President Stubb predicts a Global Disorder unless Multilateral Institutions reform
Tuesday, May 13, 2025, will go down in history as the day that the University of Nairobi hosted President Alexander Stubb, Finland President who was on a state visit. President Stubb delivered a Public Lecture on ‘Geopolitics and the Transformation of Multilateral Order’ at the historical Taifa Hall.
Through a brief, powerful, and engaging Lecture, the author of New World Order and scholar, took the audience through a brief history of how the world has evolved through its systems of order, balance and dynamics.
‘There are three spheres of power: the Global East, the Global West, and the Global South. There are tensions between the Global East and West, and now the Global South will determine the New World Order. The Global South no longer needs to choose but now has the power to engage all parties on a multilateral platform.
President Stubb advocated for a multi-lateral order that empowers and gives everyone a voice and agency.
‘The paradox of the New World Order is that the world needs corporations. Yet, we see countries pulling out of corporations to channel their solutions to global challenges such as the Climate Crisis.’
The event was attended by the First Lady of the Republic of Finland, Madame Suzanne Innes-Stubb, Education Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Julius Migos, the Chancellor UoN, Prof Patrick Verkooijen, Vice Chancellor, Prof Margaret Hutchinson, academics, diplomats, and government officials, underscored Finland’s growing ties with Kenya and Africa at large.
While reading the President’s citation, the CS of Education, Mr. Julius Ogamba appreciated the 60 years of partnership between Kenya and Finland and appreciated Finland’s contribution to the advancement of Education in Kenya through scholarships.
'This historic visit marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between Finland and Kenya. It celebrates our shared commitment to democracy, peacebuilding, multilateralism, and sustainable development.
Born in Helsinki in 1968, President Stubb’s academic credentials are both exemplary and global. He holds a PhD in International Relations from the London School of Economics, where he defended his thesis on Flexible Integration in the European Union in 1999. Prior to that, he studied Political Science at Furman University in the United States, the Sorbonne University in Paris, and the College of Europe in Bruges—where he earned his Master of Arts and later returned as a visiting professor...
Behind the titles and accolades stands a man of intellect, humility, and great personal discipline. Professor Stubb is not only a former Prime Minister and seasoned diplomat, but also a lifelong scholar and teacher—deeply passionate about Europe, multilateralism, and the power of ideas. He has mentored students, debated policy in lecture halls, and written boldly on identity, democracy, and what it means to lead with both strength and empathy.' read CS Ogamba.
"A New World Order is upon us." Remarked Chancellor Prof. Verkooijen, warning of the collapsing systems; from pandemics and conflict to climate crisis and youth unemployment. He said that Africa needs investment, not aid. Jobs, not handouts, and with the UoN Big5, UoN is preparing graduates for the future!’
The Ag Vice Chancellor, Prof Jesang Hutchinson, expressed gratitude to the Government of Kenya and the Government of Finland in choosing the University of Nairobi to host this landmark lecture and to once again contribute to the global portfolio of the institution. She hailed the University for the Strategic partnership the University of Nairobi has with Helsinki University.
' Secondly, Your Excellency, we extend our appreciation for the insightful public lecture that you have just delivered. Listening to the vibrant discussions and feedback from your lecture, I am convinced that your fresh perspectives on the pressing issue of multilateralism and the evolving world order has sparked transformative discussions within our academic community and beyond. We cherish the strengthening of friendship and partnership between our nations. We look forward to further collaboration, especially as the University of Nairobi continues to deepen its ties with Finnish institutions, more importantly, the University of Helsinki to which the University of Nairobi is one of the five strategic partners.'
The President’s itinerary reflects a strong and deliberate focus on education, a sector that remains a key driver of national development and international cooperation.
