WHT ANNUAL REPORT 2023-24

The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships & Leadership Programme

The Annual Report: 2023–24

year reflections

Russia, Kenya, Syria and Sudan thanks to generous additional funding from our supporters, the Sigrid Rausing Trust, The Blavatnik family Foundation, GRoW @ Annenberg, the Younger Family Fund along with extra funding raised by Worcester and Mansfield College) and our first scholars from Somalia and the Philippines.

In their reflections at the end of the year, the cohort took turns to speak about what they had learnt: about the importance of dialogue with each other, becoming more open and less judgemental, and how they had been motivated to challenge themselves.

something than the end of something. I thought these were encouraging observations and I just hope that in this very troubled world they will lean on each other to find ways through and be as open minded as they say they want to be. Reading one of the alum blogs below I felt that Grace Mzumara had indeed found her way through a difficult time by joining in and being honest with other alums on a group Zoom call.

One of the WHT’s aim is to provide a forum where students can feel able to share good news as well as worries and conundrums.

Welcome Weekend

Worcester College welcomed us again in late September and we were able to enjoy some wonderful aspects of the ‘Oxford experience’ – the beauty of the college with its dramatic herbaceous border, the ducks feasting on fallen apples and the magnificent lake – there can be no better introduction to the year. We are lucky to count Worcester among our partner colleges – thank you David Isaac and everyone at the College.

The welcome weekend acts as an introduction to some of the main activities which we then continue through the year: the Business Challenge and the Moral Philosophy seminars are two of the main ones.

The Business Challenge has been developing over the past few years and I felt that this year, under the guidance of Eman Hamdan, we have made real progress. The scholars did seem to understand that walking out of Oxford at the end of the year might not just lead to an endless opportunity for jobs and that learning some rudimentary aspects of business might come in handy. By June, there were several interesting projects, and I hope that one or two of them will take their project further. Notably, EnviroKindle, the team who were the most highly commended by our judges, reached out for assistance in becoming investor-ready. This pioneering

The Business Challenge

energy-tech start-up is spearheading the shift from coal-based cooking fuel to a cleaner, cheaper, and more efficient alternative.

Other promising projects developed throughout the year and reached the final pitch stage are:

CareBuddy: An online platform connecting elderly individuals with youngsters based on skills and proximity, offering comprehensive training for volunteers in elderly care and communication. A memorable highlight was when the CareBuddy team took to the streets to gauge public interest, leading them to pivot their idea based on the feedback received.

One Public: A platform aimed at creating a global network for public innovation by connecting stakeholders to develop impactful solutions through accessible platforms and knowledgedriven processes. One Public applied practical lessons to their project from the field visit we had to Plexal, an innovation hub collaborating with the government, startups, and industry to tackle societal challenges.

Entrepreneurs engaged with the students to share diverse approaches to their businesses.

From

Right to left: Dr Jane Jin, OXCCU TECH LTD, Charles Wyn – Davies, marketing Yeah Tristan Collins, gaitQ.

Vladyslava Savytska, MBA:

“Business Challenge was truly an amazing experience — not only did I get to practice entrepreneurship even more, but also secured an internship with one of the companies that spoke at one of the events — gaitQ, an Oxford University spin out building wearable devices for Parkinson’s.”

Sagoon Bhetwal, MSc Comparative Social Policy:

“I felt immense joy in sharing our business idea with experienced entrepreneurs after putting in so many hours of team effort throughout the year. The sessions gave confidence in our ability to create solutions that could solve challenges faced on a day-to-day basis by citizens be it in Kenya or Mexico. I am certain that these learnings will assist me in my future endeavors of ideating a social “enterprise.”

Moral Philosophy Seminars

Dmytro Lopushanskyy, MSc

Advanced Computer Science:

“THE BEST OF THE BEST! LOVE IT SO MUCH!!!! Please do more of them, I would love to have moral philosophy on a bi-weekly basis”

Manisha Nair, (India DPhil Public Health, 2013):

Now an Associate professor, Senior Epidemiologist and MRC Career Development Fellow at Oxford commented after watching the presentation of the projects :

“I wish we had the Business Challenge when I was a scholar. The skills gained from this are incredibly beneficial for professional life, not just for business.”

Our scholars always enjoy Moral Philosophy- for many it is the first time that they are dipping their toes into this. And slowly we watch them feeling confident enough to open up about how the various readings chime or don’t chime with their experiences in their home countries. Stephen Wright (who is a lecturer in philosophy at Lincoln and heads up our Moral Philosophy Seminars amongst other things) works tirelessly to keep these sessions relevant and even though the scholars sometimes fail to do the readings, they do usually show up and always say they are pleased that they did!

Oluwatamilore Oni, MPP:

“Loved these. […] The facilitators were especially good, creating room for engagement and challenging preconceived notions. Special thanks to Stephen, Matt, and all others. The work of creating excerpts, curating specific readings, news articles, and podcasts made it very digestible and easy-to-follow for those of us who weren’t familiar with philosophical teaching”.

Syed Taha Qadri, MSc Economics for Development:

“Such an amazing series of events. Even during the busy Oxford terms, I always looked forward to these since these were so productive”.

A Home for WHT

Perhaps the most significant change to the Trust over this year has been the acquisition of a home for WHT in central Oxford. I very much hope that this will provide a lasting space for students to come to during their time at the University we plan to run a lot of our seminars and workshops from there in the next academic year. It is also a place in which to meet and relax, a ‘home from home’. Alums will always be welcome and of course we have plans to make more space for more… but that requires new funding. For now, the cohort that has just finished have begun to enjoy it and we had a housewarming on undoubtedly one of the few sunny days of May... a good omen! Furthermore André Hoffmann was able to drop in and meet some of this year’s students.

The Debate

Our annual debate, in which the scholars pick a topic and manage all aspects of putting on the event in the Oxford Union debating chamber, was again one of the highlights of the year. The students threw themselves into the exercise and all 10 speakers put on very good performances- this is all the more impressive as for some it was not only

their first public debate, they were also expressing themselves in a language other than their mother tongue. In the chair as the presiding officer was none other than one of our distinguished alums Rhett Larson (USA, MSc Water Science, Policy and Management, 2011) for this year’s topic: This House believes that individuals should bear

responsibility for the actions of their government. Both sides argued with passion, we had good questions from the floor and interestingly the audience turned around the room- at the start the proposers were in the lead by the end it was the opposition that took the vote … But I’m glad to say the evening ended with all round congratulations.

Joyce DiDonato Humanitas Visiting Professor

Since well before Covid and all those disruptions, the University in partnership with WHT had invited the world-renowned American opera singer and recitalist, Joyce DiDonato to come to Oxford as a visiting professor. We have wondered whether this much anticipated visit would ever take place, but I am very glad to report that it did.

In March, Joyce spent a short but action packed time with us- she gave a much appreciated masterclass and then that same evening we were able to enjoy an extended and warm, informative and fun ‘ in conversation’ which ranged right across her career – she talked about the work she had to put into her early career and also spoke of some tricky moments such as when she slipped on the stage of the Royal Opera House during a live performance of The Barber of Seville and broke her fibula. Rather than retire injured, she continued singing the part of Rosina for the next five performances from a wheelchair.

For many of our students who attended the conversation and dinner afterwards this was the first time they had heard anyone talk about opera. Professor Michael Burden, who has helped organise these visiting professorships over many years, took note of this and when he produced a Summer Opera of Haydn’s La Vera Contanza, he kindly issued an invitation and twenty of our students enjoyed what for many was their first taste of live opera.

Joyce DiDonato, Humanitas Visiting Professorship in Voice & Classical Music was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Mercedes T Bass Charitable Corporation and in partnership with New College Oxford.

Cumberland Lodge

We rounded off the year with what has now become an end of year fixture: our weekend away at Cumberland Lodge on the edge of Windsor Great Park. The changeable weather meant that only a few brave students joined the traditional walk to the Copper Horse and below us Windsor Castle remained stubbornly shrouded in thick mist; but learning croquet along with all important media training and concluding sessions in Moral Philosophy and the Business Challenge along with a wonderful student led talent show sent everyone away happy. Many friends, alums and supporters joined us for the final dinner at the Divinity School.

I do want to thank our college partners: Mansfield, Worcester, Trinity, Keble, Lincoln and St. Edmund’s Hall. For the next intake I am pleased to say that we will have a seventh partner college, St Antony’s, who will be welcoming 3 students in September. We are also welcoming two new WHT Trustees: George Robinson, a businessman who has a great interest in innovation coming out of our universities and Francisca Mutapi, currently professor in Global Health Infection and Immunity at Edinburgh University. Joseph Ssentongo (Uganda, MPP 2016) has also joined us as the Alumni Representative on the WHT Advisory Board.

We at WHT are sad to say goodbye to the Chancellor, Lord Patten who has been a kind supporter to us over all these years.

In the next pages there are some blogs from our students reflecting on how they have viewed their time at Oxford.

For their yearbook which they organise as a souvenir of their time, this cohort chose a letter of the alphabet to write something about their time in Oxford.

