Our Global Lecture Series

We have a strong tradition of hosting eminent and inspiring speakers with global impact. In 2019, we launched our Global Lecture Series with the aim of encouraging discussion and debate on an international platform.

We offered thought-provoking lectures for our global community of academics, alumni and supporters. The first of these took place in London in October 2019, where we were honoured to welcome Baroness Hale of Richmond (former President of the UK Supreme Court) to speak on ‘The Supreme Court at 10 years old’. This was followed soon after by a complex exploration of ‘Can politics be moral?’ delivered by Dr Rowan Williams (former Archbishop of Canterbury). 

In-person events were interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic but we resumed a second season online towards the end of 2020. These included a topical lecture from then Head of Sky News and Durham alumnus, John Ryley (Arts Combined, College of St Hild & St Bede, 1981-84) - 'Covid 19: An equinox for News'.

The third series, a combination of online and in person events themed around ‘Extinction and Survival’ featured a lecture from Durham academic Reverend Professor David Wilkinson, discussing the interplay between religious belief and science in modern society.

Next in our series we’ll be in conversation with Durham University Chancellor, Fiona Hill. Dr Hill grew up in Bishop Auckland, near Durham, and went on to be National Security Adviser to three Presidents. Book your seat now for Tuesday 28 May in Washington DC.

Explore further

Find out more about Global Durham

Watch recordings of the Global Lectures

Find out more about our global alumni community