February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Columbia University professor Jeffrey Sachs and U2 frontman Bono have agreed to host the inaugural Daniel Patrick Moynihan lecture, which will take place on Oct. 5 at the 800-seat Skirball Center for the Performing Arts in New York University.
The Glucksman Ireland House Center for Irish Studies in NYU are organizing the event, which they hope will take place on an annual basis.
The lecture aims to commemorate New York Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, who died in 2003. Between 1961 and 1976, Moynihan served on the cabinet under presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.
An influential figure in neoconservativism, Moynihan was famed for his forward-thinking policies. He published several books throughout his career, including “Family and Nation,” (1986) and “Secrecy,”(1998), before retiring from the Senate in 2001.
“Patrick Moynihan was a son of New York City,” according to Loretta Brannan Glucksman, president of Glucksman Ireland House.
“He was so inclusive in his thoughts and policies. We’re reaping the benefits of that today, not only in New York, but throughout the US. Its great that we have two such forward thinking individuals giving the first lecture.”
Sachs, whose book “End of World Poverty,” became an international bestseller when it was published in March, will deliver the lecture, whilst Bono will introduce his speech.
“Jeffery Sachs seemed like the perfect choice,” said Brennan Glucksman.
“He fits in well with Moynihan’s forward xlooking legacy. They’re cut from the same cloth. Fortunately, he also happens to be very close to Bono. Bono was eager to do it – he really admires Jeffery’s work. It was a 10 strike on both counts.”
It will not be the first time the pair has collaborated; Bono wrote the introduction to Sachs’ book, bringing to bear his experience of highlighting world poverty through global campaigns like Jubilee 2000 and Make Poverty History.
Tickets for the inaugural Daniel Patrick Moynihan lecture go on sale from Sept. 5 and will be available through www.skirballcenter.org. Prices range from $25 – $40. As places are limited and high demand is anticipated, it is advisable to book early.