I hope everyone has a peaceful and restful summer, well done to the WHT cohort of 2024 and good luck!

Best wishes and thanks

George Robinson

Francisca Mutapi

Alexandra Henderson CEO and Director, WHT

Welcome Weekend: The Glee We Shared

After months of waiting, the time to meet my WHT cohort came at last. We had been rather active on our WhatsApp group throughout the summer but being able to meet everyone in person thrilled me beyond measure.

Smriti Jalihal

India

MSc Environmental Change and Management

Mansfield College,

Kofi Annan Scholarship

Oxford-Hoffmann

On Friday, September 22nd, we gathered in Worcester College for the Welcome Weekend. The day started with an introduction to the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme, followed by our first Moral Philosophy

seminar, where we discussed thought-provoking ideas on Power. Should one govern by love or by fear? What is the goal of power? Should the type of leadership be different for minorities and oppressed groups? It was fascinating to hear the perspectives of, among others, environmentalists, lawyers, health experts and computer scientists, all from different countries, speaking from their experiences of how these ideas play out where they live.

I had come to Oxford with a strong set of views. Sitting in a room and having to discuss concepts like power with people from vastly different cultures and countries posed a challenge to my dearly held opinions, but it also helped me situate my views in a larger global context. It also made me feel a lot wiser, but also tinier in my now expanding bubble. We heard each other’s perspectives on politics, music, or even how we

were feeling at that moment. We spoke about how we were excited, anxious, and curious, all at the same time. I learnt about mezcal (or the Mexican tequila), saw a Masaai dance, and danced to the beats of Olha a Onda, a popular song in Brazil. This was a wonderful way to peek into the diverse cultures and countries scholars had come from–places I would like to visit someday!

WHT cohort 2023-24

During the weekend, we also started brainstorming for a core aspect of WHT’s Leadership Programme, the Business Challenge. We formed groups based on the idea we were interested in and sketched out a brief annual plan. This was a quick-thinking exercise: all of us had to come up with an idea that we more or less agreed on (much more challenging than I’d thought!).

To add to all the fun, the weekend was supplemented with very ‘English and Oxford things’: an evening at the pub drinking beer and eating fish and

chips, a tour of Oxford, and looking at the glorious Radcliffe Camera while enjoying scones and English tea (with a dash of cold milk). The weekend ended with our first formal dinner at Oxford, where many scholars dressed in their country’s traditional attire. It felt almost unbelievable to come to Oxford and instantly find new friends. We began spending a lot more time together: a picnic in Port Meadow while the English sun lasted or trying out new restaurants and cafes in Oxford. But it all started with the Welcome Weekend, the glee we shared during it: I knew then that I’m going to love it here, much more than I had imagined.

The Student Blogs

Scholars in discussion during the Moral Philosophy seminars

Our first formal dinner at Worcester College

Global Refugee Forum 2023: Chocolate, Fondue, and Refugees

Amina Suveha

Syria

MSc International Health and Tropical Medicine

Worcester College

Oxford-Hoffmann-Chevening/ HOPE : GRoW @ Annenberg

“If you do something for me, without me, then you are doing it against me.”

This sentence was the closure remark for one of the Global Refugee Forum’s (GRF) high-level parallel events that I joined as part of the University of Oxford - Refugee-led Research Hub delegation. Taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, from December 13th to 15th, the GRF marked the second programme of its kind, building upon the inaugural event held in 2019. Notably, this forum witnessed a significant increase in pledges and the active involvement of participants with lived experiences of forced displacement, including me, and statelessness.

The forum encompassed diverse activities like plenary sessions, dinners, art exhibitions, and the Nansen Refugee Awards ceremony. While the plenary sessions provided a platform for governments, various UN agencies, and key stakeholders to deliver statements and propose pledges, other events fostered more inclusive discussions and community-focused engagements.

Since in navigating such huge events, it is vital to plan and choose the sessions one is interested in, I chose

those related to health and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), meaningful refugee participation, and high education for refugees, among others.

While the UNHCR (The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the UN Refugee Agency) considered this event an extraordinary success, part of the attendees, again, including me, felt the absence of some aspects like the real experience of displacement, a comprehensive discussion on the root causes of the global refugee crisis, and a sense of absolute solutions.

Not to complain about Swiss chocolate and the exceptional cheese fondue, there were also questions raised about Switzerland being the host for such an event, as opposed to one of the numerous countries that play essential roles in hosting refugees.

Apart from numbers and commitments, which can be found at Global Refugee Forum 2023 | UNHCR , some highlights of these few days were: a playback theatre performance inspired by the stories of displaced people, a refugee-led dinner on climate action partnerships, and the invaluable opportunity

to connect with remarkable individuals from around the world.

The exposure to such a huge event and being able to learn and listen to different experiences and success stories (I would also appreciate listening to what did not go well, though) made me reflect on my journey and what I truly want to achieve after my MSc in International Health and Tropical Medicine.

My commitment to empowering refugees without adding undue burdens, maintaining transparency, and consistently advocating for meaningful and, most importantly, respectful inclusion of individuals with lived experiences of displacement became even more pronounced, because “If you do something for me, without me, you are doing it against me”.

Amina received support from the Max Weidenfeld Travel Grant to attend the Global Refugee Forum 2023

The Student Blogs

Amina at the Global Refugee Forum 2023

Xenia Baranchikova

Russia

MSc Environmental Change & Management

Mansfield College, Kofi Annan Scholar

Oxford-Hoffmann/HOPE

Michaelmas 2023: Good Things Come to Those Who Act

Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs when you least expect it. When my life took an unexpected turn, I found myself at a crossroads but armed with abundant energy and a burning desire to rebuild my life. Deep down, I knew that good things come to those who act. The conventional narrative dictates that women’s focus should shift to family by a certain point in life. I opted for a different path. Despite having done my undergraduate degree years ago and despite being a mother, I applied for an MSc in Environmental Change and

Management at the University of Oxford. Though I didn’t believe I would be able to secure admission, I was determined to try. I was rewarded – an offer from my dream university materialised.

However, at this very moment, my dark side awoke: could I, a mature student, and a mother, overburdened with financial uncertainty, embark on such an ambitious academic journey? Securing funding as a Russian citizen proved to be a formidable challenge – I turned every stone, but nothing seemed to

Xenia with WHT scholars on Matriculation Day

work. In the face of uncertainty, unexpected support came from the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust, becoming a beacon of hope. While financial support serves as a crucial lifeline, I didn’t immediately realise the depth of what the WeidenfeldHoffmann Trust represents. It turned out to be a familial bond that became my support system in the hallowed halls of Oxford.

I have to admit that studying in a globally renowned institution while being a mother is undeniably challenging. Constantly juggling academic rigour and familial responsibilities requires resilience, rigorous time management, and, sometimes, a lack of sleep.

However, the WHT family – alumni, my cohort, every person at WHT, and many others responsible for funding the WHT initiative – came to my rescue. Their unwavering support is a testament to the belief that good things come not only to those who act but to those who surround

themselves with an empowering community. WHT nurtures us, providing access to the opportunities that are hard to get by in everyday life. Meeting experienced professionals and mentors that nourish our entrepreneurial skills is priceless. Meanwhile, Moral Philosophy discussions encouraged us to think over problems from various perspectives, and long after classes, our cohort spent endless hours cementing our ethical beliefs to guide us further in life. Not to mention that whenever you are overwhelmed, stressed, or just homesick, WHT scholars are always there for you.

With each challenge faced headon, I was reminded that pursuing knowledge and positive change is not a solitary endeavour but a collective journey.

Good things do come to those who act, but they shine brighter when surrounded by a supportive community, and for that, I am profoundly grateful.

The Student Blogs

Xenia’s son with WHT scholars

Hanbit Lee

South Korea

MSc Energy Systems

Keble College, Sloane Robinson

Oxford-Hoffmann

Reflections from COP28: Unite, Act, and Deliver

In January 2024, I travelled to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where I joined roughly 80,000 people for the largest climate conference ever: COP28. Since its inception following the 1992 UN climate accord, the annual Conference of the Parties (COP) has been at the centre of global negotiations and policymaking to limit temperature rise and adapt to climate change impacts.

This year’s COP was held in Expo City, where futuristic architecture emerges strikingly from the desert sands. Navigating the labyrinth of pavilions and participating in discussions at COP28 was both daunting and exhilarating. Under the beating sun of Dubai, heated discussions unfolded tirelessly, both within negotiation rooms and beyond, continuing day and night.

COP28 saw a significant presence of scholars from Oxford, including those from the Net Zero Institute, the Smith School, and two of my course mates who were part of the Ghanaian and Ukrainian delegations. It was also inspiring to see professors, with whom I had the privilege of learning, lead debates and urge action.

Professor Myles Allen, the scientist behind the term ‘NetZero’, took a central role in the debate on carbon capture and storage, highlighting its necessity in achieving our climate objectives.

The most impactful moment for me was attending the people’s plenary, which brought the human perspective to the forefront of the conference.

