Iceland's President Praises Manchester-Oxbridge Partnership at Oxford Event
27th Feb 2024
President Jóhannesson
On the 27th of February, President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson of Iceland delivered a thought-provoking lecture at the University of Oxford, where he shared insights from his journey transitioning from a distinguished historian to the President of Iceland. Following his lecture, President Jóhannesson engaged with students who participated in the event through the Manchester-Oxbridge Partnership, commending the initiative for fostering collaborative academic and cultural exchanges.
The theme of President Jóhannesson's lecture, "Where You Stand Depends on Where You Sit: The Challenge of Being an Academic Turned Head of State," offered a deep dive into the complexities and challenges he faced moving from academia to the political arena. He explored the philosophical and practical dilemmas of applying historical perspectives and academic insights to the pragmatic and often unpredictable world of politics. Drawing from his personal experiences, President Jóhannesson discussed the nuances of policy-making, the importance of maintaining integrity and objectivity, and how his academic background has influenced his approach to governance and diplomatic relations.
President Jóhannesson with students from the University of Manchester
By sharing anecdotes from his tenure as President, alongside reflections on historical events and scholarly analysis, President Jóhannesson provided a unique lens through which to view the intersection of academia and statecraft.