An in-depth, cross-generational conversation with FW de Klerk
27 January 2021
Former president FW de Klerk recently conducted an exclusive interview with Leader of Tomorrow Grégoire Roos from the St. Gallen Symposium.
The St. Gallen Symposium is a world leading initiative for intergenerational debates on economic, political and social developments. The Symposium takes place annually at the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland.
During the Symposium key decision-makers from the fields of economics, politics, science, and society take part to meet and exchange with various international leaders in pursuance of the Symposium’s mission: Fostering dialogue between different generations.
During the interview Mr De Klerk - Nobel Peace laureate and one of Africa’s most senior statesmen - talked about his fight to put an end to the apartheid regime in South Africa and also discussed his close relationship - personal and political - with Nelson Mandela.
Mr de Klerk emphasized that real leaders must be prepared to risk unpopularity by taking, and pursuing, decisions they believe to be right. Mr de Klerk also stressed the importance of mutual trust to successfully conduct complex political negotiations and why trust is instrumental to enable national reconciliation.
The interview can be accessed here:
Issued by FW de Klerk Foundation, 27 January 2021