The words of Tom B.K. Goldtooth, the Executive Director of the Indigenous Environmental Network, were particularly resonant: “Climate change is a matter of life and death for us, as Indigenous people in all regions.”

The panel emphasized the importance of recognizing Indigenous people’s rights for sustainable development, critiquing government inaction in the face of fossil fuel expansion and underscoring the importance of embracing Indigenous knowledges. As an energy systems modeler, I often get immersed in the theoretical aspects of climate models and projections, losing sight of the tangible, reallife stories of individuals and communities. This session was a powerful reminder of the continuous struggle for justice—voices that are often sidelined in global dialogues but echoed powerfully through the halls of the conference.

The spirit of COP28 was one of cautious optimism. While acknowledging the long road

ahead, there was a palpable sense of momentum—a collective understanding that the time for decisive action is now. Over 170 announcements were made between pledges, declarations, publications, reports, and initiatives. Historic and landmark pledges and negotiations were made, two of which were noteworthy: the global agreement to transition away from fossil fuels and the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund.

Yet, the conference had its shortcomings. Quantified global adaptation targets, crucial for countries in the global south, failed to reach a consensus. Moreover, the agreed language on transitioning from fossil fuels, although significant, fell short of the more decisive “phase-out” that many advocates had sought. The true measure of progress lies not in the declarations and pledges of COP but in the tangible actions of governments, businesses, universities, and individuals. Having returned to Oxford with a renewed sense of purpose, I was reminded that, while individual efforts are crucial, collective action is essential for a transition of this magnitude. At and beyond COP, the crucial point stays the same: we must unite, act, and deliver.

The Student Blogs

Hanbit at COP28 held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Mykhailo Kiktenko

Ukraine

MPP

Lincoln College, The Elman Poole /Lincoln College Graduate

Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann-Hope

Davos Unwrapped: Where Leaders “Make It Happen”

The Davos World Economic Forum (WEF) holds a mystique that captivates global attention year after year. It’s often wondered, what sets Davos apart from the multitude of forums dotting the international landscape? Why do world leaders, business executives, scientists, and civil society figures converge annually on this small Swiss village nestled in the lofty Alps? Is it the breathtaking vistas, the crisp mountain air, or perhaps the allure of Swiss fondue? I don’t have a clear-cut answer. But what I do know is this: in Davos, the decisions that have the potential to shape the trajectory of humanity are often deliberated.

Eager to uncover the secrets of Davos, I immersed myself in the Davos Open Forum, an inclusive platform that opens the doors of the World Economic Forum to the wider public. With a packed schedule focused on the environment, AI governance, and Biomed, I knew boredom wouldn’t be on the agenda. Little did I realize the whirlwind of activity that awaited me.

Upon arrival, Davos greeted me with an atmosphere teeming with purpose. I was privy to profound dialogues as I delved into panel

discussions, networking sessions, and receptions. I quickly realized that people attending WEF have a special mindset. Every person who participates in WEF comes with an open heart and genuine curiosity to connect. No matter how high they are in a ‘food chain’ CEO of a multinational company or a fresh university graduate. At Davos, the traditional hierarchy dissolves, levelling the playing field where CEOs and fresh graduates alike are equally valued because everyone understands that those who come to Davos have this special mindset; I call it a

Davos Open Forum kick-off

‘make it happen’ mindset. Be it enhancing corporate profits or transforming the whole industry to be more environmentally friendly, these are the people who can make it happen.

Further, Davos proved to be a fertile ground for forging connections that could potentially spark collaborations and unlock future opportunities. Engaging with a diverse array of perspectives – from government officials to civil society leaders and business executives – broadened my understanding of global challenges and sharpened my resolve to tackle them head-on. Drawing upon my background as a seasoned lawyer and my extensive experience in both the Ukrainian government and with UNDP, where I had spearheaded impactful policy changes in justice and digital transformation, my keen focus at Davos naturally gravitated towards AI governance, sustainable development, and the captivating innovations emerging at their crossroads. The discussions at AI House were particularly noteworthy. What was once dismissed as a mere buzzword has now materialized into tangible progress, with visionary leaders deliberating on how to harness this technology for the betterment of humanity.

Moreover, my time at the Ukraine House brought into focus another

key aspect: sharing firsthand stories and lessons from my experiences in Ukraine. Ukraine House wasn’t just a venue; it was a place where people came together to learn, collaborate, and feel inspired. It shed light on Ukraine’s story in a way that everyone could understand, showing how resilience and determination can overcome challenges. In essence, attending the WEF was not just about being present at a prestigious event; it was about embracing a mindset of action and collaboration. It’s this ‘make it happen’ ethos that defines Davos and empowers its participants to shape the future of our world.

Mykhailo received support from the Max Weidenfeld Travel Grant to attend the World Economic Forum 2024 in Davos.

The Student Blogs

Delving into discussions on harnessing the power of AI for humanitarian

Faizan Ahmad India BCL, Mansfield College, Kofi Annan Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann

This house believes that individuals should bear responsibility for the actions of their governments

Years before I came to Oxford, I had seen a video of the Indian parliamentarian Shashi Tharoor debating at the historic Oxford Union; Tharoor had been demanding reparations for India from the British empire. Who would’ve thought that I would be in the same hall years later, asking individuals to bear responsibility for the actions of their governments.

The most important thing you need to know about the WHT debate is that scholars organise it themselves. Although it lasts for about an hour, it demands weeks of behind-the-scenes work.

FOR THE MOTION

First, we had to agree on a motion. WHT scholars, all from vastly diverse backgrounds, countries, political situations, and life experiences, suggested themes and motions. We put these to a vote. Then, we discussed the one that had received the maximum votes with debating coaches for the sake of fairness and for deliberating on the contours of the debate. This is the motion we agreed upon: “This House believes that individuals should bear responsibility for the actions of their government.”

Many of us were anxious, uncomfortable with the motion and gripped with uncertainty regarding where the debate could go. Several of

Faizan at the debate

us had never done any public speaking activity before, let alone debating. For the next three weeks WHT organised several debating workshops which honed our critical thinking and public speaking skills. As the sessions progressed, we grew more confident and learnt how to articulate ourselves better and think deeply about agreements and disagreements.

Soon, through a random draw of lots, I was teamed up with Taha, Shawntel, Vlada and Mykhailo. We were to defend the motion, that is, argue persuasively that individuals should indeed bear responsibility for the actions of their governments. Facing me were Rohan, Sagoon, Hanbit, Fareed and Xenia. It was during our preparation weeks that we got to each other more as a team. It was heartwarming to witness how we presented our cases: through wit, rhetoric, and, at times, humour. I felt a kind of joy that no group project had ever brought me before.

Finally, the much-awaited day came. We entered ceremoniously with the Chair of the debate into a packed hall cheering and clapping, through the doors of ‘ayes’ and ‘noes,’ depending on the side we stood for. Before the debate started, only 19 people were in favour of the motion as per the pre-vote. By the end of 8 speeches, 4 in favour and 4 against, each lasting

4 mins, 63 people agreed with the proposition.

That is when I realised the power of advocacy and persuasion, even when the odds are against you. But no numbers could have captured the feeling of seeing your friends, even those across the aisle, speak with gleamy eyes filled with passion and confidence. The debate and subsequent Q&A by the audience showed that both teams had much less disagreement about the kind of world we imagine. Rather, our differences lied in how to achieve a fairer and better world. The debate was more than just an intellectual exercise; it reflected the urgent need for accountability of states in the grave times we are living in. If you haven’t watched the WHT debate yet, you can watch it here.

The experience taught me invaluable lessons about leadership and ethical responsibility. Debating at the Oxford Union was not just about displaying rhetorical skills; it was about reclaiming space for those who are excluded and for the oppressed of the Global South unapologetically. As I reflect on my journey from the Muslim ghettos of India to Oxford, I am grateful to have had the privilege to speak here. As a lawyer, it has reinforced my commitment to advocating for social justice and equity for my community in India.

The Student Blogs

Fareed Fakhoury

Syria

MPP

Mansfield College, Kofi Annan

Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann

-Hope-Younger

This house believes that individuals should bear responsibility for the actions of their governments

Participating in the WeidenfeldHoffmann Trust Annual Scholars’ Debate represented a hallmark of my academic and personal journey. This year’s motion, offered a platform to explore ethical and societal questions resonant with my work on gender equality, Middle Eastern politics, and humanitarian action.

As a debut debater, I was quite intimidated. The idea of presenting complex arguments while upholding

the values integral to my ethos made me wonder if my personal and professional growth was at a crossroads. My initial trepidation was magnified by memories of watching the previous year’s debate. The prowess and eloquence displayed by the debaters left me questioning my capabilities. However, it was Jane, the WHT Scholarships & Leadership Manager, whose encouragement became a catalyst for my transformation. Her faith in my

Faizan at the debate

abilities propelled me from a state of apprehension to one of determined resolve.

The unwavering support from my family, particularly the encouragement from my wife and children, along with the camaraderie provided by my colleagues from the MPP course, played a crucial role in my journey. This collective support fortified my confidence, morphing the daunting challenge ahead into an exhilarating avenue.

