Distinguished Lecture on “Napoleon and Leadership” by Former Prime Minister Mr Dominique de Villepin

After the fight against the pandemic in the past three years, Hong Kong is on path to normalcy. We were excited to organise a lecture on “ Napoleon and Leadership” on 18 November 2022 at The Hong Kong Jockey Club Auditorium, The Hong Kong Palace Museum. It was our honour to have Mr.Dominique de Villepin, a former French Prime Minister and a historian famous for his award-winning book on Napoléonic studies as our guest speaker.

Dr. Henry Tang Ying Yen, Board Chairman of West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, President of the Légion d’Honneur Club Hong Kong Chapter(our Chapter) said, “It is a great honour for our Chapter to welcome Mr.Villepin, a former French Prime Minister who excels in history, art and literature. I am sure his lecture will be intellectually stimulating and enlightening us on why Napoléon is still today one of the biggest world global icons.”

Under the social distancing rules, over 200 audiences attended, and they came from the academic and business fields, apart from our members and guests. The lecture provided aninsightful sharing of Mr. Villepin’s research of the life of Napoleon, the strengths and characteristics of the Emperor who left an indelible mark on modern Europe and its civilisation in the realms of law, religion, culture and education. 

The lecture was followed by a fruitful 30-minute discussion, where members and guests exchanged their views and opinions.

Mr. Villepin was the Prime Minister of France from 2005 to 2007. He had worked in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 1980. From 1995 to 2002 he was the Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic. He was also the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2002 to 2004, and the Minister of the Interior, Internal Security and Local Rights.

He is the author of many books, historical and political essays, as well as essays on literature, poetry and art. He has also written an award-winning book, Les Cent-Jours ou l'esprit de sacrifice, about the 100 days between the return of Napoléon from Elba and his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo.