As the presidential election steadily approaches, the importance of voting becomes a topic often discussed. That’s what Roland Rich, former executive head of the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), will discuss at Wilkes University on Nov. 17.

The lecture will begin at 4 p.m. in the Henry Student Center Miller Room. Rich will give a lecture titled “Voting: What can the U.S. learn from other countries?” The lecture is part of Wilkes University’s United Nations Lecture Series.

An Australian national and career diplomat, Rich served as executive head of UNDEF from 2007-2014. UNDEF’s primary purpose is supporting democratization around the world by funding projects that strengthen the voice of civil society, promote human rights and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes. Rich has written several books and has more than 30 years experience as a diplomat and scholar.

The United Nations Lecture Series is a collaboration between Wilkes University and the Humpty Dumpty Institute’s Higher Education Alliance for the United Nations. It brings U.N. officials to campus throughout the year for lectures and informal meetings with students.