The Weidenfeld Scholarships became the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust eleven years ago. But why did we do it? Why should a non-Oxonian from the Swiss Alps come to Oxford to support people to do a degree at one of the top universities in the world?
I think the vision of George Weidenfeld was understanding that we needed to really change things and the way we do things.
So, what do we do? We innovate; we do things which haven’t been done before. And one of these ways of innovating is to bring people to Oxford who would not otherwise be able to go.
And I think it’s important to understand that we need collective energy, the collective capacity of solving problems, the collective courage to make a difference and one of the reasons why we have succeeded is because of Alexandra’s leadership of the Trust over the last 13 years.
The world is in a predicament, and we will only come out of this if we use humility, courage, compassion, and love. I am really looking forward to seeing these qualities developing because the opposite - brutality and violence has not helped us.
If I had to summarise Alexandra in one word, I would say perseverance… when she does something she does it thoroughly, and she has touched the humanity of the WHT community.
Thank you very much Alexandra.
André Hoffmann , Chairman of the Trustees, Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust speaking at the Summer Drinks party in London; and Alexandra Henderson , CEO of the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust
Director’s OVERVIEW
“We’re really only caretakers here,” Sir Andrew Dilnot said to me one day- he was rather more important than that as Warden of Nuffield College, but I knew what he meant and took those words to heart.
Nevertheless or perhaps because of that, I have really appreciated that my leaving this job after thirteen years has prompted so many past students to be in touch one way or anotherfrom our summer drinks with André Hoffmann in London in June, hosted by our wonderful supporters Sigrid Rausing and Eric Abraham, to the constant stream of messages and
emails, the online gathering of over 150 alums from the WHT house and our final dinner for 120 in July . Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind words, I really appreciate and am humbled by all of this.
I must say I am incredibly happy that all these years on from being summoned by George Weidenfeld out of the blue to tea, we have fulfilled his dream and created this unique Scholarships and Leadership programme which is now embedded in the fabric of the University. We do indeed have a special partnership with Oxford for which the WHT is very grateful.
This academic year followed a, by now, well-honed path – last September we welcomed 34 new scholars from 24 countries to Worcester College to begin their induction into the Leadership programme and above all to meet each other and form an important bond. The college under the leadership of David Isaac has become a home from home for us and I hope it will continue to be a partner college for many years to come. We were beautifully looked after, and I made sure the students appreciated the wonderful gardens (which also featured in the TV part of my life this year).
2024/5 produced many highlights but some have stood out: The new WHT house has been a beacon- this cohort have seemed a little shy about using it other than for birthday parties but I know it will find a place in everyone’s heart, not least the garden which is being carefully tended and I have enjoyed introducing our home team to the wonders of watering! It has also been the place for all our moral philosophy follow up sessions and for
the business challenge workshops and I am thrilled to say that our alums are finding their way to it and I hope everyone will regard it as the WHT’s permanent home which we have sought for so long. I will miss the walk to work along the canal…
The Christmas pub event with our partner and now advisory board member, Rasha Saïd was a great moment for our scholars to practise their skills at connecting with people especially from the world of business.
I have always looked forward to the annual debate at the Oxford Union. At first the scholars seemed to regard it as party time- but after a few stern words from me, we got down to business and they showed how much they had learnt from the excellent team that trained them and how well they could perform (the blogs start on page 20). Our supporters the Younger family joined in force and Mark ably presided over the debate itself.
And of course we had our final time together at Cumberland Lodge introducing our African students to the wonders of croquet even in this most parched of summers after a full day of media training. During the final reflections, I looked around the room and thought how transformative the year has been for our students. They rounded off the last evening with a Talent show which sprang into life when ‘Chico’ forced everyone to their feet to learn the Salsa.
David Isaac, Provost, Worcester College (right) with Bupe Lughano Kabaghe, a 2024-25 scholar (left)
Changes to our boards: at the end of last year as Michael Lewis who had been chairman and long-time supporter of the Trust stood down, we were delighted that André Hoffmann resumed his role as Chair of the Trustees. In addition, we have appointed two new Trustees, Francisca Mutapi, a professor in global health infection and immunity at Edinburgh University and James Lieber, a business consultant who is based in Paris. We have refreshed the Advisory Board. Rasha Saïd, Deputy Chair of the Saïd Foundation, Enrique Cadenas, who works for the Ministry of Justice, Giles Strachan, a businessman who formerly worked for the Trust and the new alum representative Atherton Mutombwera have all agreed to join the board. Alina Barnett has had to do more than her fair share of trusteeship over these years for which I thank her and Ben as they have always been on hand in a crisis. I hope the new Trustees and Advisory Board members will actively support the Trust in the next years.
Thirteen years on where are we? We got through covid which, to be honest, I found a particularly difficult time as I felt so responsible for our scholars finding themselves in uncertain times far away from home.
This was when our partner colleges first came into their own and provided special places for our students to “bubble together”. The welcome provided by these colleges continues to be critical because, to be honest, the students can find Oxford lonely,
bewildering and very cold!
I am pleased to say that next year we will add an 8th partner college - St John’s College will be welcoming 3 WHT students, for which I have to thank Tom Childs who has supported us over all these years at the Saïd Business School and now at St John’s. We have received constant support from the Fees and Funding department at the University of Oxford and from the Pro Vice Chancellor Martin Williams and it is wonderful to think we have almost 500 alums now. And Elizabeth Roberts who was here to welcome the very first years of the programme, continues to provide invaluable advice and support.
I also particularly want to thank Ngaire Woods and her team at The Blavatnik school as well as the Said Business School, and Chevening UK for these partnerships which make it possible for our students to access these exceptional courses in spite of their high cost. Christopher Shakespeare also instigated new partnerships with several departments bringing them closer to the WHT. And working with our alum, Smriti Jalihal, he set up a new and very succesfull alumni fund witch will be a boon for the next generation of scholars.
The home team has worked exceptionally hard this year and I have particularly appreciated this. Eman, who brings her own special style to the business challenge; Stephen is a philosopher with a difference- willing at all times to find new ways of discussing moral problems. And then the central hub of Nikita, Oonmona and of course Jane who hold the whole thing together. It has been quite a journeyand I thank you – the home team- for your support and patience.
I also want to thank the countless alums who over the years have acted as mentors, supported us through the complicated application process and come to lend a hand when we have needed extra support. Apart from being lovely to see and work with them it has been tremendously helpful and giving back to us is always appreciated.
What I have seen in the events over the past weeks and emails from past students, not to mention the generous gifts for our first coordinated alumni fund (£60,000 and still counting) is the power of this community. This programme IS transformative - this community with almost 100 countries represented throws up unexpected, partnerships, friendships – even 2
marriages so far. And what I admire most is that steeliness, that resolve in our scholars and alums.
So, I finish with a plea to them – you have the power to create real change in this world- but it is infinitely strengthened if you reach across the world to each other and find ways to work together.
We, all those who have made this programme happen, are all counting on you in this precarious world - I for one will be watching and rooting for you as, just to be clear, I am not retiring, I have found a wonderful successor in Hilary Boulding and I will be around to lend a hand but not get in the way !
Please keep supporting the Trust in any way you can. It has been a great privilege to be the WHT’s ‘caretaker’ and as one of my very best friends would say,’ I think we are in pretty good shape’.
Best wishes
Outgoing CEO and Director, Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust
446 Scholars Supported
95 Countires Represented
79 Degrees Represented
A unique global scholarship since 2007
Professional Areas of WHT Alumni
Working for their communities, countries, regions inlcluding multilaterally Working elsewhere including studying Alumni Locations
Bringing the WHT to Oxford
Giles Strachan WHT Advisory Board Member & Former WHT Development Manager
Visiting WHT House, it is hard to believe that the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust has only been in Oxford since 2016. I joined the staff of the WHT in January 2016, helping move the Trust into our first home in Oxford – a tiny, rented office with just enough space for three desks. We could only meet the scholars one at a time as we couldn’t fit more than four people into the office.
Moving to Oxford marked a huge change in how the WHT operated. In particular, we were able to spend much more time with the scholars. I was privileged to spend much of my time with the scholars, organising everything from Bollywood movie nights to surprise birthday parties. Our termly drop-in lunches became an
institution, especially for scholars tiring of food in their college dining halls. Although the WHT has always fostered a strong sense of community, moving to Oxford created a social hub that has helped this remarkable scholarship programme become a true fixture in Oxford.
It was not always plain sailing, however. In our first office, I learnt how to bribe the office manager with biltong in return for hosting meetings in empty offices. At our second home, in the Said Business School, I became a dog smuggler, distracting the receptionists while Alexandra brought in her spaniel, Daisy. As anyone who has attended a WHT dinner will know, I spent more time on seating plans than I ever thought possible! But whether cycling across Oxford in the rain to pick up chicken soup for flu-stricken scholars or organising the ten thousand photos I would take at each event, it was always easy to go the extra mile. The WHT scholars are the most remarkable group of people I have ever met; supporting their time in Oxford was always a pleasure.
I would be remiss if I failed to acknowledge that, in this regard, I have benefitted as much from the WHT community as any alumni – and perhaps more. With WHT alums, I have co-authored articles (my book with Dr Ilan Manor (Hoffmann, 201518) on the history of digital diplomacy comes out next year), arranged trips to Mexico for my company’s investments in aluminium manufacturing and hired consultants from India to advise on recycling projects. In my personal life, I have breakfasted in the gardens of Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi, dined out in Dubai and hosted houseguests in
London. My morning coffee is made the way Thai Dang (Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann, 2015-17) taught me and I still cook Pakistani chicken curry using a recipe given to me by Aban Haq (OxfordWeidenfeld and Hoffmann, 2015-17).
Most importantly, the WHT is also how I met my wife, Debora Leão (WeidenfeldHoffmann/Chevening 2017-18) – so I can attest that the WHT really is a lifechanging experience.
Behind the scenes, the WHT is a hive of activity. Each event in the Leadership Programme calendar is at least a year in the making. As soon as an event finishes, feedback is gathered, and careful notes are taken to advise next year’s planning. Booking event venues, arranging speakers and moderators and organising the budget are taken care of in advance, but there is also the inevitable last-minute changes and improvisations that are needed to make everything
Giles Strachan and Debora Leao Andrade Gouveia at their wedding in Brazil in 2023
run smoothly. One thing is for sure –nothing is left up to chance. Each and every scholar receives a personalised experience. Seating plans ensure that scholars meet a range of interesting guests with experience relevant to the scholar. Group activities are balanced to ensure a mix of personalities and backgrounds. Every scholar has regular individual meetings with the scholarship to track their progress and try to support their development. Coming to Oxford can be a challenging experience and customised support is one of the most important ways for the WHT to support our scholars.
Among the many achievements of Alexandra’s leadership of the trust is that all of this has seemed effortless. In reality, it is hard to think of a scholarship that has grown so quickly to become part of the fabric of Oxford. In less than 20 years the WHT has gone from an idea to an institution. The incredible generosity of our donors has been well served by the energy and high standards of Alexandra’s time at the Trust. The result is what we see today – a beautiful home for the Trust on Walton Street, funding for scholars in perpetuity and the most developed Leadership Programme in Oxford.
Work remains for the future. We are delighted to have launched our first alumni fundraising campaign this year which has raised over £60,000 in donations, which will help to turn Walton Street into an even more welcoming home for scholars. The Leadership Programme will continue to evolve, with new events and changes to old ones ensuring that scholars are prepared for the future. We continue to strengthen
our relationship with our wonderful alumni community, with nearly 500 WHT alums now making change across the world. Above all, the WHT will continue to build an extraordinary community from around the world, fulfilling the original vision of Lord Weidenfeld and André Hoffmann.
