of the Indian Parliament and Jose’ Luis Zapatero, former Prime Minister of Spain.

A key focus of the Forum is facilitating connections between former world leaders and college and high school students to encourage leadership development among youth and provide them with a glimpse of presidential leadership. TCU students, as well as students from area high schools and other universities, will be able to attend the afternoon Forums free of charge. After Obasanjo makes some brief remarks, Vicente Fox will engage in a dialogue with him on a variety of issues they faced as world leaders.

The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required and may be made via phone to Nancy Styles at 817-257-7808 or e-mail at n.styles@tcu.edu.