Archive
Past media appearances and speaking engagements.
Introducing the Harvard-UWC Impact Study
Between 2017 and 2022, the United World Colleges (UWC) collaborated with a team of researchers at Harvard University’s Project Zero research center to investigate what elements of a UWC education are most influential in encouraging ethical habits and pro-social actions in young people. The results of the study are important for the UWC movement as well as other education organisations.
Imagining a Resilient Future: Equality, Safety & Health
In March 2021, I was keynote speaker at Georgetown University Qatar’s 16th Model United Nations Conference. I addressed some of the growing inequities in the world, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. We need a new generation of leaders whose courage, ideas and optimism can help to reimagine our world.
Understanding Development in Africa
In February 2021, I spoke with Dr Sabith Khan at California Lutheran University, sharing perspectives on development in Africa for his PA 582 graduate course on Understanding Development. I shared the conundrum of classifying countries as developed or otherwise based on material and intangible indices.
Lessons from the Black Lives Matter Movement
In June 2020, I joined News Decoder to discuss lessons for young people around the world from the Black Lives Matter movement. I emphasized that while street protests are powerful, young people must commit themselves firstly to learn, then to take action to create sustainable change.
Decolonising Education and the Model African Union
In May 2019, I participated in a documentary project to explore the subject of decolonising education, particularly through the ALA Model African Union (ALAMAU) which I founded. My thoughts on decolonising education are featured at 3:43-3:57; 6:00-6:24; 9:00-9:24; ALAMAU at 32:27-35:10; and xenophobia at 37:03-37:41.
CAF 2018: Populism and the Future of Politics
In November 2018, I spoke on a panel titled “Populism and the Future of Politics” at the Common Action Forum. I stressed that right wing populism seeks to polarize populations and weaken centrists. I advocated for political schools that train future public sector leaders, and more media responsibility.
ALA Model African Union 2017 Opening Speech
In March 2017, I spoke at the annual ALA Model African conference, urging the more than 250 young leaders from across the world to act with a sense of urgency in developing proposed solutions for Africa’s challenges. I stressed that we cannot afford to wait for them to become cynical about Africa’s future.
Interview with Al Sharq Youth Forum, Istanbul
In April 2016, I joined more than 500 young leaders from all over the Middle East for the third Al Sharq Youth Forum. In this interview, I reflected on the unmatched energy and passion for change that I saw in the region’s youth and challenged them to take concrete action to drive the region forward.
ALA Model African Union 2016 Opening Speech
In March 2016, I spoke to a hall full of young African and global leaders at the third ALA Model African Union conference, commending them for being radical enough to believe that their work can change Africa. Speaking directly to non-Africans, I reminded them that Africa will not grow in a vacuum.
World Innovation Summit for Education 2014
At the conclusion of a year-long fellowship with the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), I presented Passion to Profession at the 2014 WISE Summit, inviting businesses and foundations to collaborate to deliver a revolutionary career development platform for youth in Bangladesh.
ALA Model African Union 2014 Opening Speech
In April 2014, I spoke at the inaugural conference of the ALA Model African Union, encouraging young African leaders to take inspiration from pioneers who looked past debilitating circumstances to deliver independence for African nations. I emphasized that idealism is the parent of all innovation.