Giles Strachan with WHT alums Leanne Zhang (2017) and Thai Dang (2017)
Giles Strachan with WHT alums Thai Dang (2017), Payaswini Tailor (2017), Aban Haq (2017) and Leanne Zhang (2017) at Thai Dang’s wedding in Hanoi in 2018
MORAL Philosophy
The cohort of 2024-2025 started their year in the beautiful surroundings of Worcester College, home to a magnificent garden, a tranquil lake, and some of the oldest surviving medieval cottages in Oxford.
The weather wasn’t ideal, but scholars went for walks in the college garden when they got the chance.
The Welcome Weekend introduced the scholars to our Leadership Programme, particularly the Moral Philosophy and the Business Challenge, both of which we continued over the course of the year.
Stephen Wright, WHT Academic Fellow
This year’s Moral Philosophy Seminar have been different in a numbers of ways. Operationally, we’ve been holding events in WHT’s new headquarters at 70 Walton Street, which has been a big benefit and we’ve also looked to refresh the content of the course with some new topics and materials for scholars to discuss, along with familiar themes of democracy, equality, and globalisation.
I’m always interested to see how different topics resonate across various cohorts. And what I found most satisfying was seeing the scholars react to discovering that Rolex - a brand synonymous with luxury and extravagance - is in fact a non-profit that uses its relentless attention to detail to donate to local charitable causes.
One of this year’s new subjects was the Philosophy of Race, where scholars thought about what it means to belong to a race and the moral implications of their views. We talked about the idea that races might be biologically
grounded, socially constructed, or not real at all – and whether any of these views do justice to the obvious and indisputable seriousness of racism and racial discrimination. In the year when Tesla launched its robotaxi network, we’ve also talked about the moral implications around artificial intelligence. Specifically, we looked at questions of how driverless vehicles should be regulated and what decisions we should want them to make – should they emulate what human drivers would do (risking sub-optimal outcomes) or be more risk averse (creating threats that otherwise wouldn’t have existed)?
Overall, it’s been a terrific year for the Moral Philosophy Seminars as the programme continues to evolve. Scholars have had the opportunity to learn about some big ethical concepts as well as how to apply these to some of the most important issues in the world they are going out into right now.
“The moral philosophy seminars gave me an opportunity to reflect on moral principles in the context of real life encounters and draw perspectives from different people which was valuable for my development.”
David Odhiambo Kenya, MBA, St Edmund Hall, Julius Baer Scholarship, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Saïd/Lewis
BUSINESS Challenge
Eman Hamdan, Business Challenge Lead, WHT
This year marked my third time supporting the Business Challenge, and once again, I was inspired by the creativity, resilience, and drive our scholars brought. What began as a skills-based programme has become a space where purpose meets innovation, and where we, as facilitators, learn just as much as we teach.
From the start of the Welcome Weekend, it was clear this cohort had a strong sense of the challenges facing our world. With guidance from Fabio Bianchi, our Programme Advisor, and myself, they began shaping ideas that were imaginative yet grounded in real-world relevance. Throughout Michaelmas term, scholars took their ideas into the community, testing assumptions, gathering feedback, and learning to adapt. The informal setting of the WHT House provided a
unique space for Business Challenge workshops, fostering greater openness and collaboration than a traditional classroom.
A standout moment was our visit to Plexal Innovation Centre in East London. Scholars observed how hubs like Plexal launch ventures by providing the necessary tools and networks to address societal challenges. They also gained insight into how the UK fosters innovation to build sustainable communities. Many returned energised, with fresh ideas and renewed focus.
In Hilary term, we welcomed Kate Raworth, founder of Doughnut Economics, who shared practical tools for building purpose-driven businesses. Her session helped scholars sharpen their missions and deepen their impact. By the end of the term, their ventures had taken shape in exciting ways.
AdhesureX Smart Bracelet
A low-cost wearable improving medication adherence in Ghana through personalised reminders, real-time tracking, and caregiver alerts.
BioFusion
A circular economy initiative turning UK food waste into compost, organic fertiliser, and biogas. Its modular stations are scalable and easy to use.
Second Spark
A clean energy and mobility venture delivering solar-powered microgrids, grid storage, and lastmile e-mobility solutions for rural communities.
Greenvest
An investment platform connecting young and diaspora Africans to sustainable agricultural ventures, bridging funding gaps for smallholder farmers.
Each venture reflected the scholars’ diverse backgrounds and shared commitment to meaningful change. Watching them pitch with clarity and confidence was a proud moment for all of us. In Trinity term, we focused on the art of pitching—refining structure, visuals, and delivery. It was a fitting close to a year of growth, learning, and bold thinking.
As we wrap up another year of the Business Challenge, I’m grateful for the scholars who brought their whole selves to the process, for the mentors and judges who gave their time and insight, and for a programme that continues to evolve with the people it serves. A special thank you to our CEO, Alexandra Henderson, whose vision and unwavering support have been the heart
of the Business Challenge. Over the past three years, Alexandra has championed and nurtured the programme with care, clarity, and a deep belief in the power of business as a force for good. Her leadership has shaped the Challenge into the transformative experience it is today.
“One of my proudest moments was winning the pitch at the Business Challenge. It felt like a culmination of everything I’d learned, from the communication workshops and media training to developing business models. It was a powerful and meaningful way to bring the WHT year to a close.”
Andreana Awog-Badek Ghana, MSc International Health & Tropical Medicine, Keble, Sloane Robinson Foundation Scholarship, Oxford-Hoffmann
CUMBERLAND LODGE Leadership Workshop
At the end of the year, the cohort went to Cumberland Lodge in Windsor Great Park for a Leadership Retreat. They presented their final Business Challenge pitches, attended a bespoke Communications Training, and participated in Moral Philosophy seminars. The cohort also reflected on their year and enjoyed the traditions of croquet, a walk to the Copper Horse, and a talent show.
“The support has been excellent and I am so grateful that I had the chance to be a part of this community. I truly feel that the Cumberland Lodge experience helped me connect with all the scholars at a deeper level.”
Oshil Bansal India, MSc Economics for Development, Worcester College, Oxford-Hoffmann
“The retreat was both inspiring and enlightening. I particularly appreciated how it helped us prepare for life beyond Oxford, especially media coaching, which provided practical insights on job interviews that will be the invaluable as we begin exploring future career opportunities.”
Ghislain Irakoze
Rwanda, MPP, Keble College, Sloane Robinson Foundation Scholarship, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann/Barnett
Q&A with Annatu Neina Abdulai
1
Where did your career in impact investment start and where do you work at the moment?
My career in impact investment started in Accra, Ghana with Growth Mosaic, a B-Corp-certified social purpose consultancy that worked with small and growing businesses on their path to becoming viable, investment-ready enterprises. Since then, I’ve contributed to the space in various ways, including leading post-investment monitoring for blended finance programmes, supporting market access opportunities for women-led cooperatives, and designing ecosystem-strengthening programmes as an independent consultant. I also spent time at the Mastercard Foundation, where I helped shape national entrepreneurship programmes focused on job creation, particularly for women and young people.
Today, I work at Dalberg Advisors in London as a Programme Manager, where I oversee the global implementation of a client’s enterprise development programme, which is active in over 12 countries. My role is aimed at fostering long-term impact by enabling businesses to create meaningful jobs and economic opportunity in their communities and beyond.
Annatu Neina Abdulai (MBA, Mansfield-Kofi Annan Scholar, 2022) was one of the three alumni judges for the Business Challenge competition at Cumberland Lodge.
2
If you were to choose one highlight from this journey, what would it be?
It’s hard to mention just one, as I’ve worn many hats throughout my journey, including ecosystem builder, strategy advisor, and programme designer. To give a range, one highlight was designing a funding and support programme that has since helped over 50 ventures across Africa and
continues to serve as a model for deploying catalytic capital alongside capacity building. I have also led feasibility studies and programmes design work, including Theory of Change frameworks that help align stakeholders and clarify what impact should look like across varied markets. I’m most energised by work that brings strategy and implementation together and turns good ideas into meaningful impact.
Annatu Abdulai, Max Zhurilo, and Irina Federenko judging student pitches at Cumberland Lodge
Can you share your experience of being a judge in the Business Challenge at Cumberland Lodge?
Being a member of the winning team in the 2022–23 Business Challenge made returning as a judge particularly meaningful. This time, I viewed the competition from a different lens, appreciating not only the quality of the pitches but also the leadership, teamwork, and intentionality behind them.
Several teams stood out for their creativity, preparation, and cohesion. Some businesses presented clear value propositions, while others built on existing or previously unsuccessful models. A number of teams demonstrated proof of concept, which strengthened the credibility of their business cases. And as always, the strongest teams had a clear ask, which made it easier to engage with and support their ideas. Many teams were also intentional in how they presented themselves, clearly highlighting each team member’s area of expertise, being thoughtful about structure, and ensuring visible representation of diverse backgrounds. That intentionality not only reflected strong team dynamics but also reinforced the values behind the ventures they were pitching.
It was exciting to see ideas that tackled a wide range of pressing challenges, from improving adherence to prescription medications to financing smallholder farmers to address food security to recycling EV batteries. One team proposed a ride-hailing carpooling model for corporates aimed at reducing CO₂ emissions from daily commuting, with the added benefit of contributing to sustainability reporting. Another team developed a platform to integrate art education into classrooms globally.
The issues addressed were timely, relevant, and ambitious.
present a product or service. They demonstrated complete business models with strong problem-solution and market-solution fit, and a compelling case for why their approach could succeed. Small elements also made a significant difference, such as anticipating judge questions with well-prepared slides or presenting as a cohesive team during Q&A. These are the same principles I apply in my professional work, whether supporting founders with investor engagement or helping teams present strategic recommendations.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the field of Impact Investment?
Stay curious and keep learning. Mechanisms like blended finance were still emerging just a few years ago. Today, they’re more widely adopted but not yet mainstream. Understanding what works in different contexts remains a continuous learning process. Also, find your niche. The field requires a diverse range of skill sets, so explore roles that align with both your motivation and strengths. And remember, your career path can evolve. Each role equips you with experiences that prepare you for the next step.
What does ethical investment look like to you?
For me, ethical investment starts with centering the end user. What does this capital mean for the people or communities it’s intended to serve? At the same time, ethical investment requires balance. Founders and investors have valid interests, and part of doing this work well is finding structures that align incentives while protecting long-term outcomes. Whether it’s term sheet design, governance structures, or technical assistance, I see ethical investment as something that is built with intention, not just assumed.
The strongest pitches were grounded in fact and supported by clear, transparent assumptions behind the numbers. These teams didn’t just 4 6
What is your advice for future cohorts?
Immerse yourself fully in what the WHT has to offer. It’s a community that challenges you to grow personally, intellectually, and professionally. The scholars I’ve seen gain the most are those who approach the year with intention, not only attending events, but also reflecting, contributing, and following through. WHT offers more than a scholarship. The more you lean in, the more transformational the experience becomes.
Annatu Abdulai introducing her work to the cohort of 2024-2025 at Cumberland Lodge
Carlos
Torres White
Mexico
MBA
Worcester College
Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann
Saïd/Lewis
Welcome Weekend: ThrivesLearning in Community
From the moment I arrived, I felt enveloped by an atmosphere of camaraderie and support. Scholars from diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and nationalities had gathered, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the table. Conversations flowed easily, and it was refreshing to connect with people who shared a passion for
sustainability and making an impact in their local communities.
The welcoming ‘vibe’ made it easy to forge connections, and I left feeling like part of a larger academic family. The Welcome Weekend was designed to be an immersive experience: Moral Philosophy workshops, lectures, events with former alumni,
Left to right: Sebastian Berrocal, Alexandra Henderson, Rasha Saïd, Nickolai Prakofyeu, and Carlos Torres
a thorough introduction to the Business Challenge and thoughtprovoking discussions. I found myself absorbing a myriad of ideas and theories. While this was exciting, it also proved to be a bit overwhelming at times. There was so much to take in, and I found myself racing to keep up with the flow of new concepts and insights. It was like being thrown into
an ocean of knowledge, and I had to remind myself to swim!
But this is also where and how I learnt the importance of engaging with fellow scholars. Discussing our takeaways helped solidify my understanding and allowed me to share my own insights on all the interesting debates we were exposed to over the weekend. The collaborative spirit fostered during the weekend was a reminder that learning does not have to be a solitary journey; learning thrives in community. Academia is not just about individual achievement, but about building relationships and supporting one another in our intellectual pursuits.
The overall lesson of the WHT Welcome Weekend is to embrace the knowledge, but do not forget to engage with your peers. The best moments often come from the conversations you have outside of the formal sessions!
Scholar Blogs
Inspiration, Peace and Action for Biodiversity: Reflections from COP16 Colombia
Uganda
MSc Biodiversity, Conservation, & Management
Mansfield College, Kofi Annan Scholarship
Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann
The 16th UN CBD COP16 (Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity) was held in October 2024 at Cali, Colombia. Two years after the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the conference set the agenda for conservation of biodiversity for this decade and beyond.
Governments, indigenous peoples and local community groups, youth organisations, academic and research institutions, private sector actors, and non-governmental organisations convened to steer a common goal and agenda for conservation of biological diversity through bilateral engagements, negotiation sessions, contact group meetings and side events around the 23 targets of Biodiversity Framework
At the conference, I had the opportunity to speak at two panels. On the first one, I shared my experiences of working with young and early career professionals and advocated for an inclusive approach to Nature-based Solutions policy. My deliberation was in reference to the first ever Global Youth position on Nature-based Solutions co-developed by the Youth4Nature, Global Youth Biodiversity Network, and YOUNGO
The position advocates a rights-based approach to nature-based solutions policy and practice and provides key messages and guiding tools for policy makers and practitioners to equitably implement NbS policy. The panel featured speakers including Audrey Wagner- Nature Based Solutions Initiative, University of Oxford, Kevin Lunzalu- Global Youth Biodiversity Network and Peter BulimoYouth4Nature
I believe that enhancing (co) leadership for youth and young professionals goes a long way in addressing systemic barriers to intergenerational knowledge transfer and exchange. Speaking and presenting at my second panel, organised by Selvitas, I shared my experiences of supporting early career professionals as a way to promote stewardship and building a community of practice for conservation. We explored pathways for amplifying youth involvement in conservation initiatives, showcasing
Aiita Joshua Apamaku
how young leaders across the globe are already pioneering solutions for biodiversity and climate resilience. These are continuous dialogues that underscore the transformative potential of equipping young people with the tools to drive sustainable change in their communities. I visited a local primary school, Institucion Educativa Republica De Israel to speak about the importance of protecting wild places. Here, I encouraged vision dreaming and boarding and drawing exercises. I also had the opportunity to attend the Global Landscapes Forum, a parallel event at COP16 on sustainable financing mechanisms for biodiversity. I connected and met with fellow scholars from the University of Oxford, sharing and discussing academic prospects, key takeaways, and programming that each of us had followed
throughout the Conference. Among the delegates from the University of Oxford present was Melissa Felipe, a WHT alumna who was keen on following negotiations, discussions and engagements on galvanising and building support for women in Conservation through the CBD Women’s caucus.
Overall, the conference strengthened my position that informed conservation policy is the key to delivering the ambitious (and rightly so) agenda of Conservation of Biological Diversity and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
Scholar Blogs
Ghislain Irakoze
Rwanda
Master of Public Policy
Keble College, Sloane Robinson Foundation Scholarship
Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann/ Barnett
Shaping a Fairer Data Future: Reflections from the UN World Data Forum
As we continue to grapple with the rapidly evolving era of digitalization, every piece of data, whether small or large, creates a ripple effect for society. Born and raised in Rwanda, I consider data as a gateway to opportunities or a barrier that keeps me from accessing them, a reality that millions of young Africans face. With that in mind, I have taken a step towards closing the digital divide by innovating for data equity and digitalization through social entrepreneurship, research, and advocacy.
Thanks to the WHT, in November 2024, I joined data innovators, policymakers, and activists in Medellín, Colombia, for the 5th UN World Data Forum. It aimed at nurturing partnerships, mobilizing
high-level political and financial support for data, and building a pathway to better data for sustainable development. This forum is a highly needed platform to advocate digital inclusion and data equity, as approximately 2.9 billion people still lack access to the internet, as per International Telecommunication Union’s findings. Such disparity calls for collective global action to reimagine cost-effective strategies that can enable low-income communities across the world to join digitalization.
Besides networking at the forum, I spoke as a panellist on several sessions and workshops. I presented the Participatory AI Design Toolkit in a session organized by Global Partnerships for Sustainable
Ghislain speaking on a panel at the World Data Forum. Credits: GPSDD
Development Data. The policy design toolkit is a product of the 12-month long community co-creation initiative I led. It targeted and engaged five East African organizations that collectively represent over 500,000 beneficiaries in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. At the panel, I reflected on the impact of the toolkit in East African communities, particularly increasing legitimacy and inclusive decision-making of local communities in shaping AI governance. For instance, the toolkit provides low-resource languages with localized datasets to help reinforce compatibility with local dialects. This is vital in improving data quality coverage, as most low-resource languages often lack high-quality data sets for training AI models.
One member from the audience of around a hundred and fifty asked me about the steps needed to ensure AI systems accurately represent the lived experience of local populations. Reflecting on some insights from the toolkit, I emphasized the importance of initiating locallyled data cooperatives to increase dataset populating efforts. Not only can such pursuit ensure fair data representation, but it can also develop local data custodianship to
ensure the maintenance of evolving data standards.
After a fulfilling four day forum, I returned from Medellín, Colombia, energized and optimistic for a fairer data future. I am utilizing the insights gained from the World Data Forum to advance my education at Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, where I am pursuing a Master of Public Policy generously funded by The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust.
I am also leveraging networks obtained from the forum to scale the work my social enterprise, Wastezon, has been doing across East Africa to repurpose e-waste into low-cost, quality-vetted devices. So far, our refurbishment efforts have impacted over 15,000 low-income Rwandan households with low-cost devices accompanied by digital literacy support.
A fairer data future is within our reach, but it requires intentional action, inclusive policies, and a commitment to empowering global communities, ensuring no one is left behind along the journey.
Scholar Blogs
Wastezon Refurbishment Lab. Credits: Wastezon
Natalia Zhdanova
Russia
MSc Russian & East European Studies
St Antony’s College
Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann/ Hope-GRoW @ Annenberg
Thinking with Top Media Experts: Insights from the Ditchley Conference
Thanks to the support of WHT, I had the privilege of participating in the Ditchley Conference, The Role of the Fourth Estate in Democracies in 2024. I would like to share some key insights from the event that are relevant not only for the media industry but for other fields as well.
First, a few words about the Ditchley Foundation. Founded in the late 1950s by the philanthropist Sir David Wills, Ditchley has brought together senior participants from different countries to discuss global issues for almost 70 years. The topics at Ditchley vary widely, from demography and education to climate change and AI. These discussions take place at Ditchley Park, a beautiful estate with a rich history in Oxfordshire. Notably, Winston Churchill used it as a secret base during the early years of World War II.
The conference I attended brought together top media managers, journalists, and experts to discuss the challenges facing the media industry, including the decline in news consumption, audience polarization, the impact of AI on media production, disinformation, and repressive practices against journalists in authoritarian and hybrid regimes.
As an independent journalist from Russia, I am aware of how authorities
can suppress and dismantle media organizations using a wide range of tools, including criminal prosecution and imprisonment. Similar approaches are used against journalists worldwide, as autocrats learn from and support one another. For instance, Georgia recently adopted a “foreign agent” law, following Russia’s example, to restrict the operations of NGOs and potentially media organizations. A similar law has been in effect in Russia for over a decade, gradually dismantling independent journalism and democratic initiatives.
At the Ditchley Conference, participants shared various examples of how autocrats use lawfare to suppress media freedom, such as the use of anti-terror laws and tax investigations in India to silence critical voices. We discussed the limited but viable ways to resist these trends, primarily through collaboration and mutual support within the media industry. This is a difficult time for democracy and journalism, but despite the challenges, many opportunities remain. I returned from Ditchley with insights that can be applied across industries.
1. Value and Develop Community
Speaking from my experience, I can say that community support has been vital for the media projects I have worked on. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, many newsrooms have been forced to leave Russia and are now operating from abroad, facing not only political but also financial difficulties. The community of subscribers, through their donations, makes independent journalism possible. At the same time, I see that people need us. They say that independent media helps them feel they are not alone in these turbulent times.
2. Be Flexible and Creative
A major concern in the media industry is that people are consuming less news. Does this mean we should reduce news production? That is one option, but a better approach is to meet the audience where they are. This could mean adapting “serious” content for social media formats (e.g., shorts, reels) or strategically “seed” high-quality journalism alongside entertainment content like sports or lifestyle topics. As pointed out in the summary of the Ditchley Conference, “People still want the news, but it is up to media organizations to find and adapt to their audiences.”
I know how important it is not only to create high-quality content but also to find the right format and delivery method. While editing and producing a podcast based on longform investigative journalism, I had to think innovatively about how to attract younger audiences to the content. The solution was to have celebrities read parts of our articles for the podcast and to create original sound design.
3. Embrace Technology
Instead of demonising AI and other digital tools, it is better to find ethical and efficient ways to use them. Technological advancement is inevitable, and the best approach is to stay informed and adapt these tools to enhance your work.
These basic but valuable insights are what I took away from the Ditchley Conference. In many ways, they are about maintaining a positive mindset. And in my opinion, positive thinking is not just optimistic—it is a rational and driving force for progress.
This is not about illusions but rather about focusing on opportunities, which may be limited but are not non-existent. This approach has supported me throughout my career, especially now that I am forced to live and work from abroad.
Scholar Blogs
Natalia Zhdanova (on the right) at the Ditchley Foundation Conference.
Sebastian Jaramillo
Berrocal
Colombia
MBA
St Antony’s College
Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann
Saïd-Skoll/ Barnett
A Humble Journey to Davos: Reflections on Purpose, AI, and the Power of Small Steps
When I received the invitation to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, my first reaction was disbelief. Growing up in Colombia, a country where opportunities often feel reserved for the privileged few, I never imagined I would witness global leaders debating humanity’s future in person. Yet there I was, a boy from Bogotá, raised in a world of contrasts between resilience and scarcity, standing in a Swiss mountain town, humbled and grateful for the chance to listen, learn, and add my small voice to the chorus of change.
The Journey was a Metaphor for Access Davos felt like a fortress of exclusivity. Unable to stay in town - costs skyrocket during this week - we
lodged in a village 50 minutes away. To get there, we drove our car onto a train that carried us through a mountain tunnel, a metaphor for the barriers many face in reaching spaces of influence. The surreal experience reminded me that access is not just physical. It is about who gets to sit at the table where decisions are made. I felt immense gratitude for the privilege of proximity, but also a responsibility.
Profit and Purpose as a New Narrative
The opening dinner at the SDG Tent themed The New Nature of Business, set the tone. Listening to Al Gore speak about climate urgency, I was struck by a recurring theme: profit and purpose are not enemies.
Sebastian driving from a village near Davos to WEF
One CEO at our table shared how her company’s sustainability pivot increased its revenue by 30%, proof that ethical choices can drive growth. This resonated deeply with my work in Colombia, where social enterprises often thrive by aligning community impact with financial viability. The lesson? Purpose is not a “nice-tohave”: it is the backbone of resilient economies.
