Growing up in a small village in Kenya, Mburu was able to attend secondary school only because of a Swedish woman named Hilde Back who sponsored him. Now with an advanced degree from Harvard Law School, Mburu said he considers himself “very privileged” to have gotten an education.

Mburu explained that while education is not considered a civil or political right by most people, it is an important economic, social and cultural right. “You see that ignorance is used as a tool for political power,” he said.

Mburu shared some familiar tragedies in the developing world. For example, he discussed how warlords in some countries recruit mainly among the impoverished and uneducated. Further, he said, police feel that they can violate those same people’s civil rights because they are unaware of the proper channels to defend themselves. Mburu offered education as the solution to these problems. It is, he said, the foundation of development and peace.

Discussing the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Mburu underscored Article 26, which says, “Everyone has the right to education.” However, he explained, the declaration is not legally binding on signatories. To Mburu, the right to education should be guaranteed. 

Mburu encouraged audience members to consider what they might do individually to promote education. In honor of his sponsor, Mburu created a scholarship program in Kenya called the Hilde Back Education Fund. The story is the subject of an award-winning documentary, “A Small Act.” He reflected on the meaning of the film’s title by suggesting that we “try to do small things,” rather than focus on the inability to do everything that is needed to fix global problems.

In addition to the Global Perspectives Office, sponsors and partners included �鶹ӳ����ý Global Peace and Security Studies Program, �鶹ӳ����ý Diplomacy Program, Lawrence J. Chastang and the Chastang Foundation, �鶹ӳ����ý Political Science Department, �鶹ӳ����ý International Services Center, �鶹ӳ����ý LIFE, �鶹ӳ����ý Book Festival 2013 in association with the Morgridge International Reading Center and the Global Connections Foundation.

His presentation, which is free and open to the public, takes place on Thursday, Oct. 25, at 3 p.m. in the Cape Florida Ballroom of the �鶹ӳ����ý Student Union.

Mburu has been doing human rights work for the last 20 years – first as an activist in Kenya, then while earning his LLM at Harvard Law School, and finally by working with organizations such as Amnesty International, Global Rights and the United Nations.

Mburu is heading the anti-discrimination section of the UN Human Rights Agency, based in Geneva, Switzerland. His work involves conducting research on discrimination and intolerance that could result in the commission of serious crimes.

In addition to the Global Perspectives Office, sponsors include the �鶹ӳ����ý Global Peace and Security Studies Program, �鶹ӳ����ý Diplomacy Program, Lawrence J. Chastang and the Chastang Foundation, �鶹ӳ����ý Political Science Department, �鶹ӳ����ý International Services Center, �鶹ӳ����ý LIFE, �鶹ӳ����ý Book Festival 2013 in association with the Morgridge International Reading Center, and the Global Connections Foundation.

The presentations are part of the office’s mission to sharpen �鶹ӳ����ý’s international focus. Global Perspectives recently celebrated 10 years of advancing global initiatives at the university and is entering its second decade with a robust programming schedule.

Each event connects to the office’s annual theme for 2012-2013, “The Changing Face of Freedom in Today’s Turbulent Times.” The theme is a natural development from last year’s: “People Power, Politics and Global Change.”

Kicking off the season are two speakers who soften serious observations about political crises with a bit of humor. Doug McMarlin and Jason Recher will share their experiences as conservative political strategists and former White House aides. Drawing from their inside look at how the White House handles national and global crises, the duo will discuss lessons for political leaders.

The event will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept.  4, in the Cape Florida Ballroom of the �鶹ӳ����ý Student Union.

This semester’s other highlights, which are free and open to the public, include:

For a full list of upcoming events or to learn more about the Global Perspectives Office, visit .