Challenging Norms and Breaking Barriers: Contributions of Women and Men of Colour

Event date: 03 October 2023, 15:00 - 17:00

High-Level Fireside Chat
Hybrid Event/Marlborough House, the Commonwealth Secretariat

Annually, the UK celebrates October as Black History Month. The main aims of Black History Month are to commemorate the achievements and contributions of Black people to British Society and the world, and to educate the public and build awareness of Black history.

The Commonwealth Secretariat is hosting a series of activities throughout the month of October under the theme “Celebrating, Saluting and Honouring our Sisters and Brothers”.

These activities will begin with a hybrid high-level fireside chat. The focus is on placing the spotlight on a diverse group of notable public figures who are breaking barriers through amazing contributions to Black history.

In this high-level event, speakers will explore how leaders of international organisations can promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organisations and beyond.

Confirmed speakers

  • The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, Secretary-General of The Commonwealth
  • Professor Samson Kambalu - Artist and Author, Associate Professor of Fine Art and a fellow at Magdalen College, Oxford
  • Dr Akyaaba Addai-Sebo - Analyst, journalist, and Pan-African activist
  • Maya Kriti Nanan - 2023 Commonwealth Youth Award winner
  • Ambassador Aubrey Webson - Ambassador to the United Nations for Antigua and Barbuda

Moderator 

  • Dr. Ruth Kattumuri - Senior Director, EYSD, Commonwealth Secretariat