Reimagining humanity’s relationship with technology at the Future House, a unique space where global leaders discuss the most pressing issues facing the future of technology, the panellists discussed technology’s impact on youth. A neuroscientist warned that constant digital stimulation is rewiring adolescent brains, eroding attention spans and empathy. Yet optimism emerged too as AI tools can democratise education, connecting rural Colombian students to global classrooms. The challenge? To design technology that serves human dignity, not exploits it. I left thinking, we must ask not just what AI can do, but what it should do.
Final Reflections of a Colombian’s Two Cents Davos left me with more questions than answers, but that is progress. I realised my voice matters not despite my background, but because of it. When a tech executive asked, “How do we scale solutions sustainably?” I shared how in Colombia we do massive education via WhatsApp to prevent teenage pregnancies, and now we are having a conversation with a CEO for massive education for SDG for his workforce. Change is not about grand gestures. It is about stitching humility into innovation, letting diverse voices shape AI, and redefining success as more than profit. As I boarded the train back down the mountain, I felt renewed resolve that the future belongs to those who build bridges. Bridges between nations, disciplines, and profit and purpose, but more importantly, bridges between inaction and action. And sometimes, those bridges start with a car on a train, and a Colombian who dares to add his two cents.
Scholar Blogs
Al Gore speaking at the SDG tent
Bupe Lughano
Kabaghe
Zambia
MSc Global Governance & Diplomacy
Worcester College
Oxford-Hoffmann
Reflections: A Canon Event
The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust Scholars’ Debate is one of the flagship events of our scholarship community. As the first WHT scholar from Zambia, participating in this event — not only on the planning side but also as a debater — was truly a ‘canon event’ of my life.
Before this experience, I had never debated before in a formal space. But I was ready to take on the challenge. Weeks before the debate, our cohort gathered to agree on a motion. It was an illuminating process, given our diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and passions. After much discussion, we settled on the motion: “This House Believes Social Media Does
More Political Harm Than Good.”
The topic could not have been timelier, considering the role of social media in events such as the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, the situation in the DRC, and the protests surrounding Kenya’s Finance Bill.
I ended up on the Proposition side of the House, alongside May Nguyen, Francisco Kerche, Nickolai Prakofyeu, and Teres Vattoly— the best team I could have hoped for. We approached the motion not as a black and white argument but as an opportunity to reveal the complex, nuanced realities behind digital platforms and political life today.
The planning process itself came with its challenges. Coordinating busy Oxford schedules is no easy feat, and time tends to fly here faster than anywhere else. Yet, despite the hurdles, we weathered the storm together and ended up crafting a debate that challenged our own perspectives and hopefully left the audience thinking more critically, too.
One of my favourite parts of the journey was the research. Our team dived deep into the literature and news across both sides of the argument — striving to understand, to empathize, and to strategize. In the debate itself, we touched on elections, political advocacy, misinformation, algorithmic bias, AI, and interference in democratic processes — powerful themes that dominate political conversations worldwide.
Beyond the intellectual stimulation, what made the night unforgettable
was the sense of community. It was incredible to see so many of my Oxford friends show up in support. Moments like these truly capture the magic of Oxford: brilliant minds coming together not just to argue, but to listen, to connect, and to grow.
For me, this debate was about much more than standing at the historic Oxford Union, where generations of world leaders and change-makers have spoken. It was a personal tribute to my grandfather, whom I lost only a few weeks before stepping up to the Union floor. His love for country, courage, and belief in service continue to shape my path — and speaking at the Union felt like an offering to the values he lived by.
WHT Annual Debate
Scholar Blogs
Andreana
Ayiilaboro
Awog-Badek
Ghana
MSc International Health & Tropical Medicine
Keble College, Sloane Robinson Foundation Scholarship
Oxford-Hoffmann
From the Oxford Union to Global Stages: Lessons in Leadership, Speaking up, and Listening
Before I arrived at Oxford, I watched recordings of the WHT Annual Scholars Debate with admiration. I was struck by how eloquently the scholars spoke and how deeply informed they were. It wasn’t just a showcase of talent; it was a demonstration of purpose. I remember thinking, one day, I want to stand there, to speak with that level of conviction and clarity; to engage with the world as thoughtfully and courageously as they do.
The WHT Leadership Programme includes formal debate training, but its true value lies beyond the technicalities. It teaches persuasion not just for public forums, but for the quiet, pivotal moments, the one-on-one conversations that can shift perspectives and open minds. This, I’ve come to realise, is a form of leadership that transcends the podium.
When the call for debate participants was announced, I responded immediately. But there was a challenge: more scholars wanted to debate than there were spots available. Meanwhile, very few had volunteered to organise the event, which is entirely scholar-led. Having already had the privilege of debating at the Oxford Union, I chose instead to take on a new challenge: moderating.
Initially, I imagined moderating would be as simple as striking a gavel during the debate like a powerful Supreme Court Justice. But as the days unfolded, I became deeply involved in the architecture of the event: planning and facilitating meetings, managing communications with the debate chair and WHT administration, coordinating with my team to set up online voting and troubleshooting QR codes (Sinnah Lamin was the tech hero who executed
Left to right: Bupe Lughano Kabaghe, Elizabeth Dansoa Osei, Sinnah Lamin, Andreana Awog-Badek, and Vanessa Nakate
those tasks with grace), and ensuring every detail supported a seamless experience. All while dealing with the other demands of Hilary term for my Master’s. It was more complex work than I had anticipated, but it was also incredibly fulfilling.
In the process, I grew not just in task-oriented skills, but in the quieter dimensions of leadership: diplomacy, adaptability, humility, and collaborative planning. I learned that leadership is not only about stepping forward to speak, but also about stepping aside to make space for others, to ensure the stage holds firm for them.
The Oxford Union is a unique and powerful platform where ideas collide and evolve, shaping the world in profound ways. My experiences speaking at the Union and listening to others have been intellectually enriching. However, I sometimes wrestle with the tensions it presents, particularly the platforming of voices whose ideologies I find harmful. Yet I am reminded that meaningful change requires tactful engagement rather than avoidance. Courageous conversations, even when uncomfortable, are essential for building a more inclusive and just future. But such dialogue must also be grounded in ethical responsibility, ensuring that the pursuit of free speech does not come at the expense of dignity, safety, or truth. I hope
that the Oxford Union and all spaces within Oxford continue to grow, become more representative, and serve as platforms for meaningful dialogue that drive progress.
This is what makes the WHT Leadership Programme so transformative. It prepares us to have the difficult conversations, and not only to thrive in prestigious spaces, but to shape them. Not merely to speak, but to listen, to lead with discernment, and to uplift others in the process.
I am deeply grateful for this journey. From learning how to speak with clarity and conviction to perhaps more importantly, learning when to listen, when to lead from the front, and when to support from behind the scenes. The debate taught me that real leadership is fluid. Sometimes, your role is to carry the voice. And sometimes, it is to bring people together to have the conversations that are needed.
As Oxford students from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to making a meaningful impact, we recognise that the world is not merely ours to benefit from, but to shape, contribute to, and serve. Through our voices, our values, and our choices, we carry that responsibility forward: from the Oxford Union to global stages.
WHT Annual Debate
Scholar Blogs
When Dreams Meet Support: Unforgettable Bonds, Unspoken Gratitude
MSc Education (Digital & Social Change)
St Edmund Hall, Mitchell Scholarship
Oxford-Hoffmann
“We’ll need visionary entrepreneurs to create companies that rise to that challenge [...] But we’ll also need funders to provide these entrepreneurs with the financial capital they need.”
— André Hoffmann, in The New Nature of Business.
This quote captures a reality I have lived. It speaks not just to ambition, but to the structural support required to make dreams possible — a support I once thought unreachable.
Throughout my academic, private sector, and NGO work, I have repeatedly seen people debate ideas
of social justice, equality, and rights. Often, these conversations are grounded in elegant theories and powerful-sounding rhetoric. Yet, what is missing is a deep, empathetic understanding of the intersectional struggles faced by those who are excluded.
That is the difference between “knowing” and “feeling”. We can spend hours theorizing how to create a more just system. But what often goes overlooked is the need to support those who live these injustices daily: people who genuinely want to build a better future, but lack the financial, social, and emotional resources to do so.
May Nguyen Vietnam
André Hoffmann came to speak in Oxford about his new book, The New Nature of Business, and answer any questions especially from WHT scholars.
WHT cohort 2024-25 with André Hoffmann at the Blavatnik School of Government, Oxford during the launch of his new book, The New Nature of Business
That is why the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust (WHT) and Leadership Programme is so important. It is the kind of help I believe this world needs more of. The programme does not just provide financial support, which is crucial for someone like me, coming from a low-income background in a lesser-known part of Vietnam, but also creates a nurturing community. It offers opportunities to strengthen public speaking through the WHT Annual Debate, deepen ethical reflection in moral philosophy seminars, and build meaningful networks across disciplines and borders.
Before receiving the WHT scholarship, I was on the verge of giving up on my Oxford dream. The financial burden was simply too much for my family to bear. I endured weeks of sleepless nights, anxiety, and the painful thought of walking away from an opportunity I had worked so hard for. Then, beyond all expectations, my life changed. The WHT scholarship lifted those burdens and allowed me to focus fully on my academic and professional development. More than that, it offered support without conditions—just the belief that I could thrive if given the chance. Now, nearly nine months into my Oxford journey, I see how far I have come. I have grown from someone held back by structural limitations into someone who believes in her place in global conversations.
I remember the many intense preparation sessions with my WHT Annual Debate team: days of rehearsals, feedback, and mutual encouragement. I was exhausted by the end, but overwhelmingly grateful for the teamwork, the support, and the sense of belonging. I also treasure the rich discussions we have had during moral philosophy seminars, where diverse opinions were exchanged with respect and curiosity, even when we disagreed. Beyond academics, there have been countless dinners, meetups, and casual hangouts that have made Oxford feel like home. We are not just
scholars; we are friends, celebrating each other’s wins, and lifting one another through challenges.
We may scatter across continents after Oxford, and it might be hard to gather in the same place again. But the bonds we have built and the memories we have created will remain unforgettable. This year has given me far more than a prestigious degree; it has reminded me of the value of kindness, community, and collective support.
More than anything, this journey has reaffirmed my belief in kindness, community, and the power of collective support. It has shown me that even in a chaotic and unjust world, it is still possible to build spaces that nurture hope and create lasting impact.
Scholar Blogs
May Ngyuen and Teres Vattoly
Ashim Joshi
Nepal
MSc Energy Systems
Keble College, Sloane Robinson Foundation Scholarship
Oxford-Hoffmann
The Possibility of Stillness
At the edge of Oxford, just beyond the spires and seminar rooms lies a stretch of land that never asks to be noticed. Port Meadow has no signs, no gates, and no agenda. And yet over the past year, it became the place I returned to the most.
At first, it was accidental: an unplanned detour on a long walk during my first weeks in Oxford. But as the months passed, it became something closer to a ritual. Whenever the city felt too loud or my thoughts too scattered, I would find myself drifting back to that open field where water flowed gently beside wild grass and the sky stretched unbroken above.
What I found there was not escape but attention. The kind of attention that is difficult to cultivate in a world of deadlines, metrics, numbers, and constant movement. And yet it was precisely in that quiet space that I began to notice how much I was learning not just in the classroom but in the pauses in between.
The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust encourages leadership not only through academic excellence and professional ambition but also through reflection. That ethos of learning how to think deeply, not just move quickly echoed in the stillness of the meadow. It reminded me that some of the most meaningful ideas emerge not from striving but
from allowing ourselves to stop and observe.
