Terry Waite CBE to speak at 2013 AUA Annual Conference and Exhibition

We're delighted to announce that the 2013 AUA Conference and Exhibition opening plenary will be presented by Terry Waite CBE - the humanitarian and negotiator who was held hostage in Lebanon from 1987-1991.

Terry's career has always involved international travel, from witnessing and narrowly escaping death in Uganda's 1971 coup, to travelling with the first ever visit of an Archbishop of Canterbury to China. From 1980, Terry's humanitarian interests led to him negotiating the release of several hostages in Iran, Libya and Lebanon, until ties with the US led to him being taken hostage while attempting a negotiation. Waite was held captive for 1763 days, with the first four years spent in solitary confinement.

Following his release, Terry has focused on writing, speaking, and humanitarian and political affairs. Terry holds honorary degrees from Durham University, The Open University, and the University of Chester. He is also a Visiting Fellow at Magdalen College, Oxford.

Terry will be speaking on negotiation, overcoming adversity and how hardship and stress can be the source of inner strength.

The 2013 AUA Annual Conference and Exhibition takes place 25-27 March in Edinburgh.