Moreover, the discipline of observing Ramadan during this period introduced spiritual depth and resilience to my debate preparations. The challenge of fasting, particularly during the first week—which coincidentally included the day of the debate—parallels the emotional and intellectual rigour demanded by debating.

Breaking my fast with water at sunset before presenting the opposition team’s argument became a moment of profound grounding, reinforcing the virtues of self-control, patience, and introspection. This spiritual discipline deepened my engagement with the debate’s theme and enhanced my capacity for clear and persuasive discourse. Standing before

the audience, articulating my stance against the motion, I embraced the challenge and discovered the thrill of debate.

Reflecting on this journey, my initial hesitation has transformed into a desire to further engage in intellectual dialogues and advocacy platforms. The insights gained, skills refined, and personal victories secured throughout this debate are treasures I will carry forward in my quest for justice and human dignity.

The Student Blogs

Both Teams from the WHT Annual Debate

L-R : Fareed Fakhoury, Rohan Chopra, Mykhailo Kiktenko, Sagoon Bhetwal, Hanbit Lee, Shawntel Nicole, Xenia Baranchikova, Faizan Ahmad, Syed Taha Qadri, Vladyslava Savytska.

Shawntel Nieto

Philippines MPP

St Edmund Hall, Julius Baer

Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann

Ditchley Conference: It Takes Two to Tango

Sometimes, we find ourselves in situations where we must speak up, even if it’s frightening. We need to say what needs to be said because if we don’t do it, then who will?

I joined the Ditchley conference certain that I was there to attend, soak up all the insights that would come from the brilliant, vastly experienced, and well-accomplished leaders that made up the conference, and live a temporary Bridgerton dream at the Ditchley estate. To an extent, all these came true. However, just as any beautiful tale would show, this was not the end of my story.

At the Ditchley conference, we discussed how the West could best partner with Indo-Pacific economies to maximise global economic growth, mitigate the climate crisis, and increase shared resilience to shocks. By the beginning of the first plenary, however, one thing was clear: Among the developing countries part of the Indo-Pacific, there was only one represented in the room — the Philippines, and that was because of me. When I mentioned this to a fellow participant, he said, “You sure have a lot on your plate now. You have to represent all the 12 other countries that aren’t here.” To the best of my ability,

that is what I did.

Amongst all my interventions during the plenaries and working group sessions, there is one most relevant to raise in this blog: there is a clear need to adopt a firmer bottom-up approach to building partnerships, especially on a global scale. In plenaries, I emphasised that building trust and impactful partnerships requires engaging with countries, understanding their genuine challenges, and recognizing on-theground realities.

However, discussing optimal ways for geopolitics is not my core message. The real message

Shawntel at the Ditchley Conference on “Partnering with the Indo-Pacific”

is to always listen and speak. On the one hand, it is tempting to think we have answers to everyone else’s problems. It is easy to dictate our perspectives, ideas, ideals, values, or solutions to other people, believing that we’re supporting them by doing so. Yet, true problemsolving only ever comes from co-creating solutions with all stakeholders affected by an issue. This cannot happen without everyone humbling themselves to listen and learn from one another.

On the other hand, it is just as tempting not to say anything at all. I was sure I would hardly provide any insights at such a high-level conference. Yet, I did; and it was mostly because I had to. I may not have been an expert in geopolitics nor the realities of all the countries in the region, but I had insights on how we experience the issues, see the region (including the fact that hardly anyone in Asia calls it the “Indo-Pacific”), and define both success and development. More importantly, I knew if I did not point out lapses or gaps in the discussions, no one else might, and that would leave us all the worse for it.

Even in the most daunting moments, I had to muster up the courage to say what needed to be said — and I had to do so in the most diplomatic,

comprehensible, and logical way possible. I do not know if, over time, it would be easier or more difficult for me to do so. But in all future opportunities, I’ll reflect on this Ditchley conference as a reminder of the importance and capability to voice necessary opinions.

Therefore, as I end this piece, I urge everyone to consider this: Sometimes, we find ourselves in situations where we have to speak up, even if it’s frightening. We need to say what needs to be said because if we don’t do it, then who will? When it is your time, go and do what needs to be done, because you can and because we need you to.

The Student Blogs

Ditchley Conference group picture AI for humanitarian

Chats between sessions

Cumberland Lodge: Comfortable with Uncomfortable Conversations

Mariana De Lucio Perez

Mexico

MPP, 2023

Mansfield College, Kofi Annan

Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann/Chevening

It was our last event as a cohort. A weekend retreat at the Cumberland Lodge, packed with activities like media training, Moral Philosophy seminars, and Business Challenges, was coming to an end. I started to feel nostalgic, this was the last time we would all be together.

Arriving at Cumberland Lodge felt intimidating. Established in 1947 with the support of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the charity aims to foster the exchange of ideas to address the world’s most pressing issues through making ethical decisions. This was a place where big ideas, often uncomfortable ones, such as how to

tackle fascism during the World War II, were debated. Now, we were to be a part of this legacy, to embrace the same magnitude of discussions, comfortable and uncomfortable alike.

But we were in good hands. Media First was going to work with us to improve our communication skills. I couldn’t help but reflect on my interview for WHT. During it, I had said that one of the reasons I was excited to be a WHT scholar was that I’d finally develop my communication skills through its inimitable Leadership Programme; I had never had formal training. My interviewer had laughed kindly, saying, “It doesn’t look like that,” but I knew there was

much to learn. And here I was, finally challenging myself to do what I had wanted for more than a year.

On top of that, the weekend was rich with philosophy, one of my favourite parts of the programme. I didn’t want it to end. For one last time, we discussed different perspectives on the ethical implications of business and government: taxes, economic crises, equality, and so much more. It was thrilling to hear my ideas being challenged, questioned, discussed, and often nurtured by others. The environment was full of intellectual stimulation, diversity, and respect –something that made me feel the sting of nostalgia even more.

We also had the opportunity to finalize our business challenge. Although I was sceptical at the beginning of the year, as I pitched my team’s idea, I had an “aha” moment: I was comfortable speaking in public. Selling an idea and responding to difficult questions started to feel second nature to me. Even if I don’t end up in business (or who knows?), I will always remember how capital C-confidence had swelled up inside me that evening.

But it wasn’t all work. We explored the Lodge, learning about the many movies that had been filmed there. We sat in Queen Elizabeth’s favourite spot, played croquet, and shared

tea and dinners. And of course, we reflected on our year. It was exciting to witness how much we had grown, how much we had changed, but also how loyal we had remained to our passions, ideas, and purpose. I felt –and am – proud of this cohort.

I was nostalgic all the same, but I began to feel that no matter where we go, the time spent at Oxford as a WHT scholar will always stay with me. And so will the people I met. They were my family in Oxford and a source of inspiration that far extends the halls of Cumberland Lodge and the spires of Oxford. What we had shared was more than a programme, even if we did not always share our views or beliefs. I know we will always feel comfortable with uncomfortable conversations, for instance.

The Student Blogs

Alumni Impact, Engagement & Giving Back

Our alumni are growing in impact and reach as they tackle major problems affecting the world – c 80% are directly working to benefit those from emerging and developing economies working nationally or multilaterally at the forefront of the fight against injustice, poverty, climate change

and biodiversity loss or leading transformative and nature positive businesses. Our alumni have a strong culture of giving back and many have shared their professional experiences this year as mentors, panellists and in conversation. The new WHT House has welcomed alums visiting Oxford or

the UK and more in-person activities and opportunities to reconnect are planned while the WHT Community Channel (telegram) has nearly 200 members making real-time networking and support easier.

Nsuku Nxumalo-Chanakira, South Africa, MSc Water Science, Policy and Management, 2019 Nsuku is the Principal Hydrologist for Thungela Resources, SA.

“Returning to Oxford with my parents was a full circle moment, a dream come true. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 restrictions and concerns, my parents hadn’t been able to attend my graduation Four years later, I finally got to be with my parents in Oxford. I am so glad they also got to see the new WHT home and got a glimpse of the love and support WHT gave me while I was in Oxford. “

Eszter Kabos, Hungary, MPhil Economics for Development, 2017-2019

““It was lovely to see many people from my cohort at the open house and make friends with other cohorts - it already showed that this space - together with some food and drinks :) - will provide a good opportunity for meetings between cohorts.”

Irina Gribanenkova, Russia, MSc Water Science Policy & Management, 2022-23

“WHT had all the attributes of a family - deep connections, support and respect, lively discussions. The only thing missing was the actual house. Now WHT has a house - the best physical representation of all that WHT means to us - feeling welcomed, supported and inspired for future endeavours.

Shabana Basij-Rasikh, Afghanistan, MPP, 2019-2020

Shabana shared the history and latest news from SOLA the School for Leadership for Girls Afghanistan she founded in Kabul and refounded in Rwanda and she spoke about her continued commitment to the education for Afghan girls. Shabana is one of GP’s Inaugural Carnegie Distinguished Fellows 2023-24 including high-profile practitioners, a former head of state, high-ranking policy officials, diplomats, activists, and other distinguished global leaders.