In many ways, Port Meadow became a metaphor for the intellectual and personal journey I undertook this year. As a student of energy systems, my work often focuses on large-scale infrastructure, data modelling, and policy frameworks. These are important tools. But the meadow nudged me to ask broader and more fundamental questions: What kind of transitions do we need? Not just technologically but socially, ethically, morally? How do we build energy systems that honour both innovation and integrity? What does sustainability mean when stripped of jargon?
During our Moral Philosophy seminars, we spoke of power, justice and the conditions for human flourishing. These questions are, by nature, unresolved. And perhaps that is the point. Sitting by the riverbank or watching the horses graze in Port Meadow, I came to see that uncertainty is not something to be feared or fixed but a space for humility, for listening and for reimagining.
That reflective mode also shaped how I approached the Business Challenge. While the task was to design an impactful and scalable project; what
stayed with me was not only the final pitch but the process of sitting with ambiguity, working through disagreement and arriving at clarity together. The meadow, in its own way, offered a model for this: a space where different elements - sky, water, grass, silence - coexist not through control but through balance.
I also think often of home, of the hills of Nepal, the scent of dewy grass in the early morning and the wide skies that taught me to dream expansively. Port Meadow reminded me of those landscapes. And in doing so, it quietly reconnected me to the roots I sometimes risk forgetting in pursuit of credentials or clarity.
What Port Meadow offered and what WHT echoed was a different invitation: to grow inwardly as well as outwardly.
As I leave Oxford, I carry with me not only the tools of my course or the lessons of the seminars but also the stillness of the meadow. A reminder that contemplation is not a luxury but a necessity. That leadership at its best is not only about impact but also about attention.
Some places shape you quietly. Port Meadow did that for me. And thanks to the Trust I had the space to notice.
Scholar Blogs
Port Meadow
2024/25
Cohort in their words and pictures:
“This experience sharpened my strategic thinking, taught me how to integrate ethics into innovation, and highlighted the value of collaborative leadership in solving complex global problems. Beyond the academic and leadership training, the programme has challenged me to think more critically, lead more ethically, and serve more purposefully.”
Elizabeth Dansoa Osei Ghana, MPP, Lincoln
“The Leadership Programme has been extremely useful in terms of building confidence, challenging my own thoughts, learning about different contexts and cultures, understanding how people think. The two business ethics seminars have particularly been a great learning experience.”
Oshil Bansal India,
MSc
Economics for Development, Worcester
“Courage, hope and kindness! Forever part of the WHT family. This is just the starting!”
Antony’s
“I had an incredible experience as a WHT scholar. The programme truly tested my leadership and allowed me to better understand both my strengths and areas for growth. I developed significantly as a leader— particularly in how I communicate, engage with others, and approach leadership with empathy and clarity. Beyond the formal learning, I also really enjoyed building community with other scholars and forming meaningful connections.”
Bupe Lughano Kabaghe Zambia, MSc Global Governance & Diplomacy, Worcester
Sebastian Jaramillo Berrocal Colombia, MBA, St
This year marked the end of Alexandra Henderson’s 13-year-term as the CEO and Director of the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust.
The WHT had events in both LONDON and OXFORD for alums and supporters to meet, celebrate and reflect. Over 350 alums made contact either in person, on-line or at the WHT home.
LONDON
Alumni Impact
To be a WHT alum can mean many different things; the variety of trajectories that our alums have taken attests to this. From water policy to refugee rights to green business, our alums have made their presence known in countless sectors. But what unites them is their
Eszter Kabos Hungary, MPhil Economics, 2017, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann
Named a Forbes 30 under 30 in Hungary in 2025 Ezster is committed to combining her knowledge of economic and game theoretical concepts and her real-world experiences as Chief of Staff to the Deputy Mayor of Hungary to improve the quality of decisionmaking in the public sector. She is a DPhil candidate at Oxford working on how to use basic economic principles to bring the public sector into the 21st century and analysing electoral reform in Hungary.
commitment to change and innovation. Over 80% of our alumni work in sectors that directly tackle the world’s most pressing challenges including but not limited to climate action, sustainable business, biodiversity, and education. Also, in the last two years, WHT house has become a new hub for WHT alums
Fatima Airan Afghanistan, MSc Evidence-Based Social Intervention & Policy Evaluation, St Edmund Hall - Julius Baer Scholarship 2021 , Oxford-Weidenfeld
Fatima is an International Strategy Forum Global Fellow 2025 . The Schmidt Futures ISF Fellowship seeks out non-traditional rising leaders in technology and international affairs to provide resources and the network for them to tackle hard global problems. Fatima is an economist and applied social researcher dedicated to driving policy changes in conflict and conflicted affected contexts.
to connect and network.
This year, several WHT alumni visited the WHT house including Sagar Dhakal (2018), Rafat Al-Akhali (2013), Claudia Coleoni (2018), Alejandro Biondi (2020), Luisa Costa (2023), and others.
Irina Fedorenko-Aula Russia, DPhil Geography & the Environment, 2012, Oxford-Hoffmann
Selected for the 3rd cohort of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Re.Generation Future Climate Leaders Programme Irina is one of 10 outstanding leaders under the age of 37. The year-long programme provides masterclasses, field visits and concerted action and the foundations for future collaboration. Irina is a climate innovation expert and Head of Origination and Structuring at Abatable working on end-to-end carbon market solutions.
Dr Brenda Tanyi Tal Cameroon, MSc in International Health & Tropical Medicine, 2021, OxfordHoffmann and GRoW @ Annenberg
Brenda serves as Global Public Health Consultant for the Lord’s Foundation England & Wales and has worked as Health Adviser for the National Health Services (NHS). Brenda has over 12 years of experience in civic engagement working with varied governmental and non-governmental organisations to create, advocate for, and strengthen health practices.
Rusudan Kemularia, Georgia, MPP, 2017, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann
Rusudan is a Senior Adviser at the OECD’s Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes. Her work focuses on supporting jurisdictions to implement international standards that tackle tax evasion, increase financial transparency, and fight illicit financial flows— challenges that disproportionately affect developing nations and deprive them of the resources they need to grow sustainably.
Max Rath, South Africa, MBA, 2023, OxfordWeidenfeld and Hoffmann Saïd/Lewis
Max is the Chief Medical Officer at AI Diagnostics, South Africa. He works with a team dedicated to using AI models to help transform Tuberculosis screening and diagnosis. He is a specialist in internal medicine with 8+ years of experience as a clinician. He is also the founder and exHead of impact non-profit Wits Healthcare Innovation, focused on frugal innovation in South Africa’s public healthcare sector. Passionate about solving problems that help healthcare better address the changing needs of society.
Payaswini Tailor, India, Political Theory, 2017, OxfordWeidenfeld and Hoffmann
Payaswini is a strategy and research professional and has recently co-founded Antara Advisory, an organisation that provides social impact strategy, research and evaluation services rooted in Global South principles of building knowledge and practice. She’s the Research, Knowledge, and Operations Lead at Antara.
Cesar Sánchez Casares Argentina , MPP, 2021, Oxford-Hoffmann
Cesar is a Strategy specialist at Fortescue, a global green mining and energy company. After Oxford, he did an internship at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. Subsequently, César worked as an external consultant for the Interamerican Development Bank and as a Senior Strategy Consultant for the public sector at Accenture. He is passionate about politics, and he will participate in a candidate’s mid-term elections political campaign later this year.
“To me, giving back to WHT feels self-evident after the immense support I received throughout my MSc at Oxford. WHT instilled in me the realization that we shouldn’t wait upon savants in ivory towers to solve today’s problems - we should dedicate ourselves to at least one problem in our world and strive to resolve it ourselves.”
Shiri Avni
Israel, MSc Computer Science, 2017, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann-Rausing/ Abraham
Alumni Engagment
One of the highlights of this year was our Alumni Webinar on AI & SUSTAINABILITY. Over twenty WHT alumni now work on some aspect of AI, shaping and defining the field along the way.
Earlier this year, I took what I hope will be the first of several sabbaticals over a long and varied professional life. During Easter Term – Trinity, to us Oxford folks – I was a visiting researcher at the University of Cambridge’s Mongolia and Inner Asia Studies Unit. The purpose of this planned break from my job was twofold: firstly, to reflect on and take stock of the past six years living and working across Southeast Asia as a development practitioner and international civil servant in the UN system; and secondly, to reconnect with my vibrant community of Oxford friends whilst in the UK.
In this sense, I was thrilled when Nikita reached out with an invitation to participate in the 2025 WHt Alumni Webinar on ‘AI and Sustainability,’ held on 31st May 2025. This year’s theme
Undral Ganbaatar Mongolia, MPP, 2018, Weidenfeld-Hoffmann/Chevening Undral is the Head of Social and Human Sciences programming at UNESCO Jakarta office. Since 2021, she has played a key role in implementing UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, working closely with governments and stakeholders across Southeast Asia to shape ethical AI governance and policy. Her work explores the social implications of digital development, bridging policy and practice to ensure technological advancement serves the public good.
resonated strongly with my current work at UNESCO, where among other things, I have been deeply engaged in promoting UNESCO’s ethical AI guidelines at the national policymaking levels in Southeast Asia.
Logging into the webinar, seeing familiar names and new faces among the speakers and attendees, and sharing with Alexandra and my fellow alumni cohort what I’ve been doing since leaving Oxford was a lovely feeling. Dmytro Lopushanskyy (2024) kicked off the event with an insightful exploration of AI’s role in business innovation. Drawing from his experience as an entrepreneur integrating machine-learning based products into the healthcare and music and entertainment fields, Dmytro vividly demonstrated the transformative potential of technology. This was followed by breakout sessions featuring alumni working on various applications of AI. In the “AI, Society, and Governance” room, Maya Sherman discussed her experiences as a diplomat and expert for the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI OECD) leveraging AI for climate action and gender equality. Dr Brenda Tanyi Tal (2021) offered compelling insights into deploying AI in healthcare based on her work with the NHS, further highlighting AI’s impact on societal wellbeing.
In the parallel “AI and Business” session, Julian Romuald Żelaznowski (2024), Dr. Irina Fedorenko-Aula (2016), and Nidhi Singh (2016) covered topics ranging from AI-driven startups and carbon markets to ESG considerations
and ethical AI in law and business. For my part, I centered my presentation around UNESCO’s “Recommendation on the Ethics of AI,” the first set of global normative guidelines on AI developed by international experts and adopted by UNESCO Member States in 2021. Since then, I have been among the numerous UNESCO specialists responsible for collaborating with national governments and AI-focused agencies to translate these high-level norms into concrete policy actions at both national and subregional levels across all regions of the world.
As always, the discussions were rich and insightful, reflecting the diversity
and expertise that characterize WHT events. It brought back memories of the vibrant conversations we used to enjoy over the course of an Oxford academic year with the WeidenfeldHoffmann programme and reaffirmed the strength and warmth of the WHT alumni network.
My thanks current scholars Vatsal Raj and Nickolai Prakofyeu (2025), whose thoughtful moderation facilitated engaging discussions, and to Nikita Arora for the organization.
Being part of the WHT family continues to be among the most
rewarding aspects of my Oxford journey and personal life. I was grateful for this opportunity to participate and look forward to continued engagement with the Trust in the future.
Maya Sherman (2019) Science & Technology Diplomat, The Global Partnership for Artificial Intelligence
Irina Fedorenko (2016) Head of Origination at Abatable, a market intelligence platform
Nidhi Singh (2016) a Supreme Court lawyer from India who researches AI and the law
Dr Brenda Tanyi Tal (2021) Global Public Health Consultant for the Lord’s Foundation England & Wales
Dmytro Lopushanskyy (2023) CTO and Co-founder at Harmix, an innovative AI startup focused on advanced music search technologies
Undral Ganbaatar (2018) Head of Social and Human Sciences programming at UNESCO Jakarta office
Julian Romauld Zelasnowski (2024) CEO & Co-founder of a stealth startup operating at the intersection of neuroscience, AI and productivity
New WHT Alumni Fund
The new WHT alumni fund has been set up to provide support for future scholars’ welfare, while they are at Oxford, and also to recognize Alexandra Henderson’s contribution to the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme.
