Kofi Annan, the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations (1997-2006) and Founder and Chair of the Kofi Annan Foundation arrives in Hull today (Friday 1 September 2017).
Mr Annan will give the annual Wilberforce lecture at the newly advertised time of 11.30am at the City Hall on Saturday 2 September. The event is sold out but will be streamed live.
Mr Annans visit also coincides with the start of the Freedom Festival which celebrates through artistic and cultural expression, Hulls independent spirit and historic contribution to the cause of Freedom.
Mr Annan will speak to young people in Hull about the work of his foundation and hear from representatives of the local young peoples parliament. He will meet civic leaders, the local Ghanaian community and a delegation from Hulls twin city, Freetown in Sierra Leone. Mr Annan will also see highlights of Hulls Freedom festival during his stay.
Lord Prescott, who has worked with Mr Annan on various global issues, and invited him to Hull in its Culture Year, said: I am looking forward to welcoming Mr Annan to Hull. His experience with children and young people in conflict areas is world renowned and he will be able to give a valuable insight into his experiences.