Obaid Ashraf Shah

India, MSc Sustainability & the Environment, 2022-23,

Obaid was Presiding Officer on Election Day, Wesley Memorial Church, Oxford and is Principal Sustainability Specialist at the Department for Transport (DfT) within the UK government. Obaid was one of the many alums giving back to the Leadership Programme last year.

Congratulations

Nadia Oweidat, Jordan, DPhil Oriental Studies, 2011

Nadia’s first book was published in June 2024. Reform and Its Perils in Contemporary Islam focused on the work of Egyptian Scholar Abu Zayd, one of the 20th century’s foremost Islamic modernists. Her second book, A Million Clicks to Freedom: The Virtual Battlefield of Ideas in the ArabicSpeaking World is in progress. Nadia is Associate Professor at Kansas State University and a research fellow at the Wilson Centre. She is currently on leave working as a Senior Regional Coordinator at the US Department of State, Washington.

Simukai Chigudu, Zimbabwe, DPhil International Development, 2017

The Africa Report named Simukai Chigudu as one of 10 African scholars to watch in 2024 who are “making lifechanging decisions that help change the world every day. Through their various fields of study/research, they deal with some of the world’s most pressing problems and help shape public debates”. Simukai is Associate Professor of African Politics at the Oxford Department of International Development. His new book, When Will We Be Free? Living in the Shadow of Empire and the Struggle for Decolonisation, will be published in 2024.

Farid Ahmadov, Azerbaijan, DPhil Law, 2011

Farid was appointed Minister of Justice of the Republic of Azerbaijan in February 2024. Farid had also been elected as a member of the UN Human Rights Committee for 2023-2026, the first Azerbaijani to serve but stepped down to take up his new government position.

Oksana Matiiash, Ukraine, MPP, 2019-2020

The first Obama Foundation Scholar from Ukraine (2023-24), Oksana was one of the 12 rising 12 emerging leaders offered the opportunity to take their already impactful work in their communities to the next level through an immersive curriculum at Columbia University. Oksana is the CEO of Teach for Ukraine. She is passionate about making a positive social impact in Ukraine and creating better educational opportunities for all children in Ukraine by addressing systemic injustices in their classrooms.

Sampad Patnaik, India, MSc Contemporary India, 20142015

Sampad has been awarded the prestigious Homi Bhaba Fellowship for 2023-25. This award recognises young people of exceptional talent and provides opportunities to develop their abilities as future leaders in India. He is a journalist with The Indian Express and Reuters News. (headshot)

Q & A with RHETT LARSON

Can you tell us about what inspired you to become a water lawyer?

I grew up in Yuma, Arizona, which is a very small farming town that’s located right on the border of the United States and Mexico and it is right where the Colorado River meets and where everyone was either a farmer or a soldier and the only person I knew who wasn’t a soldier or a farmer was our irrigation districts lawyer. So that’s what started my interest in water law. But I don’t think that I really became passionate about water policy broadly until I was living in the Dominican Republic when a category five hurricane hit. And the mud at the surface of the cliffs at the top of the cliffs gave way and the mudslide just wiped our entire community off the side of the mountains. And the next days were just spent in rescue efforts. And a lot of people that I loved died in that hurricane. And I’m so heartbroken and then someone out in the middle of that city must have a huge sound system in their car. Because blasting over the entire city came Bob Marley’s woman, no cry. And I sat up and I wiped the mud off my face. And I learned something very quickly in those next few days, which is, every problem on Earth seems manageable if you can get everybody a clean drink of water. But if you can’t get people to a clean drink of water, no problem seems manageable. So I thought this will be what I will do for the rest of my life. If I can solve this one little problem, if I can get everyone on Earth a clean drink of water, then all of the other problems will seem more manageable. I thought I picked a really simple problem to solve but turns out it was one of the hardest problems to solve and that is what inspired me.

How are you delivering a clean glass of water? What does your work involve?

So much of my work right now remains hyper-practical. So I still work on water dispute resolution. I’ve been appointed by the governor of the Arizona Mexico Commission, and I work for the Arizona finance authority but I still work as a Special Master, Arbitrator and Mediator in water conflicts. A lot of my work is applied research projects funded by the US Agency for International Development including in the Lebanon and Jordan working for refugee host communities. I am working on a book right now called Day Zero where I am trying to find commonalities between Mexico City, Chennai, and Cape Town three cities which in the last couple of years faced day zero – the possibility of running out of water.

A lot of my work at the moment is on transboundary water issues. But I think that when people hear water scarcity, their first instinct is to think of drought and that has been part of the problem, but the bigger part of the problem is leaking and an ageing infrastructure that has to be reinvested and a lot of communities around the world face the challenge of non-revenue water loss. But water doesn’t lend itself well to crisis management, you have to make water a priority. I think data and data transparency is another important thing, making sure people are conscious of what groundwater levels are, and how they’re affecting them. And it’s easy to say, well, water is a human right but what does a human right to water mean? Does it mean that you should get water for free, things that are given to you for free, you don’t take very good care of. And one lesson that’s virtually universal on water is that

Colorado River, Arizona

free water is wasted water. Everywhere in the world, the cheaper you give it to people, the less they take care of it. So how do you strike the right balance between making sure people can get their hands on what is a necessary resource and at the same time, recover costs so that you can reinvest and maintain the infrastructure? And in my experience, there’s nothing inherently bad about privatized water. What I find to be the universal common thread amongst badly performing water systems is public corruption.

What advice would you give scholars for their next steps after Oxford?

When I first became a lawyer, the job that I got was as a real estate lawyer. And so the water law that I was doing was very transactional, helping people buy and sell water rights or acquire the water rights to build developments. But that’s not what I wanted to do. I wanted to argue about water. And so I changed law firms at the time, which was really difficult, and I went to a different law firm that specializes in water law and it was only about water and not about real estate. But it was dealing with everything as small as two farmers arguing over a ditch that they shared all the way up to the United States and Mexico arguing about the Colorado River and then the Navajo Nation arguing about its water rights. Choosing the hard path tends to be the right decision in the long run. And it feels very daunting in the beginning. Everything in my life that matters is because I chose to do the thing, I was afraid of doing. And it has been a blessing. My advice – if you have an easy job option in front of you. If you have that choice, you will have that inertia behind you. It will carry you somewhere and it’s too easy

MSc Water Science Policy & Management, 2011

The Richard Morrison Professor of Water Law, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law

to give in. It’s too easy to jump in that river and let the current take you. The opportunity you have been given by this programme and this university is the kind of thing that it’s ok to feel a little weight on your shoulders that you need to try and do something special.

What role did the Scholarship play in your Oxford experience?

This is an edited version of the In Conversation at the Saïd Business School, March 2024 things I hope more than anything that comes across from this Q&A is friendships. I have already worked with so many friends from the Weidenfeld programme on water issues around the world - I would not have done work in Jordan and Lebanon without the friendships that I made through the Weidenfeld programme. So hopefully I can pay that back in some way by helping other people who are looking to improve water policy.

When discussing the WHT scholarship – I said that the scholarship is not about money it is about community and training. I am glad that what I had wasn’t a cheque. I’m glad what I had was a community with a purpose and a sense of responsibility. That I had to become something. I think a cheque wouldn’t have had the same impact on me as the community had on me. This programme is for the people who want more than that, who want to think bigger than that. One of the

“The small but hotly contested and legally-controversial Pinto Creek”

Since 2007, WHT has supported 412 Scholars from 95 different countries. India is our largest national group with 56 alumni.

Bengaluru

Mumbai

Pune

New Delhi/ Delhi

Gurugram

Srinagar

Dehradun

Nainital

Varanasi

Jharkhand

Mumbai

• Sampad Patnaik (2014)

MSc Contemporary, India, Journalist

• Nandita Venkatesan (2020) MPP

Special correspondent & Data Journalist at LiveMint; Global health champion; TB survivor; TIME100 Next Generation Leader 2023

Nandita petitioned against Johnson & Johnson’s patent, making way for cheaper TB medicine.