Two generous alums who wish to remain anonymous have pledged to give up to £10,000 if you give a donation to this fund. For every £10 donated, they will add at a ratio of 2:1 PLEASE MAKE THIS HAPPEN:
Alumni Events 2025/26
There are events planned in New Delhi, London, Paris, Oxford, New York, Tblisi, and Washington DC. Please look out for further communication on these from us and from regional coordinators.
Please do join and help realise Lord Weidenfeld’s vision of a connected and supportive global community of leaders.
For further information please email jane.baldwin@whtrust.org.
If you would be interested in coordinating an annual gathering in Johannesburg, Nairobi, Geneva, Mexico City, Bogota, Kathmandu or elsewhere, please get in touch.
Georgia: Tamar Bortsvadze
New York, USA: Aileen Brown, Mastewal Taddese Terefe, Djeyhoun Ostewar. Washington DC: Karel Chromy
New Delhi, India Rahul Nayar
London, UK: Simonetta Spavieri Oxford, UK: Jane Baldwin
Paris, France: Nikita Arora
Tiblsi,
ALUMNI COORDINATORS:
Please show support for this new alumni fund by participating, however big or small your gift.
Ernist Abdirashitov
Annatu Neina Abdulai
Aaron Acuda
Ayushi Agarwal
Naman Ahluwalia
Olufemi Aiyegbusi
Shaharzad Akbar
Rafat Al-Akhali
Ayan Kanhai Aman
Shiri Avni
Manuel Azuero
Matej Bajgar
Ksenia Baranchikova
Andrea Gaviria Barreto
Mirza Beg
Adiya Belgibayeva
Idris Bello
Juan Beltran
Tamar Bortsvadze
Ana Bota
Kai Bridgewater
Vignesh Cannanure
Aditi Chatterjee
Karel Chromy
Francisco Fuenzalida Concha
Aileen Brown Cuevas
Pratik Datta
Naida Dervishalidovic
Dilyana Dimova
Nikhil D’Souza
Lavish Dudeja
Fareed Fakhoury
Quratulain Fatima
Irina Fedorenko
Javiera Flano
Undral Ganbaatar
Sergio Giuliano
Shivi Greenfield
Irina Gribanenkova
Karan Gupta
Matthew de la Hey
Maheen Iqbal
Wilsona Jalloh
Jeffery Jones
Diloro Kadirova
Khatchig Karamanoukian
Denys Karlovskyi
Suta Kavari
Claire Keene
Lamiya Khudoyarova
Mykhailo Kitkenko
Aditta Kittikhoun
Cvete Koneska
Aljaž Kuncic
Maria Mercedes Kuri
Rhett Larson
Débora Leão
Dmytro Lopushanskyy
Ana Azcunaga
Kubo Macak
Cedric Maforimbo
Pablo Marzocca
Christopher Mathew
Kate McGovern
Kristina Mikulova
Mowmita Mow
Ilunga Mpyana
Manisha Nair
Uttara Narayan
Rahul Nayar
Ouleye Ndoye
Rowan Nicholls
Francisco Obando
Oluwatamilore Oni
Andrés Ordoñez-Buitrago
Djeyhoun Ostowar
Nadia Oweidat
Ilan Price
Giri Rajahram
Minah Rashad
Max Rath
Alejandro Biondi
Rodriguez
Sandro Rtveladze
Vlada Savytska
Onthatile Serehete
Iulia Sevciuc
Athena Sharma
Maya Sherman
Poojan Shrestha
Nikki Shure
Jordan Simpson
Nalin Singh
Nadja Skaljic
Gerald Sowah
Simonetta Spavieri
Joseph Ssentongo
Tamas Szigeti
Sherine El Taraboulsi
Mastewal Taddese
Terefe
Liza Trakhalina
Levent Tuzun
Thomas Urban
Deepta Valliyil
Zuzana Vargová
Vilija Velyvyte
Simant Verma
Prerna Wadikar
Maria Zgheib
Leanne Zhang
Xuan Zhu
Max Zhurilo
Andrea Zubovic
Anton Zykov
The WHT Leadership Programme: How it continues to shape my thinking
It is hard to believe that almost a decade has passed since I first began researching the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust (WHT) Leadership Programme and scholarship while applying for the MBA at Oxford. I vividly recall reading the profiles of past scholars and feeling an instant connection. Many were working to create meaningful impact in the development sector with non-profits, social enterprises, and policymakers — much like I aspired to do after the Oxford MBA. Since then, as a WHT alumna myself, I have spoken to many aspiring applicants, and I always come back to four key impacts of the programme that have stayed with me and shaped both my thinking and my work.
Ethical leadership
For me, the Moral Philosophy Seminars were the most impactful part of the leadership programme. Each seminar focused on a single theme, explored through carefully selected — and often conflicting — readings and discussions. We debated thought-provoking questions with scholars from diverse countries, cultures, and sensibilities. These discussions centred on moral and ethical leadership, not in theory, but in the messy reality of decision-making. For instance, during a discussion on women’s rights, I still recall how a female scholar had mentioned that if her religion suggested that she had to obey her husband, was that at odds with her belief in women’s rights? These discussions challenged me to engage with questions of trade-offs, to sit with ambiguity, and to respectfully
consider viewpoints that might have been very different from my own. They demonstrated that ethical leadership was not always about choosing between black and white, but about navigating the grey with care and integrity. In the true spirit of learning at Oxford, they taught me how to think, rather than what to think.
Today I work to enable evidence-based decision-making in complex domains such as business and human rights, and responsible supply chains. This involves working with diverse stakeholders — corporate leaders running the businesses, civil society organizations advocating for workers’ rights in those businesses, workers themselves, and multilateral institutions shaping policies that impact those workers and businesses. Competing interests, grey zones, and trade-offs are inevitable. And I often find myself drawing from how I learned to think in the moral philosophy seminars, to guide thoughtful and ethical decisions.
Strong networks
Another lasting strength of the programme has been the global network of scholars and professionals. Over the years, alumni have invited me to speak at events centred around sustainable businesses, guided me with their expertise as I sought to specialize in niche areas within my own field of work, and collaborated with me to co-develop and apply for high-impact initiatives aligned with our common areas of work. At the same time, I have connected other scholars to internship opportunities at impact
Dreyfus-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Saïd
consulting firms, reviewed CVs and job applications for roles in impact investing, helped to identify thought leaders for their roundtable events focused on development, and provided mentoring support to scholars with careers in the social impact space. Many of these interactions happened with scholars I had never met in person, but whom I connected with simply because we were part of the WHT community. That shared bond created instant trust — and with it, meaningful professional (and personal) relationships. The WHT network is not just about peer relationships, but also about the institutional ecosystem that WHT enables during and after the programme. One example was my association with the Louis-Dreyfus Foundation (LDF), a WHT co-funder for my Oxford scholarship. LDF provided me the opportunity to visit one of their programs in Kenya during my MBA, and conduct a short review of their livelihood programme for smallholder farmers in agricultural supply chains in Kenya. That was my first visit to the continent of Africa, and it helped me understand how similar many development challenges and opportunities were compared to South Asia, where I had worked before. This experience opened the doors for me to pursue more impact-focused work in the African continent, which I continue to do with different organisations until now.
Meaningful relationship-building
My third important takeaway from the WHT programme was about sustainably building strong networks, by learning that networking was not about transactionally handing out business cards and CVs, but about building authentic, long-term human connections.
One of the ways in which WHT itself delivered this message was through relationships built around food. Over the course of the year, we were invited to a number of formal and informal dinners with fellow scholars and other professionals. These dinners gave us space to connect beyond our résumés. Inspired by this, we began organising
regional food nights ourselves — evenings where South Asian, Southern African, or Latin American scholars would cook meals and host others to bond and learn more about each other’s culture through food. This finally culminated in the first cohort cookbook, highlighting the diversity of the scholars through food.
This lesson in building relationshipcentred networks stayed with me. I have not grown my practice through conventional networking meetups or transactional cold outreach. Instead, I have formed meaningful relationships over shared interests, which have then led to new clients, collaborators, and a trusted peer community.
Financial and professional flexibility
Finally, there was the scholarship itself. The financial, and subsequent professional flexibility offered by the scholarship was a game-changer. Since I was not weighed down by a massive loan for my MBA, I did not have to make professional choices with the EMI-to-paycheck ratio as one of my main decision-making indicators. I had the freedom to choose a less traditional post-MBA career path in the impact sector – focusing on responsible business & human rights in supply chains – which had a been a long-term goal.
So, the WHT programme gave me a financial scholarship, an ethical compass, a community, and a quiet force behind much of what I have built since Oxford. For that, I will always be grateful.
Alumni Blogs
Scholar organised South Asian food night in 2017
Empowering through Evidence: Working at UNICEF as a WHT Alumna
Five years ago, I flew to Myanmar on my first UNICEF mission. I was fresh out of college, eager, enthusiastic, and still in disbelief about the opportunity I had received. Back then, I was working in my first job at a development consulting firm in New Delhi, and we had been commissioned to conduct an evaluation of a national maternal and child cash transfer programme in Myanmar by UNICEF. At the age of 22, this was my first exposure to the world of evaluations.
I remember the feeling of exhilaration as I stepped off the plane in Yangon, ready to present our evaluation findings to government stakeholders and development partners in the country, in partnership with colleagues from UNICEF Myanmar. A visual from the final workshop remains vivid in my mind: UN colleagues, development partners, policy makers, health workers, and midwives from various parts of the country sitting in the workshop room with headphones that facilitated simultaneous translation, listening to the evaluation findings. These stakeholders may have come from diverse backgrounds and spoken different languages, but they were bound by their mutual passion to protect and improve the lives of children in Myanmar.
It was a mission that made me realize the critical nature of evaluation in shaping human lives and realities: robust evidence is the bedrock of sound development programming. I left feeling deeply inspired by the work of UNICEF Myanmar and equally humbled by the power of evaluation evidence in impacting millions of
women and children. In that moment, I knew that I wanted to work in this space for life. In the years to follow, I dedicated my career to using evidence to improve the lives of women and children. During the height of the pandemic, I supported the Government of India in evaluating India’s women and child development portfolio. To foster outcome measurement and evaluation, I worked with the Ministry of Women and Child Development in India to develop the initial blueprints of India’s National Child Index.
My passion for evaluations – instilled through my first UNICEF evaluation in Myanmar – also prompted me to design and deliver pro-bono workshops on evaluation research to over 3000 students and aspiring policy analysts in India. While these practical experiences built my technical skills and sectoral expertise in evaluation, I received my formal academic training in evaluation research only when I came to pursue the MSc in Evidence-
Rai Sengupta on her first UNICEF evaluation in Myanmar in 2020
Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation (EBSIPE) programme at the University of Oxford in 2021.
The one year I spent at Oxford gave me so much: a robust academic grounding in evaluation research, tools, and methods from my course – but equally importantly, a leadership training par excellence through the WHT Scholarship.
At Oxford, while pursuing my MSc, I wrote my thesis on gender-based violence and contributed to parenting intervention research for the Parenting for Lifelong Health. Subsequently, I worked in development consulting for two years in London – evaluating a gender-based violence programme in Zimbabwe, researching an adolescent health intervention in Ghana, and developing a parenting support strategy in Tanzania. Each experience renewed my commitment to empower women and children through evidence.
In October 2024, I received the opportunity to join UNICEF and to work in the UNICEF Evaluation Office based in the United Nations Headquarters. In my current role, I support the evaluations of UNICEF’s programming globally in three pivotal areas: child health and nutrition, child protection, and climate change and WASH.
