Security forum chair responds to Higgins' 'throwaway' remark on damehood

The speaker expresses admiration for President Higgins and addresses a past remark. They discuss their views on NATO and receiving a damehood, highlighting contributions to education and the AstraZeneca vaccine. The speaker emphasizes the importance of diverse voices in the forum and respects the right to protest, while criticizing attempts to silence others. They conclude with reflections on neutrality and the forum's impact.

What are the two main reasons the speaker was nominated for a damehood?

What does the speaker hope to achieve through the forum discussed?