Bengaluru

• Manas Nanda (2013) MBA, Entrepreneur, founder of the Bubble Nut Wash (eco cleaners)

Bhanu Prasad Naga (2019)

MSc Evidence-based Social Intervention, Tech & Business coach at Digital Impact Square (DISQ), A Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Foundation Initiative

Karan Gupta (2020) Bachelor of Civil Law, Senior Legal Associate at Keystone Partners

• Prerna Wadikar (2020) MBA,

Adjunct Professor ESG, Indian Institute of Management Bangalore recipient of ‘India UK Achievers’ honours

First Hindu and Indian citizen to be the board member of World Jewish Relief

Prerna divides her time in Pune, Bangalore, Delhi, and Ahmedabad

Srinagar

• Ishaan Sethi (2019)

MSc Evidence-based Social Intervention, Education Consultant at UNICEF, India

Dehradun

• Abhijay Negi (2016) Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL), Activist in Law & Environment Click to his TED talk on his work as activist

Nainital

• Kavita Upadhyay (2019) MSc Water Science, Policy and Management, Journalist & researcher on Himalayan environmental challenges, especially water

Pune

• Srushti Paranjpe (2015) MSc Biodiversity, Conservation & Management, Qualitative Researcher focused on food systems & sustainable agriculture for WELL LABs (Water, Environment, Land & Livelihoods)

Gurugram

• Maya Sherman (2021) MSc Social Science of the Internet, Co-leading the Future of Work Council, curating AI literarcy programmes for factory workers at The Global Partnership on AI

New Delhi/ Delhi

• Payaswini Tailor (2015)

MPhil Politics, Program Integration Officer at Tata Trusts

• Sidhya Senani (2016) MBA, COO at BAF Consultants

Founded the VITS “Happy” school for children in India

• Pratik Datta (2017)

MSc Law and Finance, Associate Director at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co, Committed to government financial reform

• Gurmehar Kaur (2019)

MSc Modern South Asian Studies, Author, Podcast Producer, Peace Influencer

Debut Memoir, Small Acts of Freedom published by Penguin Random House; “Free Speech warrior”- Times Magazine 2017

• Rahul Nayar (2013) MPP, Head of the Government’s AGNI Mission

Driving India’s innovation goals through an emerging technologies programme

Jharkhand

• Savitri Kumari (2016)

MSc Environmental Change & Management, Deputy Collector at Government of Varanasi

• Sarthak Agrawal (2017)

MPhil Economics, Joint Magistrate at Government of Uttar Pradesh

Maya Sherman

2021 – 2022

Israel

MSc Social Science of the Internet

Keble College - Sloane Robinson

Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann-Lewis

My WHT Baggage to India

May 18th will always be a special date in my life. It was the date on which WHT results were announced for my cohort, the day I came to know that my Oxonian adventure was about to begin.

If someone had told me that three years later, in May 2024, I would find myself in the midst of a relocation to the Indian development sector, working on AI solutions for farmers and presenting my work to government ministers, I would have burst out laughing. Back in 2021, the only thing that connected me to India was the strange fact that my name has a meaning in Hindi (Maya means illusion), but not really in Hebrew. And the even stranger fact is that I used to live on Tagore Rabindranath Street in Tel Aviv, honouring the Bengali Nobel Prize winner, poet, and philosopher. Hidden childhood hints of what was yet to happen.

I had envisioned different plans for my post-Oxford chapter; I was quite certain I would apply for a DPhil in the same department (The Oxford Internet Institute) and get PhD positions in the Government Affairs Department of Google or Microsoft London. But my Oxonian adventure, heavily shaped by WHT, changed my plans dramatically. After a graduate application process of almost a year following my MSc graduation, I decided to leave everything I knew to start a new chapter in India, exploring tech development and climate AI.

My family and friends back home genuinely thought I had lost it; they tried to convince me to decline the job offer from the American India Foundation. They panicked after I

officially quit my job in London and my boss kept me asking me if I had any family in India.

I admit that it wasn’t easy. I got injured while packing, discovering that my back couldn’t endure the weight of all my suitcases. My VISA application process didn’t go very smoothly. But come October 1st, 2023, the day I walked across the immigration check at Delhi Airport, barely managing to hold my back pillows and semi-broken suitcases, I felt euphoric. It had been less than two months since I had received the offer letter, and now it was up to me to show that this risky step was worth it. A week after the relocation, I realised that injuring my back wasn’t the only problem: I would have other unexpected and harder problems to deal with on this journey.

But the universe has its own special ways of showing us the right path. On October 15th, I was appointed an AI expert by an OECD initiative to explore AI and the Future of Work. I had applied as an expert while I was still living in London, not knowing that India would be chairing this organisation in 2024 and that I will become the project co-lead of the only India-based project in the Future of Work Committee. Magically, my Oxford department is part of the same committee, and I get to work with them from India. Seeing the logo of my former department, the Oxford Internet Institute, and that of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in India at our summit was quite an adventure.

Nevertheless, I gradually saw the obstacles in this relocation, realising

that this decision was perhaps incautious for a Western AI researcher. Deciding to join the development sector without knowing any local languages and relying completely on social skills, Bollywood love, and ChatGPT’s translation (inspired by the human connections formed in Oxford) didn’t make for an easy transition. I had hoped to immerse myself in the community and meet people like my friends in the UK. The truth is that India cannot be generalised or anticipated; I met all sorts of people across its 20+ official languages and 900+ non-official ones. It turned out to be overwhelming and magical at the same time.

It has been surreal to explore some of the Indian states in the last few months, going to the childhood home states of my WHT scholars in Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Telangana, meeting them in Delhiite cafes when they come to visit, trying their childhood food places, attending a wedding together, and being requested to help with saree fitting (unsuccessful will be an understatement). Also, my project at the American India Foundation is based out of Gurugram, the home city of two WHT scholars from my cohort; I used to live a few sectors away from their homes.

But it was in July 2024 that I truly saw what India had come to mean to me. A few hours before a flight to New York from Delhi, I fell on the slippery stairs of Nizamuddin East station. I was by myself at midday — friends and colleagues living further away. I began to wonder if I’d be able to get to my apartment or the flight. It took twenty seconds before three people came to hold my hand, get me water, and help me make it to the medical clinic. After an X-ray and a few medical checkups, I came to know that I had twisted my ankle quite severely, making my 20-hour flight medically feasible but painfully memorable. Yet I felt surrounded. That’s what India is for me — a big and warm home, despite being so visibly different. I wrote part of this piece on the flight journey back from New York to Delhi

after representing the winning team of the UN’s Challenge on Climate Innovation, supported by FAO and Salesforce, accompanied by crutches and my mobility scooter, aka Scooty (WHT grandma awardee). My teammates from Mumbai and I pitched our AI-driven platform connecting communities under increased climate risks in India at the ECOSOC Chamber to 400+ industry leaders and government officials. It was a dream come true for my younger Model UN enthusiast, but also a moment to appreciate the hectic and rewarding journey to India. My new home away from home. Or the world as one home, one big family.

There is an ancient saying in Sanskrit, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ which means, our world is one big family. Currently, this family is facing major crises that are undermining cooperation and trust between the North and the South, also something I have witnessed in India. I don’t have the answers, but I believe in the power of our unity and our values that cut across cultures, religions, and countries. That’s what I have taken with me from the Moral Philosophy Seminars at WHT, and that’s my baggage from the WHT journey, all the way to Tel Aviv, London, and Delhi.

The Alumni Blogs

Maya at Holi Celebrations in Sanjay Colony, New Delhi

The Magic Is In You: Post from Malawi and Norway

Grace Mzumara

2018 – 2019

Malawi

MSc International Health and Tropical Medicine

St Edmund Hall

Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann

When I first arrived in Oxford, it felt like walking into heaven: magical and beautiful. The first time I stepped into my college, St Edmund Hall, I couldn’t believe that a little Malawian Disney girl like me had found a college with a ‘wishing well’. And no matter how demanding my MSc in International Health and Tropical Medicine got over the year, simply being in Oxford felt like walking on sunshine.

As school got more intense, I found myself rushing from one place to another. I went to as many formal dinners as I possibly could – one at Fitzwilliam College at the University of Cambridge. I went to as many talks as my legs could carry me to. What’s more, I had a rule for myself: do something different every Friday to make the most of my time at Oxford. I went to sexy sub fusc and Afrobop parties at Linacre College with my friend Nicole, stood in line for two hours to get into a reggaetón party at Freud, blacked out at Hanks after my final exams, and took way far too many pictures of the Radcliffe camera. And what a privilege it was to have witnessed the seasons change through the trees of University Parks, my daily walk to my classes. All of which is to say that wrapping up my stay in Oxford was excruciating.

I couldn’t resolve my feelings for the city and the person I had become in Oxford. When I didn’t get funding for my DPhil offer, it felt like the magic was leaving me. I wanted my Oxford experience to mean something, but what was that going to be?

Grace on Matriculation Day

Since I had become interested in health policy during my master’s degree, I considered studying in the United States. But I wanted to work on African health systems – I wanted to conduct Africa-based research. That’s how I found myself back in Malawi, working towards becoming a child health expert. For two years, I worked as a clinician at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Malawi. But although I was happy to work with children, I missed my ‘Oxford Magic.’ I missed my ‘Oxford self’. I began to shy away from public speaking and became disengaged. But I soon realised that I was not alone in my challenges. During my WHT cohort’s annual Zoom catchup, we were vulnerable with each other and shared the ‘growing pains’ of our different life experiences. I was comforted to see that we were all learning to find our place in the world.

Simultaneously, I had the incredible opportunity to work with Dr PuiYing Iroh Tam at Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust. She encouraged me to explore my interest in health policy and we published a paper analysing the health policy response to COVID-19 in Malawi. Soon after, she connected me to someone who inspired me to explore the intersection of health economics and health policy.