Working at the United Nations feels
like a full-circle moment after my first UNICEF evaluation 5 years ago. As I navigate my new role at the United Nations, I often refer to my ‘WHT toolkit’ – a stronger moral compass, a deeper sense of public service, a keener appreciation of innovation, respect for different ideas and cultures, and the outlook that sees the world as one’s own family.
The last year has been a devastating year for children across the worldas they continue to face heightened risks from war, climate change, and displacement. In working at UNICEF, I hope to do my (very small) part in securing rights, ensuring protections, and fostering development –#ForEveryChild.
Alumni Blogs
Rai Sengupta during a field visit to Rajasthan, India, standing with front line health care workers who work to improve nutritional outcomes for women and children in their villages.
Rai Sengupta, on her first UNICEF evaluation in Myanmar in 2020
Exiled but Unbroken: Inspiring Belarusian Youth through Bright Belarus
Lizaveta Trakhalina
Belarus
Magister Juris, 2018
St Cross College
Oxford-Weidenfeld/Chevening
I come from Zaslavl, a north-western suburb of Minsk and one of the oldest towns in Belarus dating back to 985. Today, Zaslavl has three schools, one hospital and one railway station, which is called “Belarus”. This title commemorates the historical purpose of the railway station - it marked the border between Poland and the USSR after the 1921 Riga Peace Agreement. Until World War II, Belarus station in Zaslavl was the first stop for trains traveling from Europe to the Soviet Union.
My childhood in Zaslavl was very happy. I loved my tiny room with its bed and a table stacked with books. To me, it represented a vast world that I explored through encyclopaedias I had received as gifts on my birthdays. But, every now and then, I felt as though something was amiss. I found myself developing strong academic interests but with no orientation or resources at my disposal. I was also captivated by western movies featuring academia. Grand libraries, well-equipped classrooms, student societies, and vibrant discussions—it all seemed magical. But I couldn’t fathom how someone without financial means to pay for overseas education or a family background in higher education, would ever be able to study at a university abroad. At high school, I began to explore websites of universities outside Belarus. However, my understanding of what was possible remained limited until I learned English properly and started university in Minsk. There, I met a former graduate from my university, who shared stories about scholarships for emerging leaders in their countries. That encounter was a turning point. The same day, I started researching scholarships and stumbled
upon terms I had never across in my academic environment in Belarus –motivation letters, reference letters, academic essays, personal statements and statements of purpose. I had no idea how to write any of these documents.
The Belarusian academia, shaped by Soviet educational traditions, focused on facts, memorisation, and conformity. There was no room for self-expression or reflecting on one’s motivations. We were also not used to recognising or promoting our achievements, especially women –our educational system simply didn’t encourage it. Excelling in studies, participating in subject-related Olympiads and publishing papers were seen as norms, not milestones or successes to highlight and be proud of. In hindsight, I recognise that this cultural mindset explains why many Belarusians find it challenging to write successful admissions documents for overseas universities—or even to recognise their own accomplishments. I struggled with this myself when applying to Oxford. But I was not prepared to give up. I sought guidance from someone who had studied abroad, and they helped me realise I had left out many important achievements and even aspects of my personality in my application. I had not mentioned being in the top 5% of my class, receiving the highest recognition diploma for my thesis from the Ministry of Education, or training young lawyers for international competitions. The next time I applied, Oxford gave me a spot.
That was in 2018. Since then, I’ve worked in Geneva, Washington DC and London, and I also returned to Minsk for three years to support
pro-democracy initiatives in Belarus. During the 2020 Presidential Elections, I led a protest of over 300 people when the electoral committee in my hometown refused to allow independent observers. But my activism came at a cost. In July 2023, KGB offices threatened me with arrest, and I had to flee Belarus overnight. Leaving my country - my homeremains the most traumatic experience of my life. Many people assume that those who study abroad, especially at prestigious universities, have no intention of returning to their home countries. But for me, coming back to Belarus after Oxford was an intentional decision – it was where I felt I had the potential to make the most meaningful impact. Everything changed, however, when I was forced into exile, unable to stay close to my family, friends and community.
After fleeing Belarus, I asked myself how I could continue helping other Belarusians while living in exile. Reflecting on my journey, I realised I was good at helping others highlighting their strengths in their applications to study abroad. I had also developed a large network across the Belarusian diaspora, many of whom shared my desire to support students back home.
This is how the idea for the Bright Belarus Mentorship Programme was born. Bright Belarus connects Belarusian diaspora
members with hardworking and talented students in the country who aspire to study at top universities worldwide. For the 2024-2025 intake, we received over 130 applications and matched more than 60 young mentees with mentors who supported them through the application process. Together, we have built a community that has facilitated over 3,500 connections among bright Belarusians. Our Instagram account has over 2,200 followers, and our website attracts more than 1,000 new visitors each month. This programme does not just help students; it also gives Belarusians in exile a way to stay connected to their homeland and to contribute meaningfully. As the initiative has grown, we have set our sights higher. We are in the process of registering Bright Belarus as a charity in the United Kingdom, which will enable us to expand opportunities for Belarusian youth and strengthen our global community. Trauma has a way of changing us, but it does not and must not define us. Since being in exile, I have learned that beauty can emerge even from the most painful circumstances. Bright Belarus started as a way for me to help others, but in doing so, it has also helped me rebuild my purpose, reconnect with my community, and rediscover hope. Though I still carry the weight of loss, I now also carry the joy of watching new opportunities bloom for young Belarusians, for young “Lizas”, and for everyone else in the country. For me, that is true beauty - turning my exile into something that not only heals me but may also inspire others.
Alumni Blogs
The logo of Bright Belarus
Bright Belarus team celebrating the launch of the programme
Partner Colleges
The partnership between the WHT and 7 Colleges has been transformational . Our scholars have been able to be together in groups and enjoy the welcome and various activities as well as giving back to the colleges wherever they can. This year St Antony’s joined and next year we look forward to welcoming St John’s.
St Antony’s College
St Edmund Hall Trinity College Worcester College
Keble College Lincoln College Mansfield College
Keble College
Ana Baiadze, Georgia, MSc Law & Finance, Sloane Robinson Foundation Scholar, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann
Mr George Robinson, WHT Trustee
Nathawat Traisiwakul, Thailand, MSt Diplomatic Studies, Sloane Robinson Foundation Scholar, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann/Chevening
Andreana Awog-Badek, Ghana, MSc International Health & Tropical Medicine, Sloane Robinson Foundation Scholar, Oxford-Hoffmann
Sir Michael Jacobs, Keble College Warden, Ghislain Irakoze, Rwanda, MPP, Sloane Robinson Foundation Scholar, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann/Barnett
“Keble College has been a defining part of my Oxford experience. I have had the privilege of forming lasting friendships with remarkable people from around the world and across a wide range of academic disciplines. Through shared conversations, experiences, and moments of joy, we have grown together and learned from one another.”
Nathawat Traisiwakul
Lincoln College
Francisco Kerche, Brazil, MSc Social Data Science, Sloane Robinson Foundation Scholar, Oxford-Hoffmann/Chevening Nikolai Prakofyeu, Belarus, MBA, Elman Poole Scholar, Oxford-Hoffmann-HOPE/GRoW @ Annenberg
Sinnah Lamin, Sierra Leone, MSc International Health & Tropical Medicine, Sloane Robinson Foundation Scholar, Oxford-Hoffmann Elizabeth Dansoa Osei, Ghana, MPP, Sloane Robinson Foundation Scholar, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Chhavi Khandelwal, India, MPP, Elman Poole Scholar, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann
“The college community has been warm and inclusive, making Lincoln feel like a true home within Oxford. My college advisor, access to resources, and guidance from friends in college have all contributed meaningfully to my development. I’m deeply grateful to Lincoln College for playing such an active role in my journey and to WHT for making this connection possible.”
Elizabeth Dansoa Osei
Mansfield College
Juan Pablo Vasquez, Colombia, MPP, Kofi Annan Scholar, Oxford-Hoffmann
Aiita Joshua Apamaku, Uganda, MSc Biodiversity, Conservation & Management, Kofi Annan Scholar, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Duong Nguyen, Vietnam, Magister Juris, Kofi Annan Scholar, Oxford-Hoffmann
Ms Helen Mountfield, College Principal Veronika Alieksieienko, Ukraine, MPP, Kofi Annan Scholar, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann/ Hope-Rausing Yajju Pradhan, Nepal, MSc Environmental Change & Management, Kofi Annan Scholar, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann
Vatsal Raj, India, BCL, Oxford-Hoffmann, Kofi Annan Scholar, Oxford-Hoffmann, Muminakhon Abdulvohidzoda,Tajikistan, MSc Water Science, Policy & Management, Kofi Annan Scholar, Oxford-HoffmannChevening (not in the picture)
Aye Kyithar Swe, Myanmar, MBA, Kofi Annan Scholar, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann-Saïd/Hope (not in the picture)
“It’s hard not to be happy at Mansfield. Walking in and seeing the beautiful quad, surrounded by an old building with a special colour you won’t find anywhere else in the city. The chapel was the meeting place with friends I hope to keep for a lifetime, and I’ll never forget the hours I spent in the library, reading all kinds of things—from novels to complex academic papers—always delighted by the old shelves and paintings. Even though I come from a faraway place, very different from Oxford, I can say that thanks to Mansfield, I felt at home.”
Juan Pablo Vásquez
St Antony’s College
Sebastian Jaramillo
Natalia Zhdanova, Russia, MSc Russian & East European Studies, HOPE-GRoW @ Annenberg, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann/ Hope-GRoW @ Annenberg
Dipankar Ghose, India, MSc Modern South Asian Studies, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann
“As one of Oxford’s few post-graduate only colleges, conversations in St. Antony’s are grounded in experience—by students and academics that have either immersed themselves in academia, or activism or field research, or years in their own areas of professional excellence. It may not have the castle-like architecture (the old main building and the library are gorgeous nonetheless), or the stodginess of the High Street, but St. Antony’s does two Oxford things right—it offers an environment that is challenging without being intimidating, and it leaves you with friendships that will last a lifetime.”
Dipankar Ghose
Berrocal, Colombia, MBA, Said-Skoll/Barnett, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Saïd-Skoll/Barnett
St Edmund Hall
May Nguyen, Vietnam, MSc Education (Digital & Social Change), Mitchell Scholar, Oxford-Hoffmann Professor Baroness Kathy Willis, College Principal David Odhiambo, Uzbekistan, MBA, Julius Baer Scholar, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Said/Lewis
Alisher Umaraliev, Uzbekistan, MPP, Julius Baer Scholar, Oxford-Hoffmann (not in the picture)
Vanessa Nakate, Uganda, MPP, Julius Baer Scholar, Oxford-Hoffmann (not in the picture)
Alaa NM Abushahla, Palestinian Territories, MSc International Health & Tropical Medicine, Shuaib Chaudhary Scholar, OxfordWeidenfeld and Hoffmann/Hope-Younger (not in the picture)
“I will forever be grateful to WHT for enabling me to study at the University of Oxford through their scholarship and leadership programme. This has been a remarkable experience with my college, St Edmund Hall. When I arrived here, I was told that Formal dinners are the ultimate Oxford experience. I am glad to share that it is true- the Formal dinners at my college have been moments of connecting with friends, meeting new people, and enjoying great food.”
Vanessa Nakate
Trinity College
“Trinity’s welcoming atmosphere and the events it organises have helped me strengthen my skills and enrich my academic work. In addition to providing a home for me at Trinity, my college has also shown me support during times of need — through counselling, book grants, and extra support during exams — which has been immensely helpful. I’m truly grateful for the opportunities and lasting friendships I’ve gained through the WHT programme and Trinity College.”