As life would have it, I ended up enrolling in a Health Economics PhD program at the University of Bergen in Norway. I moved to a country with more snow than I had ever imagined. More importantly, I realized that my project fits into my dream of providing expertise to inform health policies and strengthen African health systems. My work applies health economics in child health in three African countries – Malawi, Kenya and Uganda – and contributes to how their governments and the international development community can better structure health financing for children in Africa.

As I started engaging with the world again, I realized that perhaps the magic was always in me. In 2022, I was named a Women in Africa Young Leader. In 2023, Madame Isabelle Rome invited me to interact with the French Ministry for Equality, and Anne-Maria Descôtes, Secretary General of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs invited me to Quai d’Orsay. I actively engage

with policymakers from the French government on the priorities for health care in Malawi. These opportunities have helped me realise that I’m on the right track.

Last year, five years after I had first started at Oxford, I went to visit the city again. I am happy to report that Oxford is still Magical, but so am I.

The Alumni Blogs

Dinner with the WHT cohort

Grace visiting Oxford after three years

The Current Nightmare Must End:

Ilan Manor

DPhil International Development,

Cross College

On the 14th of March, the Ditchley Foundation held a special conference titled, The Middle East, Hamas and Israel: Charting a Path from War to Security and Peace. This two-day conference brought together academics from across the Middle East, representatives of UK and European think tanks, senior diplomats from the UK, US and Middle Eastern countries as well as former high ranking civil servants.

The conference included two roundtable discussions, as well as smaller discussions in working groups. Three main topics that were addressed included a) how to obtain a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas b) How can the region be stabilized and put on a path forward and c) what would relations between Israel and Gaza look like in the times after war. Notably, there were several on which there was a consensus among participants.

First, that the region has moved towards greater integration and that unlike the past all countries in the region have accepted Israel’s existence. Second, that were Israel to support the establishment of a Palestinian state, it would enjoy full diplomatic ties with all countries in the region including Saudi Arabia and even Iraq, with the exception of Lebanon. Third, that the war between

Israel and Hamas was part of a much broader geo-political conflict between countries in the region and Iran.

There were, however, several issues on which participants were divided. Chief among these was the assertion that the October 7 attacks might usher in a new era of peace between Israel and Palestine. Although the attacks brought to the fore the urgent need to end the violent conflict between Israel and Palestine, they also constituted the most violent attack in Israel’s history and has diminished support in Israel for a peace agreement with the Palestinians. Participants were also divided on the question of US military support for Israel. Many participants suggested that Israel’s use of American-made weapons to commit war crimes in Gaza meant that America too was complicit in war crimes. Others suggested that a weapons’ embargo on Israel might pressure Israel into ending its war.

However, other participants noted that a weapons embargo would signal regional actors that the US had decided to withdraw from the region thus emboldening actors like Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Finally, participants failed to agree on who could control Gaza after the War. Participants stated that the Palestinian Authority had

Reflections on the Ditchley Conference on the Middle East, Hamas, and Israel

little credibility and capacity, that Israel could not remain in Gaza without expanding its occupation of Palestinian territories and that no Arab nation would send troops into Gaza as that would be a de-facto occupation of Palestinian land.

The war between Israel and Hamas has taken a horrific toll on both Palestinians and Israelis.

The scale of the October 7 attacks, and the brutality unleashed against Israeli civilians, is rivalled only by the scale of devastation in the Gaza Strip and the unimaginable death toll amongst the citizens of Gaza. Many in the region have despaired and abandoned the vision of sustainable and prosperous peace between Israel and Palestine.

And yet, the Ditchley Conference demonstrated how much the region has changed and how much Israel stands to benefit from a peace accord, with senior officials from Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other countries all willing to embrace Israel and bolster diplomatic ties with it. The dream of regional peace, with direct flights from Israel to Bahrain and from Riyadh to Tel Aviv, is very much alive. But for that dream to

become a reality, the current nightmare must end. How and when is something that conference participants could not agree on.

Ilan received support from the Max Weidenfeld Travel Grant to attend the Ditchley Conference.

The Alumni Blogs

Iggo Kanui, MSc Water Science, Policy and Management, Kenya

Max Rath, MBA, SA

Oluwatamilore Oni, MPP, Nigeria

Hanbit Lee, MSc Energy Systems, Korea

Dmytro Lopushanskyy,, MSc Advanced Computer Science, Ukraine

All Sloane Robinson Foundation Scholarships

Keble College

“As an international student starting my Oxford journey, Keble for me became not just a home but a place which enriched my Oxford experience. I am eternally grateful to the college staff who were always there to offer support. From my matriculation to attending dinners, making lifetime friends and studying in the library - I had it all at Keble. If I was to go back, I would not change anything about it.”

Iggo Kanui

Anshuman Mruthunjaya, MPP, India, The Elman Poole Scholarship

Mykailo Kiktenko, MPP, Ukraine, The Elman Poole Scholarship

Claudia Vidal Cuéllar, MSc International Health & Tropical Medicine, Peru, Sloane Robinson Foundation Scholarship

Angel Carballo Cremades, MSc Energy Systems, Mexico, Sloane Robinson Foundation Scholarship

Sara Compaore, MSc Global Health Science and Epidemiology, Burkina Faso, Sloane Robinson Foundation Scholarship

Lincoln College

“My year at Lincoln College was a time of great personal growth. The incredible MCR community, the supportive staff, and the connections with members of the Lincoln community made my time truly memorable; and for that I am grateful.”

Sara Compaore

Mohamed Salah Ahmed, MPP, Somalia

Faizan Ahmad, BCL, India

Marianna De Lucio Perez, MPP, Mexico

Smriti Jalihal, MSc Environmental Change & Management, India

Tsimafei Malakhouski, MSc Social Science of the Internet, Belarus

Vladyslava Savytska, MBA, Ukraine

Xenia Baranchikova, MSc Environmental Change and Management, Russia

Fareed Fakhoury, MPP, Syria

Kofi Annan Scholarships with thanks to Mr Jan Fischer

Mansfield College

“Mansfield has served as a sanctuary for me over the past year. It has been a place of refuge where I find solace during challenging times and joy during moments of happiness. The college’s beautiful atmosphere offers a tranquil environment for relaxation, while its vibrant community provides numerous opportunities for meaningful interactions and engagement. This unique combination of serenity and community spirit has significantly contributed to my overall well-being and sense of belonging.”

Mohamed Salah Ahmed

Ibrahim Idris Haroon, BCL, Nigeria, Mitchell Scholarship

Rohan Chopra, MSc Modern South Asian Studies, India, Julius Baer Scholarship

Gloria Rukomeza, MSc International Health & Tropical Medicine, DRC, Julius Baer Scholarship

Shawntel Nicole Martinez Nieto, MPP, Philippines, Julius Baer Scholarship

Khalid Abdelgadir, MBA, Sudan, Shuaib Chaudhary Scholarship

St Edmund Hall

“St. Edmunds (Teddy Hall) quickly became a haven. The intimate size of the college, especially the MCR, fostered swift and meaningful connections with fellow Aularians. Among my favourite spots was the secret garden behind the library, an oasis of serene beauty. The presence of four other fellow WHT scholars made the Hall even more comforting and cherished.”

Ibrahim Haroon

Sagoon Bhetwal, MSc Comparative Social Policy, Nepal

Marina Berdikhanova, MSc Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation, Kazakhstan

Luisa Souza Costa, MSc Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation, Brazil

Trinity College

“Trinity was my home and community during my Oxford journey; the place where I felt safe and happy to express who I am and to build meaningful relationships. From kind staff members to graduates students from all over the world, I could make friendships that will last beyond my time in the UK. I am so grateful to be chosen to join this amazing community and hope to pass forward all the love and care I received during my studies.”

Luisa

Souza Costas

Jordan Simpson, MSc Economics for Development, Jamaica

Syed Taha Qadri, MSc Economics for Development, Pakistan

Amina Suveha, MSc International Health & Tropical Medicine, Syria

Lavish Dudeja, MSc Education (Higher Education), India

Worcester College

My stint at Worcester College as a student was a journey of personal discovery and growth. The lush green gardens during summer and the unwavering support from the college administration provided me with the space I needed to develop and find time for reflection.

Lavish Dudeja

Funding - Scholarships & Leadership programme

The Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann & Oxford-Hoffmann Scholarships make up the largest philanthropic scholarship programme supported by the University of Oxford. Since 2015 this partnership has supported 171 scholars mainly from low and middle-income countries to obtain postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. 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, an additional generous donation of £9 million from André Hoffmann combined with £6m from the University created an endowment of £30 million to support 30 postgraduate 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 2023-24 there were 25 OxfordWeidenfeld and Oxford-Hoffmann Scholars.

The Trust is committed to developing and strengthening partnerships with institutional and individual donors and supporters. This year 3 Scholars were supported through our partnership with Chevening UK.

This year the Max Weidenfeld Travel Grant set up by the Eranda Rothschild Foundation in the name of George Weidenfeld’s father supported 8 scholars as delegates to the Refugee Conference in Geneva, the Copenhagen Democracy Conference, the WEF in Davos and a global Healthtech conference in Amsterdam.