Dulanjalee Senadeera
Dulanjalee Senadeera, Sri Lanka, MSc International Health & Tropical Medicine, Oxford-Hoffmann
Teres Vattoly, India, MSc Evidence-Based Social Intervention & Policy Evaluation, Oxford-Hoffmann
Ama Buyanlkham Munkhbayar, Mongolia, MSc Comparative Social Policy, Oxford-Hoffmann
Worcester College
Emmanuel Olweny, Uganda, MSc Water Science, Policy & Management, Oxford-Hoffmann-HOPE/GRoW @ Annenberg Oshil Bansal, India, MSc Economics for Development, Oxford-Hoffmann
Lucas Chiu Kit Liu, Hong Kong SAR, MSc Education (Digital & Social Change), Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann-Hualan
Bupe Lughano Kabaghe, Zambia, MSc Global Governance & Diplomacy, Oxford-Hoffmann
Carlos Torres White, Mexico, MBA, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Said/Lewis
“Being an WHT Hualan Scholar has been a truly humbling and formative experience. While my research in GenAI and educational inequality was central, my perspective was most profoundly shaped by learning directly from my peers at Worcester and WHT. Being part of a college with such diverse passions and global perspectives brought an inspiring sense of shared purpose to making a positive impact on the communities we live in.”
Lucas Chiu Kit Liu
Funding Scholarships and Leadership Programme
Endowed Scholarships
The Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann & Oxford-Hoffmann Scholarships make up one of the largest philanthropic scholarship programmes supported by the University of Oxford. Since 2007, 446 scholarships have been awarded of which 206 have been supported by the Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann and the Oxford-Hoffmann Fund.
Set up to mark the 95th birthday of Lord Weidenfeld the endowment fund grew quickly with friends raising £9 million, including a £5 million gift from André Hoffmann matched by a £6 million contribution from the University of Oxford Graduate Matched Scholarships Fund. On the 10th Anniversary of the Scholarships programme,
Direct Donor Scholarships
The Trust is grateful for the support it has received from all its direct donors who together have supported 248 fully-funded graduate scholarships since 2007. This year the Hualan Education Group supported 1 Scholar and WHT in partnership with Chevening UK have directly supported three Scholars.
The Trust is committed to developing and strengthening partnerships with institutional and individual donors and supporters.
an additional generous donation of £9 million from André Hoffmann combined with £6m from the University created an endowment of £30 million to support around 30 post graduate scholarships each year in perpetuity.
The capital is held in the Oxford Endowment Fund (OEF), a unitised investment vehicle managed by Oxford University Endowment Management (OUEM). The OEF total return is distributed to support all tuition and living expenses for these scholarships each year and the balance is retained. In 202425 £1,505,000 was used to support 28 Oxford-Weidenfeld and Oxford-Hoffmann Scholars. DIRECT
Hualan Education Group
Chevening
Max Weidenfeld Travel Fund
Set up by the Eranda Rothschild Foundation in the name of George Weidenfeld’s father the Fund provides small grants to support professional development.
This year 7 scholars were delegates atCOP16, Colombia, the International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation, Tajikistan, the International Journalism Festival, Italy, the Model World Trade Organisation, Switzerland, the Open Forum Conference, DAVOS and a Kenya Business Trek.
Institutional Partnerships
The generosity of our institutional and individual donors enables the Leadership Programme to grow. We are grateful for our long-term partnerships with Saïd Business School and the Blavatnik School of Government who have contributed to the support of 30 MBA scholars since 2016 and 39 MPP scholars since 2017.
HOPE SCHOLARSHIPS
Since 2022 the Trust has raised £550k and has supported 21 HOPE scholars displaced through conflict, violence, or human rights abuses. In 2024-25, with the University of Oxford and donors, GRoW @ Annenberg, the Younger Family Fund, the Sigrid Rausing Trust and Worcester and Mansfield Colleges and their donors we have supported six outstanding scholars from Belarus, Myanmar, Palestinian Territories, Ukraine, Russia and Uganda.
“I was inspired by the courage of the brave men and women serving on the front line in Ukraine including my father. I am eager to become an influential decision maker to help my country survive as well as thrive, and to tackle the many challenges on the way to the European Union and Nato. I am so grateful for the support in helping me pursue my dream.”
Veronika Alieksieienko
Ukraine, MPP, Mansfield College, Kofi Annan Scholar, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann/ HopeRausing
Donors & Supporters
The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust is grateful for the generous support of all our donors 2007-2024 with a very special thank you to our co-founder, Chairman (from January 2025) and major benefactor Mr André Hoffmann.
Arcadia Foundation
WE ARE GRATEFUL TO THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE WORK OF THE TRUST
Blavatnik Family Foundation
Chevening
Clore Duffield Foundation
Eranda Rothschild Foundation
Fondation Hoffmann
Hualan Education Group
GRoW @ Annenberg
Louis Dreyfus Fondation d‘Entreprise
McCall MacBain Foundation
Sackler Trust
Sigrid Rausing Trust & Mr Eric Abraham
Stanley and Zea Lewis Family Foundation
Younger Family Fund
Mr Ben Barnett
Prof Roland Berger
Mrs Angelika Diekmann
Mrs Robin Hambro
Dr Pierre Keller
Mr Michael Lewis
Mr Jaqui Safra
Hans-Adam II, Prince of Liechtenstein
Mr Lawrence and Mrs Carol Saper
Mrs Barbara Walters
Keble College
Sloane Robinson Foundation
Martin Robinson
Alan Chesters
Lincoln College
Sloane Robinson Foundation
Elman Poole
Mansfield College
Jan Fischer (supporting the Kofi Annan Scholarships)
St Antony’s College
St Edmund Hall
Julius Baer Foundation
Mitchell Scholarship
Shuaib Chaudhary Scholarship
Trinity College
Worcester College
We are also grateful to the Saïd Business School and the Blavatnik School of Government for their contributions and our partner, the University of Oxford.
“Thanks to the WHT house, scholars are now able to connect more and I believe when scholars connect more from the start, the connections and bonds will last way beyond their year.”
Aiita Joshua Apamaku
Uganda, MSc Biodiversity, Conservation, & Management Mansfield College, Kofi Annan Scholarship, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann
TRUSTEES
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
ACADEMIC FELLOW
MORAL PHILOSOPHY SEMINAR MODERATORS
COMMUNICATION PRATICAL SKILLS
BUSINESS CHALLENGE LEAD
BUSINESS CHALLENGE ADVISER
SPECIAL THANKS
ASSESSMENT TEAM 2025-2026
Dr Alina Barnett
Mr André Hoffmann
Mr Michael Lewis (Chairman - until January 2025)
Mr Ben Barnett
Mr Enrique Cadenas (November 2024)
Mrs Nina Coad
Dr Precious Lunga
Dr Rasha Saïd (November 2024)
Dr Stephen Wright (Moral Philosophy)
Professor Sarah von Billerbeck
Dr Jody LaPorte
Associate Professor Alexander Kaiserman
Media First Ltd
Ms Eman Hamdan
Dr Fabio Bianchi
Kate Raworth , Senior Associate, Environmental Change Institute, Oxford University
WHT Alums and Staff:
Yawar Abbas (Pakistan, Diplomatic Studies, 2021)
Jane Baldwin (WHT)
Aditi Chatterjee (India, MBA, 2016)
Irina Fedorenko (Russia, WHT former Enterprise lead & DPhil Geography & Environment, 2013)
Eman Hamdan (WHT Business Challenge Lead)
Suta Kavari (Namibia, MPP, 2019)
Mr James Lieber (November 2024)
Professor Francisca Mutapi (November 2024)
Mr George Robinson
Lady Elizabeth Roberts
Mr Giles Strachan (November 2024)
Mr Joseph Ssentongo (WHT Alumni Rep)
Mr Karl Yin
Dr Matthew Parrott
Dr Jen Semler
Mr Paul Fisher (Programme Director of the Oxford Programme on Negotiations)
Claire Keene (SA, International Health & Tropical Medicine, 2016)
Pablo Marzocca (Argentina, MPP, 2019)
Grace Mzumara (Malawi, International Health & Tropical Medicine, 2018)
Giri Rajahram (Malaysia, International Health & Tropical Medicine, 2021)
Scherezade Tarar (Pakistan, MSc
Comparative Social Policy, 2017)
Lizaveta Trakhalina (Belarus, MJur, 2018)
Stephen Wright (WHT Academic Fellow)
OXFORD-WEIDENFELD AND HOFFMANN ENDOWMENT SELECTION PANEL FOR 2025-2026 SCHOLARSHIPS
Mr Rafat Ali Al-Akhali, Fellow of Practice, Blavatnik School of Government & WHT alum
Professor Walter Armbrust, Senior Tutor, St Antony’s College
Dame Hilary Boulding, President of Trinity College
Dr Rebecca Bullard, Senior Tutor/Tutor for Graduates, Trinity College
Professor Sam Fankhauser, Smith School
Ms Alexandra Henderson, WHT Director
Professor Deirdre Hollingsworth, St Edmund Hall
Associate Professor Hubert Lam, Nuffield Department of Population
Health
Professor Loren Landau, Oxford Department of International Development
Dr Lydia Matthews, Senior Tutor, Lincoln College
Associate Professor Manisha Nair, (NPEU (National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit & WHT alum
Dr Alisdair Rogers, Senior Tutor, Keble College
Dr Chris Salamone, Tutor for Graduates, Mansfield College
Professor David Wallom, Department of Engineering Science
Dr Stephen Wright, WHT Academic Fellow
“WHT didn’t just give me skills. It gave me space. It gave me perspective. It gave me permission. And I’m carrying all of that with me.”
WE ARE GRATEFUL TO THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE WORK OF THE TRUST
Sinnah Lamin
Sierra Leone, MSc International Health & Tropical Medicine, Lincoln College, Sloane Robinson Foundation Scholarship, Oxford-Hoffmann
Scholar Cohort
2024-25
Alaa NM Abushahla, MSc International Health & Tropical Medicine, Palestinian Territories, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann /Hope-Younger, (Shuaib Chaudhary Scholar)
Alisher Umaraliev, MPP, Uzbekistan, (Government Scholarship) Oxford-Hoffmann, (Julius Baer Scholar)
Ana Baiadze, MSc Law and Finance, Georgia, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann (Sloane Robinson Foundation Scholarship)
Andreana Awog-Badek, MSc International Health & Tropical Medicine, Ghana, Oxford-Hoffmann, (Sloane Robinson Foundation Scholarship)
Ashim Joshi, MSc Energy Systems, Nepal, Oxford-Hoffmann, (Sloane Robinson Foundation Scholar)
Aye Kyithar Swe, MBA, Myanmar, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann-Saïd/Hope (Kofi Annan Scholar)
Bupe Lughano Kabaghe, MSc Global Governance & Diplomacy, Zambia, Oxford-Hoffmann
Buyanlkham Munkhbayar (Ama), MSc Comparative Social Policy, Mongolia, Oxford-Hoffmann
Carlos Torres White, MBA, Mexico, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Saïd/ Lewis
Chhavi Khandelwal, MPP, India, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann, (Elman Poole Scholar)
Chiu Kit Liu (Lucas), MSc Education (Digital & Social Change), HK SAR, Oxford-Weidenfeld and HoffmannHualan
David Odhiambo, MBA, Kenya, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Saïd/Lewis, (Julius Baer Scholar)
Dipankar Ghose, MSc Modern South Asian Studies, India, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann
Dulanjalee Senadeera, MSc International Health & Tropical Medicine, Sri Lanka, Oxford-Hoffmann
Duong Nguyen, MJur, Vietnam, Oxford-Hoffmann, (Kofi Annan Scholar)
Elizabeth Dansoa Osei, MPP, Ghana, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann, (Sloane Robinson Foundation Scholar)