Tsimafei Malakhouski, Belarus, MSc Social Science of the Internet

“After Oxford, I would like to continue my work with ProDemocracy groups in Belarus. The Sigrid Rausing Trust supports Hope Scholars like me who do their best to make changes in their communities and countries. I believe that this support really makes a difference and I am very grateful to have had this opportunity.”

Max Weidenfeld Travel Grant

The WHT HOPE scholarships

Hope Scholarships

Thanks to the new Hope Scholarships Fund launched in 2022 which has raised nearly £500k to date, the Trust was able to support talented individuals displaced through conflict, violence, or human rights abuses.

In 2023-24, with the University of Oxford and donors, GRoW @ Annenberg, Blavatnik Family Foundation, the Younger Family Fund, the Sigrid Rausing Trust and Worcester and Mansfield Colleges we were able to support 8 outstanding Scholars from Syria, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kenya and Sudan.

Donate to this fund via www.whtrust.org

College Partnerships

The Leadership Programme is made possible thanks to our 6 College partners and their donors who provide a welcoming academic community of support and opportunities for scholars to contribute to and engage fully in their college life. (Keble College, Lincoln College, Mansfield College, St Edmund Hall, Trinity College, Worcester College.)

Institutional Partnerships

In addition, 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 who have contributed to the support of 25 MBA Scholars since 2016 and the Blavatnik School of Government who have worked with us to support 33 MPPs since 2017.

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, Trustee and major benefactor Mr André Hoffmann.

Arcadia Foundation

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

Mr Eric Abraham

Sigrid Rausing Trust

Stanley and Zea Lewis Family Foundation

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)

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

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 of course our partner, the University of Oxford.

Mr André Hoffmann, Co-founder and Trustee, Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust

“Beyond imparting knowledge and understanding, education for leadership means inspiring new ways of thinking that enable us to innovate and do things differently rather than repeating the mistakes of the past. At its core, the WHT democratizes educational opportunities by empowering the talented and hardworking students of today to create the world of tomorrow.”

TRUSTEES

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

ACADEMIC FELLOW

MORAL PHILOSOPHY SEMINAR MODERATORS

Mr André Hoffmann

WE ARE GRATEFUL TO THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE WORK OF THE TRUST

Mr Michael Lewis (Chairman)

Mr Eric Abraham

Mr Ben Barnett

Mrs Nina Coad

Sir Andrew Dilnot

Ms Pamela Dow

Dr Stephen Wright (Moral Philosophy)

Mr George Robinson (April 2024)

Dr Alina Barnett

Dr Precious Lunga

Sir Trevor McDonald

Lady Elizabeth Roberts

Mr Joseph Ssentongo

Mr Karl Yin

COMMUNICATION PRATICAL SKILLS

BUSINESS CHALLENGE LEAD

SPECIAL THANKS

ASSESSMENT TEAM 2023-2024

Professor Sarah von Billerbeck

Associate Professor Alexander Kaiserman

Dr Thomas Mitchell

Media First Ltd

Ms Eman Hamdan

Professor Emily Jones

Ana Diaz Azcunaga (Alum, MPhil candidate Law)

Claire Keene (Alum, DPhil candidate IHTM)

Costas Chryssou (WHT)

Eman Hamdan (WHT )

Giri Rajahram, Malaysia, International Health & Tropical Medicine, 2021-22

Grace Mzumara, Malawi, International Health & Tropical Medicine, 2018-19

Dr Matthew Parrott

Ms Jen Semler

Dr Tom SinclairAssociate

Professor Marietta van der Tol

Irina Fedorenko Alum DPhil School of Geography)

Jane Baldwin (WHT)

Maria Puchyna, Ukraine, MPhil Law

Pablo Marzocca, Argentina, MPP, 2019-20

Scherezade Tarar, Pakistan, MPP, 2017-18

Stephen Wright (WHT )

Claudia Vidal Cuéllar, Peru, MSc International Health & Tropical Medicine

“WHT itself was the highlight of my year at Oxford. I can’t think about Oxford without thinking about WHT. Thank you so much for making this year the best of my life. I’ve definitely gained not only tools for my professional development, but a wonderful family and a year full of personal growth.”

OXFORD SCHOLARSHIP

ENOWMENT SELECTION PANEL

2023 - 2024

WE ARE GRATEFUL TO THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE WORK OF THE TRUST

Mr Rafat Ali Al-Akhali, Fellow of Practice, Blavatnik School of Government & WHT alum, (nomination BSG)

Dr Rebecca Bullard, Senior Tutor/Tutor for Graduates, (nomination: Trinity College)

Ms Alexandra Henderson, * WHT Director, (WHT)

Professor Deirdre Hollingsworth(Nomination: St Edmund Hall)

Dr Lydia Matthews Senior Tutor, (nomination: Lincoln College)

Associate Professor Manisha Nair* (NPEU (National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit), Wolfson College, (WHT alum)

Dr Alisdair Rogers- Senior Tutor, Keble College, (nomination Keble College)

Dr Chris Salamone, Tutor for Graduates, Mansfield College (nomination Mansfield College)

Dr Steven Smith, Smith School

Dr Laurence Wainwright, * Departmental Lecturer & Course Director, MSc Sustainability, Enterprise, and the Environment (nomination Smith School, Worcester College)

Dr Stephen Wright, WHT Academic Fellow, Lincoln College (WHT)

Professor Walter Armbrust, Senior Tutor, St Antony’s College

Dr Costas Chryssou, WHT Chief Operating Officer

Anshuman Mruthunjaya, India, MPP

“One of the best organised scholarships at Oxford. The induction and retreat especially were so carefully thought through and planned, it truly felt that I was part of something special. There’s also this magical feeling of meeting scholars from all around yet all so similar in our passions. I’m quite amazed on how you curate the scholars and the whole experience Nothing but gratitude for all of you! Thank you so much for making this happen for us all :)”

Scholar Cohort 2023-24

HOPE SCHOLARS

Oxford-Hoffmann-HOPE/GRoW @ Annenberg

Iggo Kanui, MSc Water Science Policy & Management, Kenya

Dmytro Lopushanskyy, MSc Advanced Computer Science, Ukraine

Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann -Hope-Younger

Fareed Fakhoury, MPP, Syria

Oxford-Weidenfeld and HoffmannHope Mykhailo Kitkenko, MPP, Ukraine

Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann/ Hope-Rausing

Vladyslava Savytska, MBA, Ukraine

Tsimafei Malakhouski, MSc Social Science of the Internet, Belarus,

Oxford-Hoffmann-Chevening/ HOPE -GROW @ Annenberg

Amina Suveha, MSc International Health & Tropical Medicine, Syria

Oxford –Hoffmann/Hope

Xenia Baranchikova, MSc Environmental Change & Management, Russia

Oxford -Hoffmann

Sagoon Bhetwal, MSc Comparative Social Policy, Nepal

Hanbit Lee, MSc Energy Systems, Korea

Syed Taha Qadri, MSc Economics for Development, Pakistan

Marina Berdikhanova, MSc

Evidence-Based Social Intervention & Policy Evaluation, Kazakhstan

Angel Carballo Cremades, MSc Energy Systems, Mexico

Wendtoe Compaore, MSc Global Health Science & Epidemiology, Burkina Faso

Luisa Costa, MSc EvidenceBased Social Intervention & Policy Evaluation, Brazil

Ibrahim Haroon, BCL, Nigeria

Smriti Jalihal, MSc Environmental Change & Management, India

Claudia Vidal Cuellar, MSc

International Health & Tropical Medicine, Peru

Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann

Faizan Ahmad, B CL, India

Mohamed Salah Ahmed , MPP, Somalia

Anshuman Mruthunjaya, MPP, India

R ohan Chopra, MSc Modern South Asian Studies, India

Lavish Dudeja MSc Education (Higher Education), India

Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann

Shawntel Nicole Nieto, MPP, Philippines,

Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann

Saïd/Barnett

Khalid Abdelgadir, MBA, Sudan

Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann

Saïd/Lewis

Max Rath, MBA, South Africa

Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann/ Barnett

Oluwatamilore Oni, MPP, Nigeria

Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann/ Lewis

Jordan Simps on, MSc Economics for Development, Jamaica

Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann/ Chevening

Mariana De Lucio Perez, MPP, Mexico

Gloria Rukomeva, MSc International Health & Tropical Medicine, DRC

Angel Carballo Cremades, Mexico, MSc Energy Systems

“When I first applied, an alumni told me WHT had been as valuable as her MSc, I was a bit sceptical, but I agree this is also the case for me. Thank you for making this year even more memorable for me and be sure that I will focus my professional on having impact and meaning.”

The WHT programme has come a long way since its inception in 2007.

This would not have been possible without the small dedicated team who paddle hard below the surface! And of course we are so grateful to our supporters who have made all this possible.

If you would like to know more about us, be involved in what we do and or donate to the Trust our details are below :

click here

70 Walton Street, Oxford, 0X2 6AG info@whtrust.org